Consider supporting me through prayer and financial gifts as I minister in Jamaica in January 2015.  Small donations are welcome, and we still need called people to join us on the trip!



Thank you for your prayers and support!

Muslim Prayer at National Cathedral?

A few days ago a special Muslim prayer event (invitation only) was held at the so-called National Cathedral in Washington D.C.  This service was condemned by Franklin Graham and a host of other leading Christian personalities.  During the service, there was even a dramatic protest by a lady who has a humble ministry to Muslims, and who is concerned deeply about the "Islamisation" of America.  Read the details of her story here:

The Woman who Spoke up at Muslim National Cathedral

Organizers of the event say the special Muslim prayer event was to promote ecumenical dialogue between Muslims and Christians.  I'm sure soon there will be a special Christian worship service at a grand mosque down the street from the so-called National Cathedral.

I'd be irresponsible if I didn't point out two things:

First, there is no National Cathedral in the sense you probably think.  I fear people are assuming that the National Cathedral is somehow the "official church representing all Christians in this officially Christian (and no other religion) nation." Wrong. The building in question is actually not a church.  It is, in fact, a hyper-eccumenical "spiritual center" that is open to all faiths, perspectives, and etc. ad infinitum.  It only LOOKS LIKE a church (of the most oppressive kind).  

Second, there is a Christian congregation that meets there called "Cathedral Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul in the City and Diocese of Washington."  They also run the place and offer Christian-like spiritual services. This congregation is of the Anglican (Church of England) kind.  For you church history buffs, the Anglicans are the ones that many of our spiritual forefathers were attempting to escape.  The church of England crowd now goes by the name of Episcopalian. It is well-known that Episcopalian tradition has long ago embraced certain theological ambiguities that could easily accept the truth claims of Islam (ignoring the lack of ambiguity therein).

From these two points I hope you see that no one should be surprised or outraged that a Muslim prayer event was held at the so-called National Cathedral.  Remember also that we do not have any national or state religion that is established by any government.  Further, I hope we all believe in equal protection under the law for all people, regardless of their religious affiliation.

Finally, outrage is no substitute for repentance.

Hillsong on CBS

So Charlie Rose says, "Are these entertainers who preach or preachers who entertain?"

Then she says, "They are bringing in thousands of people and that's all that matters."

For the report, click this link:   Hillsong on CBS News

Yes, that's Justin.

Blessed by PBA Annual Meeting

Last night's Piedmont Baptist Association meeting was a great experience.  I really enjoyed seeing several people that I hadn't seen in a while, some in ten years!  What's not to like about being among people who truly are "friends in the business" of Christian ministry and outreach?  Especially when they come up to you, remember your name from years ago, and genuinely express interest and best wishes for your work!  Not to mention the encouragement of knowing others who are not only plodding along in pastoral ministry, but also who are active and intentional in support ministries that reach our church members outside of the walls, encouraging them during the week.  The (sort of selfish) take away from all this is that I'm almost certain to reduce the feelings of isolation that have dogged me during ministry.  If I will plug in firmly to this family of Christians to which I obviously belong, God will use them to help me stay encouraged.  Unhealthy isolation is no good in any context; and it is abundantly clear to me that in pastoral ministry it leaves one wide-open to big time discouragement.  And we all know where discouragement leads.  Will you help hold me accountable to this PBA family?  Will you consider taking an active part in locally cooperative activities along with me?

Also, this meeting was historic in that it was the first time the annual meeting has been hosted in a predominantly black church. This enabled us to have a likely unique worship experience with the St. Paul's Youth Choir.  One concern that was expressed openly was that many on the 2015 leadership team are sporting bald heads (on purpose mostly). What does this mean? 2 Kings 2:23 says "Go on up, you bald-head! Go on up you bald-head!" but in this case let's hope for much different results as a truly cooperative PBA impacts the Triad in every way, in every nation, every neighborhood, and every neighbor.