Category Archives: church planting

How should I shepherd this flock? Where do I begin?

Posted on March 18, 2014 by

“I have something for you,” Jen said. Her face wore her father’s half-smirk-half-smile that always made me wonder what he was up to. She stood facing me close enough that I could see the same spark that I used to … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, church planting, direction, Liver disease, ministry | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

It’s official. As of 11:45 AM today, I’m a fulltime pastor again.

Posted on January 19, 2014 by

Today, the membership of a church right here in the middle of little Westbrook, Maine voted to call me as its new shepherd. The vote came directly after I delivered my 20th message there. That’s odd. The usual process for … Continue reading →

Posted in change, Christianity, church planting, coaching, Liver disease | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Rust, bust, turn to dust and break up in the end?

Posted on February 23, 2013 by

Just over a year ago we moved into our new little Westbrook house. It was a bittersweet time. It was bitter because we could no longer afford the house we built in 2000, but sweet in that our new home … Continue reading →

Posted in change, chronic illness, church planting, community, Country music, depression, discouragement, End Stage Liver Disease, facing death, handicapped, Liver disease, organ donation, Organ transplant, Tim McGraw, transplant | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

My kids are adults and it’s pretty cool

Posted on July 14, 2012 by

I miss the days of Little League and rat pack soccer. I miss the whistle blowing every four seconds while I watch 9 to 12-year-olds run around and play field hockey. I miss Discovery Zone and, as Bill Cosby calls … Continue reading →

Posted in change, Christianity, chronic illness, church planting, direction | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Some days you’re the windshield, some days you’re the bug

Posted on May 16, 2011 by

It’s 10 am. I’m still in bed. I hear the rain outside. Gray skies forecast for another week. Yesterday was awesome. Today? Not so much. Nausea, cramping muscles and wrapped up in an electric blanket. I didn’t sleep well so … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, church planting, discouragement, Fatty Liver Disease, Find God, Jesus, ministry, NASH, organ donation, religion | 7 Comments

Today was my best day in a week. Woohoo!

Posted on May 12, 2011 by

After a pretty good night’s sleep with only 2 leg-cramping episodes, I awoke with a strange sensation in my belly … I WAS HUNGRY!!! Now that might not sound like a big deal to you but it was for me. … Continue reading →

Posted in change, Christianity, church planting, discipleship, discouragement, Fatty Liver Disease, Find God, gospel, Jesus, love, ministry, organ donation | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Broken. Humbled. Loved.

Posted on May 9, 2011 by

What a day. I have been getting loved on by people all over the planet. Emails, Facebook, blog comments. I have barely been able to keep up. People have asked how to pray, how to contribute and texted words of … Continue reading →

Posted in change, Christianity, church planting, direction, discouragement, Fatty Liver Disease, love, ministry, NASH, organ donation, peace | 15 Comments

Hey, Bob, those sure are some swell leaves …

Posted on April 18, 2011 by

Picture this. You pull up to an apple orchard, get out of your car and pull on a coat to block the crisp, fall air. Just up the hill you spot rows and rows of apple trees. Their thick green … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, church planting, gospel, Jesus, leadership, ministry, pastor, vision | 1 Comment

Blinker pastors …

Posted on April 15, 2011 by

I met yet another pastor who proudly introduced himself as a “Blink Guy” this week. I think that makes four now. What’s a Blink guy? It’s a person who has read “Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking” by Malcolm … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, church planting, direction, pastor, youth pastor | 2 Comments

A bloodied pile of bodies in your wake?

Posted on April 4, 2011 by

Something doesn’t add up. Have you met the “pastor” who says he is all about spreading the gospel but treats people like crap? I have. Heck, I’ve even been guilty of doing the same thing. When we’re more about advancing … Continue reading →

Posted in church planting, discipleship, gospel, leadership, ministry, pastor, youth pastor | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Wisdom in an 86 year old package

Posted on March 29, 2011 by

My friend is 86. We’re somewhat of an odd pair. I’m not even sure when our friendship began. I know it was several years ago and I think I was listening to him in the hallway of a big building … Continue reading →

Posted in church planting, discipleship, Find God, gospel, Jesus, love, ministry, religion | 1 Comment

This hit me. You?

Posted on March 23, 2011 by

Reposted from lazaroo blog “Solomon gave orders to build a temple for the Name of the LORD and a royal palace for himself.” (2 Chronicles 2:1) That’s pretty much the way it goes, isn’t it, Jesus? Even while we’re building … Continue reading →

Posted in change, Christianity, church planting, direction, gospel, Jesus, leadership, love, ministry, pastor, Poverty, religion, vision, youth pastor | Leave a comment

I’m disturbed. I’m praying you are too

Posted on January 3, 2011 by

Wow … Prayed in 1577 and so true today. We Christians need a good shaking. Disturb us, Lord! Prayer of Francis Drake, 1577 Disturb us, Lord, when We are too pleased with ourselves, When our dreams have come true Because … Continue reading →

Posted in change, Christianity, church planting, direction, Find God, gospel, Jesus, leadership, pastor, religion | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Churches need to stop thinking with their “buts.”

Posted on October 18, 2010 by

The story goes like this. Moses sends a delegation of spies into the land that God promised. They go and spend 40 days scouting things out. They study the people. They take soil samples. They carry back some crops. Their … Continue reading →

Posted in change, Christianity, church planting, direction, gospel, Jesus, leadership, ministry, pastor, vision | 2 Comments

17,000 People read my blog? Um, so what?

Posted on October 1, 2010 by

In September about 17,000 people read my blog. Maybe there is something to this blogging thing after all? Mostly I just write it as a way to get stuff outta my mind or off my chest like a journal. It … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, church planting, critics, direction, Find God, gospel, Jesus, leadership, love, ministry, pastor | 2 Comments