Tag: church

Shepherding in a Storm: A Pandemic Parable

shepherding in a storm: a pandemic parable

The plains city of Churchopolis rested peacefully in the heart of the Midwest.
Every Sunday at 6 pm, the residents gather in the numerous local churches for evening worship. Each congregation shares a meal, then moves into their sanctuary to sing, pray, and hear a message from the Bible. Afterward, at 8 pm, each congregation dismissed. Like clockwork, congregants filled various local restaurants for pie and ice cream.

On this particular June evening, as the congregations transitioned from fellowship hall to sanctuary, they heard the city tornado sirens. At the same time, mobile phones sounded a severe weather alert. Congregants opened weather apps and turned on radios and televisions.

What they found was alarming. Continue reading “Shepherding in a Storm: A Pandemic Parable”

I’m a pastor. Reynolds’ ‘constitutional liberties’ comment concerns me.

I am a proud native Iowan. I love our state motto: “Our liberties we prize and our rights we will maintain.” Though a registered Independent, I lean conservative in most political matters. On top of that, I am a conservative Christian, a pastor, and a Baptist by conviction. Historically, Baptists have been strong supporters of religious liberties. The statement of faith of my local church and denomination (The Baptist Faith and Message) has an entire article on Religious Liberty, which states, “Church and state should be separate.”

So it surprises me as much as anyone to find myself disapproving of Gov. Kim Reynolds’ recent comments on religious liberties.

Continue reading “I’m a pastor. Reynolds’ ‘constitutional liberties’ comment concerns me.”