I was recently invited to participate in a dialogue on the authority of Scripture at United Theological Seminary with friend, Rev. Dr. Mike Slaughter. We were each given fifteen minutes to talk about how we conceive of Scripture’s authority. The following is the basic text of my presentation. I’ve edited it a bit to make…
A few years ago I wrote a piece called “The Return of the Local Option.” I wrote this in response to a plan proposing that we decide ethical matters of human sexuality at the level of the local church and the annual conference. Since that time, the local option has not gained much traction at…
Rudy Rasmus is an extraordinary pastor who serves St. John’s United Methodist Church in Houston, Texas. He was kind enough to sit down with us for an interview on the podcast, and he told an amazing and emotional story of God’s love and redemption in his life. Plus, you get to hear Scott Kisker say something…
On Friday, December 2, 2016 during a Holy Spirit Seminar held at United Theological Seminary, I was “slain in the Spirit.” This phrase, at home with Pentecostals and other charismatic Christians, refers to people who fall to the floor during intense worship services because they are influenced or overcome by the power of the Holy…
United Theological Seminary recently hosted an event with Ginghamsburg Church on ministry with people with disabilities. It was a great success. During the event many of the speakers talked with great insight and sensitivity about their own journey with disabilities or with loved ones who live with disabilities. Harriet and I spoke about our own…
Cambridge has just published a fine new volume edited by my friend and colleague, Jason Vickers. The Cambridge Companion to American Methodism features articles by an array of excellent scholars, including Ted Campbell, Dennis Dickerson, and United Theological Seminary President Wendy Deichmann. This is one that needs to be in the library of any Methodist/Wesleyan pastor,…
At the 2012 General Conference, the following legislation passed with 870 votes for an 33 votes against: Disability Awareness as AC Theme (20472-CO-Non-Dis)Each Conference shall designate that at least one Annual Conference session during the 2013-2016 quadrennium will have a theme centered on Disability Awareness to set an example for each District and Local Church. Resources and…
Wendy Deichmann, President of United Theological Seminary, has written a very fine article in Catalyst on the role of doctrine in United Methodist theological education. I commend it to you for perusal and consideration.
United Theological Seminary student Joseph Graves has written some really insightful posts on miracles and Christian belief. I strongly recommend checking them out and getting into the conversation. You can get to his blog by clicking here.
People with disabilities come from all walks of life, though they are often excluded from the life of the church. Most churches lack the theological, practical, and material resources to welcome a broad array of people with disabilities. Conditions such as autism, Down Syndrome, various physical disabilities, and Alzheimer’s can prevent people from full participation…