Whether we live in urban environments like Philadelphia or Pittsburgh, small towns like Latrobe, Pa., or in rural villages, most people’s natural tendency is to use whatever power and influence we have for self-serving purposes. We often abuse our God-given privileges by prominently doing good to those who can reciprocate our generosity. Privilege comes wearing many…
Category: Ministry
Coping with Grief During the Holidays
“It’s the most wonderful time of the year!” That’s what the peppy Christmas songs tell us, but if you’ve recently suffered a loss – such as the death of a loved one, a broken relationship, or sudden unemployment – these words may ring very hollow. In fact, almost everything about the holiday season tends to…
Creating a Cross-Cultural Church
For weeks now, social media has been filled with reactions to the grand jury decisions about the killings of Michael Brown and Eric Garner. The whole nation has been talking again about race and police brutality. I’ve been hesitant to chime in. As a privileged person, I’ve thought this is a season when I’m called…