Essays and reflections on spiritual formation, the church, music, and daily faithfulness — 648 pieces, gathered in one home.
I am so glad the Council of Bishops are speaking out against this horrible plan for a live-streamed execution. “What is happening in the United States is a local test of a global f
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Grace is Not “Fair” I grew up with three brothers. I once asked my mother, “why didn’t you keep trying until you had a girl?” She responded, “honey, after having four boys, it wasn
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
A NEW CONFIRMATION RESOURCE—and it’s FREE! Introducing “The Great Tree: A Confirmation Curriculum” After 36 years as a United Methodist pastor—and walking alongside nearly 500 youn
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Before my brother Richmond (with the childhood nickname "Richey") died, he had turned in a final manuscript of his book for editing. In his memory, my family decided to have the bo
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
John Archibald’s recent column rekindles my hope. It reminds me of an experience I wrote about for the Arab Tribune over a decade ago, after visiting the steps of the Alabama State
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Are you hungering for an engaging introduction to the life of intentional spiritual formation? Look no further. PRACTICING THE WAY COURSE
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
How relevant for us here. Now. “It is becoming increasingly clear to me that what we are going to get is a big national church that in its essence can no longer be reconciled with
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
There’s a thread you follow. It goes among things that change. But it doesn’t change. People wonder about what you are pursuing. You have to explain about the thread. But it is har
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
I’m with John. There is a racism and xenophobia undergirding some of our political rhetoric that has in recent years been normalized. I must speak against it. This is not about bei
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
I’m excited to share something I’ve been working on! Soul Studio now has a home on the web. Soul Studio is a ministry of writing, music, and spiritual formation. It’s a space where
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
I’m honored. My article about one of the most profound “holy moments” of my life will be included.
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Did you know that the famous hymn writer, Isaac Watts, said of Charles Wesley's hymn, "Come, O Thou Traveler Unknown," some amazing words? He said, “that single poem, Wrestling Jac
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
My “Living Stones” CD is now available on all major platforms! Please do me a favor, friends. You don’t have to buy it. But if you take a few minutes to have a listen to samples on
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
The truth shall set us free. Trying to rewrite history doesn't take the truth of January 6 away, and the white supremacy that was associated with it. This judge is right in warning
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Recently, a former president of Asbury seminary, Timothy Tennent, wrote a blog post disparaging the United Methodist Church after his school did not pass the accreditation process
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
“And let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest time, if we do not give up.” — Galatians 6:9 In my faith tradition, we just entered a season called “
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
I was born in Alabama 4 weeks, to the day, after the March on Montgomery arrived at our capital steps. After Obama was elected president, I went to visit those steps. They were the
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
I love being at Fair Haven, though they are way too gracious about me in this video :-).
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Hello friends! I’m thrilled to serve on the team of a 4 Day Academy at Camp Sumatanga planned for this Fall! I wanted to get the word out. I think some of you might be interested.
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
I am making public this letter I sent to Senators Britt and Tuberville and my Congressman Gary Palmer. Lives are at stake, my friends, as are international relations. The stakes ar
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
I stand up and speak once again. Lives are at stake. This is not a partisan statement. I’m not a partisan person. It’s a matter of the present administration defying all the gray a
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Once again, I find myself writing my senators and congressman. This is addressed to Katie Britt, and I will send a similar one to Tommy Tuberville and Gary Palmer. I am making this
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Six years ago today, the schismatic leadership among North Alabama Methodists released a signed, ten page rebuttal against my letter, “Why I Am Not Leaving the UMC.” My letter had
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
In the past few months, I have spoken out against the dangerous mentality of “Christian nationalism,” violence toward immigrants and the lawlessness of ICE, racism in political rhe
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
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