Featured
Dec, 01, 2009 0
The Church of the Nazarene's approaching centennial is a good time to consider the role of congregational archives. A congregational archive has a distinct purpose: to preserve essential records and additional documents necessary for telling the congregation's story.
The first thing needed to…
Dec, 01, 2009 0
In the contemporary world, the phrase “you are not your own” sounds almost offensive to many people from the post-modern culture. Advertisements keep telling us that we are the owners of our lives, we have to choose the best for ourselves first, and that nobody is allowed to tell us what to do with…
Dec, 01, 2009 0
Every four years, Nazarenes in Canada and the U.S. have the opportunity to gather for a mid-quadrennial conference on mission and evangelism. This February, thousands will journey to Kansas City for Mission 2007 or M7. The theme is, "Into faith…out to the world."
As we think about this theme, it…
Dec, 01, 2009 0
A few months ago I awoke to a typically rainy and gray Pacific Northwest November morning. The flapping butterflies in my stomach took up so much room that I could not fit in any breakfast. I had not felt so nervous about standing in front of a congregation since 2001 when I preached my first…
Dec, 01, 2009 0
A few months ago I awoke to a typically rainy and gray Pacific Northwest November morning. The flapping butterflies in my stomach took up so much room that I could not fit in any breakfast. I had not felt so nervous about standing in front of a congregation since 2001 when I preached my first…
Dec, 01, 2009 0
Shortly after I completed my bachelor's degree and got married, I began work toward a master's degree. Several promotions, two children, and more than a decade later, I finally reached that long-awaited target. Then I realized I needed a doctorate to accomplish my goal of teaching in a university…
Dec, 01, 2009 0
Do you remember your first job? Whether it was helping in the yard at home or assisting a neighbor with a project, I have always held some kind of job.
My first job with a consistent paycheck was in high school. Working in a more structured setting with a variety of people meant that I had to…
Dec, 01, 2009 0
Some experiences, feelings, longings, and heartaches seem beyond words. Common phrases hurt more than help. Spouses whose partners die are widows or widowers. Children whose parents die are orphans. But how do we name those whose children, siblings, or closest friends have died? This is a "grief…
Dec, 01, 2009 0
On my journey of 44 years as a pastor and district superintendent, I have observed many amazing stories of God's grace. I estimate that I have had in my care more than 20,000 of God's people from Washington to Illinois to Oklahoma.
In my mind I have been making a 'top 10 list of lay people,' and…
Dec, 01, 2009 0
I once visited a church that had advertised a special event on a Sunday afternoon. I knew that church well, yet I really went as a guest for the special event. This event was supposed to wrap up all the church had done and learned during a six-week emphasis on winning new people to the Lord and for…