Browsed by
Category: Ministry

A Week with Charlie

A Week with Charlie

Comments 0 Comment

In June of 1985, I took my first graduate level course in theology at Abilene Christian University.  Dr. Royce Money, who was later named president for ACU, taught that course on pastoral skills for ministry leaders. I learned principles in that class that I still use today. In 1988, Dr. Charles Siburt joined The Graduate School of Theology faculty at ACU. He soon assumed responsibility for teaching ministry courses in the curriculum for graduate level students.  Dr. Siburt endured me…

Read More Read More

Do Doctors Really Care about their Patients?

Do Doctors Really Care about their Patients?

Comments 0 Comment

In various modalities of training over the years, I have been instructed not to get too involved with people and their problems.  The admonition is: don’t become enmeshed with the issues of others. There are a host of reasons for such words of caution.   I am fully aware that individuals in people helping professionals will suffer from burn out if they fail to erect meaningful boundaries.  But there is a flipside to this issue that is not referenced as often…

Read More Read More

Celebrating 25 Years of Ministry

Celebrating 25 Years of Ministry

Comments 0 Comment

It is Memorial Day Weekend.  It is a time to barbeque outside and make homemade ice cream. Most importantly it is a time to show respect for those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in military service. I hope we have not lost sight of that purpose.  This particular Memorial Day is unique for me. I interviewed for my first ministry role with a church 25 years ago this weekend.  The Tenth and Broad Church of Christ in Wichita Falls, Texas…

Read More Read More

A Mother’s Day Tribute

A Mother’s Day Tribute

Comments 2 comments

I’d like to pose a question. Do you know anyone in this world who has ever disliked or said anything bad about Jan Knox? Go ahead, mull it over. Take as much time as you like. I am 100% sure that you can’t think of a single name. I’m just as confident that will remain true forever. In fact I’d like for this blog post to be the official start of my campaign to have my mother considered for sainthood….

Read More Read More

Saying Bad Words at Church….You Must Be Kidding?

Saying Bad Words at Church….You Must Be Kidding?

Comments 0 Comment

We look at people’s appearance or demeanor, and immediately start forming conclusions. But don’t let a rough exterior fool you for a second. There could be a heart of gold lurking underneath that crusty surface. Refuse to evaluate a person’s character based on one experience with their behavior.  Nobody’s conduct is up to par every single day. You will end up making a judgment call about someone that you will live to regret when you reach hasty conclusions about the…

Read More Read More

Passing Notes in Church: A Long Held Tradition Continues…

Passing Notes in Church: A Long Held Tradition Continues…

Comments 0 Comment

Once upon a time teenagers passed notes to each other in church.  There is no doubt in my mind that there are 60 year olds out there today who were chastised by their preacher from the pulpit for their use of this mode of written communication in a worship service.  But that day is long past.  Teens text message each other during church now.  In fact, I suspect there could be a few adults using their smart phones for something…

Read More Read More

September 11th, 2001: A Day of Contrasts

September 11th, 2001: A Day of Contrasts

Comments 0 Comment

I wrote this blog about a year ago.  It still seems relevant today for the 10 year anniversary of the events described.   When I was growing up, I recall my mother reflecting on where she was and what she was doing when she heard the news that President Kennedy had been shot in Dallas on November 22nd, 1963. My older sisters were in school. I was told that I was in my playpen in the living room at home. I…

Read More Read More

Lessons Learned From Intensive Care: September 11th, 2001 Commemoration Part II

Lessons Learned From Intensive Care: September 11th, 2001 Commemoration Part II

Comments 0 Comment

This is the second of three blogs I am re-posting in commemoration of September 11th, 2001.  I remember it like yesterday… I just thought I had problems. When I woke up early on September 11th, 2001, I could not bend over to tie my shoes. A ruptured disc on my back stemming from an injury in 1988 was destroying any hint of flexibility. I thought I was going to have to ask one of the hotel maids to assist me. I had…

Read More Read More

When the Worst Happens…

When the Worst Happens…

Comments 0 Comment

As I get older, I am becoming increasingly aware of my limitations as I strive to serve others in need. You would think that age and experience would bring a greater degree of confidence and ability to get the job done. At one level, that is true. But I also believe that substantial field experience causes you to realize how much you depend on competent team workers. I have been involved in doing critical incident debriefings with police officers, firefighters,…

Read More Read More

Grieving Classmates

Grieving Classmates

Comments 0 Comment

I am in an interesting place today. I have friends 1,000 miles away that are serving a classmate that is facing the most difficult kind of grief journey imaginable. All that I can do on their behalf is to cry out to God. My heart is in deep pain. I feel a natural affinity for a classmate. And then I found out that my son’s close friend lost his mother. She had been fighting cancer for some time. She was…

Read More Read More