Anabaptist and Quaker essays, sermons, and other writings
When I was in seminary, one of my assignments was to develop a Rule of Life. A Rule of Life is a thoughtful, practical plan for how we arrange our lives, giving special attention to what spiritual practices we are going to engage in to support the work of our […]
I have long felt that the job of a pastor falls into two broad categories: facilitating a congregation becoming ever more deeply connected in relationship and true community with one another, and facilitating that community’s outward-facing and -reaching work of ministry, service, and transformative justice with and for the wider […]
I often hear our roosters crowing while I’m getting ready for work. Mind you, this is around 4 a.m. Popular culture commonly portrays roosters crowing at sunrise, however, in my experience, their boisterous morning song begins long before daylight. I’ve at times wondered if they detect some nearly unperceivable changes […]
As musical instruments develop, some go out of fashion, others rise to prominence; as singing styles change to accommodate an ever-evolving collection of musical genres; and most importantly, as less and less music is being taught in our schools, churches, and homes: Now is a critical time in the life […]
25 “There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. 26 People will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. […]
As Common Spirit Church of the Brethren celebrates 10 years of ministry in Grand Rapids, Michigan this fall, it has been interesting to compare and contrast the history of the original Grand Rapids Church of the Brethren congregation to the current one. Both churches were started by families living in […]
May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus, so that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Romans 15:5-6)1 There are numerous examples from history that we can […]
The most vibrant night sky that I have ever seen was after a day-long hike into the Burmese mountains. I had no idea that so many stars could be seen to the naked eye—the sky was full and radiant with them. I finally had an understanding of why ancient peoples […]
Is the Love Feast essential?1 The Love Feast faces a critical moment: will Christians in general, and Brethren in particular, seek to reclaim the Love Feast as an essential communion practice post-COVID? Or…will COVID put a metaphoric nail in the already waning practice of the Love Feast? These past two […]
Sometimes in the middle of the week, we would bike, walk, or drive about a kilometer down a dusty road through farm fields and past mango trees from Kulp Bible College to Church of the Brethren (Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria) Headquarters and the Women’s Fellowship (Zumuntar Matan Ekklesiyar) Restaurant. Often […]