Articles

Twenty years ago I took a course entitled "Oral Interpretation." At the time, I did not know what "Oral Interpretation" was but, at the urging of a friend who was going to take the class, I signed up. Much to m... Continue Reading...

For more than a year, a book with a remarkable title -- All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten, by Robert Fulghum -- has been at or near the top of national bestseller lists.What's more remarkable ... Continue Reading...

Genealogies have something to say, but readers seldom listen! Without the advantage of narrative's lively detail and arousing pathos, genealogies are often overlooked by preachers like passersby who ignore a vo... Continue Reading...

Early in my preaching apprenticeship I dreamed once of walking into the sanctuary just as a worship service was beginning. The pulpit was turned around, and empty wooden shelves were exposed to the congregation... Continue Reading...

Preaching can become arduous. There are times when, with all the varied responsibilities of weekday parish duties, Sunday arrives suddenly and it is time once again to deliver a message.One of the ways I have d... Continue Reading...

Every preacher should be required to stay home and watch Oprah occasionally.During a recent afternoon, my wife was watching Oprah's talk show on television and I couldn't resist stopping to take a look. The que... Continue Reading...

If it's good enough for Pepsi, it's good enough for old First Church.Consumer brands -- like Coke and Pepsi -- have discovered the power of celebrity endorsements. Millions of gallons of cola are sold on the ba... Continue Reading...

We get the word "narcissism" from Greek mythology. Narcissus was an extremely handsome young man. Echo fell desperately in love with him. He ignored her and broke her heart, yet she continued to love him.Their ... Continue Reading...