I grew up in rural Missouri and found Jesus when I was 15. That set a trajectory that led through a theological education (Masters of Divinity from Emory University) and on to ministry as an ordained Elder in the United Methodist Church. I recently retired as Senior Pastor of the 3200 member Manchester UMC in St. Louis.
My understanding of faith has changed dramatically over the decades. The flow of life made it happen. Getting married. Raising a family. Becoming involved in the lives of countless parishioners, in both their lows and highs.
I have also worked to deepen and expand faith through writing. My credits include: “Job” in the Abingdon Basic Bible Commentary series; Pitfalls and Promises of Pastoring, published by Exodus Press; youth and adult study curriculum for the United Methodist Publishing House; and contributions to The Upper Room, a United Methodist devotional. Additionally, I write a regular Faith Perspectives column for the St.Louis Post-Dispatch newspaper.
On my website you’ll find a variety of materials I hope you’ll enjoy. A weekly meditation. A bi-monthly blog. A free 28 day devotional. Feel free to subscribe!
I recently finished a short book, Addressing Atheism: Is Authentic Faith Possible? It presents a path for claiming a faith that both makes sense and feels right. It was the basis for an interesting and honest conversation with a young atheist blogger, Hemant Mehta; here’s a video of that dialogue.
One thing I firmly believe: When you have the faith to question, you may find that it opens yourself to seeing old things in new ways.
Such as Jesus.
Funny how he’s changed over the years.
Or was it me?