The First Baptist Church has been an active part of the community of Seymour for over 180 years. The church was established in 1839 with ten members. The first physical structure of the church was completed in 1840 and the church has been housed in four buildings in the subsequent years, including buildings behind the current location of Peace Lutheran Church, another on the corner of Tipton and...
Give It a Go (How in the World Did I Get Here?)
Have you ever found yourself taking part in something you felt was way above your proverbial pay-grade and thought, “HOW IN THE WORLD DID I GET HERE?” I can’t even enumerate how many amazing leaders and experts I’ve encountered who have indicated that they ask themselves this question early and often. From corporate executives, to professional musicians, to community leaders, to pastors and...
Held in Contempt (Called to Compassion)
Several years ago, I received a summons to jury duty. I know there are mixed feelings about receiving such a summons, but I was fairly ambivalent about it all. Like most people, I had other responsibilities and commitments calling for my time, but I also was extremely curious about how the whole process worked and was more than willing to fulfill my duties as a citizen of this great nation of...
Stop Poisoning the Watering Hole
“I’ve got good news and bad news. Which do you want first?” I have heard and uttered this phrase countless times over the years. In my experience, the phrase falls into one of two categories. It is either funny or foreboding… Or rather, it is an attempt to be funny in order to mitigate the foreboding. The good news, in these instances, is rarely good. It is really just a slightly less ominous...
An Answer to Prayer
Several years ago I attended a gathering of church leaders and pastors. The intent of the gathering was to create an opportunity for us to talk about what was going on in our lives and ministries, to offer up praises for the good things God was doing, and to share our concerns and pray for one another. To be completely honest, as I walked away from the meeting that night, my heart was heavier...
Heaven and Hell (Here and Now)
Music has a way of speaking to and challenging me in ways that few other mediums do. I have a deep appreciation for quality lyrics that not only worm their way into your ears, but work their way deep into your soul. I appreciate songs that compel me to pause the progression of my playlist to repeat and process the concept or ideas that are being presented. Certain songs just hit different. They...
Yet Another Monday…
Weekends are the best! Who doesn’t love a good weekend?! As the rock band Loverboy so famously sang back in 1981, “Everybody’s working for the weekend!” We persevere through the day to day grind of the workweek with a growing sense of expectation as we make our way towards days of recreation, relaxation, and restoration. Weekends, even with the insanity of Sunday, are awesome! As a pastor...
Seasonal Showers: New Life Through the Storms
Over the last several weeks, the weather in southern Indiana has been nothing short of depressing. Save a few anomalous days of warmth and sunshine, it has been cold, cloudy, and often extremely wet. I feel like Morgan Freeman’s character in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves when he looked to the sky and screamed, “IS THERE NO SUN IN THIS CURSED COUNTRY!” The dark, damp, drear of recent days has a...
Do It Again (Back to Church)
Several weeks ago, I had to visit the doctor for a biennial physical to maintain certifications on my driver’s license. Let’s be honest, even in the best of circumstances, medical physicals are not experiences that most of us enjoy. They are exercises in humility as we get up close and personal with various medical professionals. You walk into the doctor’s office embracing the awkwardness that is...
The Trouble with Easter (Something Worth Celebrating)
I have a confession to make… I DO NOT LOVE EASTER. It’s OK if you’re judging me a little upon reading this revelation. I judge myself. We can just add it to the ever-growing list of things that make me an unfit pastor. I just don’t enjoy this holiday. I hate the soft, pastel colors that dominate this season. I find the human-sized rabbits that attend our parties and that supposedly deliver candy...
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