Essays and reflections on spiritual formation, the church, music, and daily faithfulness — 648 pieces, gathered in one home.
“The only thing that is more powerful than hate is love." I watched the Bad Bunny halftime show and afterward read what the Spanish translated into. I sincerely think it was beauti
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
I was looking back over some of my writings from over the years. I found this column I wrote for the United Methodist Reporter in 2012. You can find my column HERE. The last dozen
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
I am making this a public letter. It’s too important not to speak out. Dear Senator/Representative, I write to you today as a constituent and a person of faith deeply concerned abo
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
I sent this letter to my senators and congressman. I am making it a public letter because this is too important not to. If you are against invading and taking over Greenland, and i
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
I don’t think of myself as partisan but as a Christian ethicist. I don’t think one party is wrong or that the other party is right about everything. Some issues are too complex fo
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
"Only love is trustworthy; only love is credible," said the pope. "While unity attracts, division scatters." Amen. This is why I chose to remain in the United Methodist Church. htt
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
In case you missed it, here’s a link to the Carol Service this year, featuring the Birmingham-Southern College Alumni Choir. It was televised on APT. It is my joy to sing with this
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
I’m sending this to those who represent me as well as sharing this with you as an open letter. - Dear Senator/Congressman, I am writing to express my dismay regarding the military
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
(Reflecting on a post by John Pavlovitz reposted below) It’s amazing how people can be so obsessed over culture war issues that the gospels never even mention … except of course Je
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
13 What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. 14 Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
I’ve just confirmed with my own eyes that the “Secretary of War” of our nation released a video on social media of himself praying the Lord’s Prayer, with dramatic music and U.S. m
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Did you know God changes his mind? Exodus 32:12, 14 “Why should the Egyptians say, ‘It was with evil intent that he brought them out to kill them in the mountains, and to consume t
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
I’m aware today’s 9/11, and we will see all sorts of reminders to REMEMBER. Here’s a text and thought for you today. Genesis 8:1-4 reads: “But God remembered Noah and all the wild
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
John Pierce “Pete” West, Jr., age 93, of Childersburg, Alabama, went to be with Christ in glory on September 4, 2025. A devoted United Methodist minister, he was also a committed h
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
I worked out the weekly worship schedule for Fair Haven. Each Sunday I’ll lead the main service in the chapel, and each Wednesday host a guest speaker for midweek service. I will a
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
This year as we approach July 4, I think of the Ken Medema song “I See America.” Bring patriotic is not blindly following leadership, white nationalism, or “America First” mentalit
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Deeply rooted in Christian ethics, I stand against war and violence except in cases of just cause (such as self-defense) and last resort. Therefore, I can not support the preemptiv
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
I enjoy leading singing at Annual Conference and using my creative juices in the planning and selection of songs. The theme of opening worship moments was “Silence” on the Saturday
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for the wonderful retirement luncheon at Jax First UMC today (most of you know that though I’m not retiring from the Annual Conference yet, I
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
This is the speech I made today at Annual Conference in favor of the regionalization amendments. I am Steve West, pastor of Jacksonville First UMC. I am passionately in favor of th
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
This quote from the new pope has been circulating with the preface “I like him already.” I do too. — " Brothers, sisters … I speak to you, especially to those who no longer believe
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
With a little help from Chat GPT, I created this "walking prayer" liturgy for gathering leadership the day before Annual Conference. We will pray on Wednesday, May 28, at 3:00 pm.
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
For years, I have kept a John Wesley quote at the very top of my personal rule of life. He said, “Do justice to your own soul; give it time and means to grow. Do not starve yoursel
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
The local church I’m departing from next month will be revamping its website soon after I start my new adventure as a chaplain in Birmingham. I thought I’d capture the article I wr
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
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