Advent

As we begin the Christian Year, we also celebrate the Holy Season known as Advent. It is a time when we prepare ourselves for the coming of our Messiah. As you know, Advent means "Coming." We celebrate these days of Advent in expectation and preparation...

Enough

This past week, like many of you, my soul was disturbed from the news of Charlottesville. Throughout the mix of emotions, I could sense the undertone of despair and disconnect permeating within our society. For me, a whisper from God was: “ Scott, have you not seen...

Pastors, listen to these haunting words

Pastors, listen to these haunting words from Dietrich Bonhoeffer: Pastors should not complain about their congregation, certainly never to other people, but also not to God. Congregations have not been entrusted to them in order that they should become accusers of...

Easter People

“Easter people raise your voices, sounds of heaven in earth should ring. Christ has brought us heaven’s choices; heavenly music let it ring. Alleluia! Alleluia! Easter people, let us sing.” Last week, I had the privilege to teach the Hendersonville First United...

Alignment

When I think about writing to pastors and leaders within the Cumberland District, I often try to consider what I should say or how should I say it so that people are encouraged, maybe inspired, but most especially called to understanding their God purpose. To be...

Goodwill

James Autrey, in his book For Love and Profit, credits one of his staff members with teaching him a key leadership principle; the presumption of goodwill. He states that he watched her bring calm to warring parties and develop creative solutions to problems between...

RE: Time for Change

From the Census "Marriages and families within faith communities are no healthier than in the rest of society. Faith communities must provide support systems to salvage damaged marriages and resurrect dead marriages."   We can do better!!! Let the CHURCH...

Broken

What does it mean to be broken…especially in the context as a Christian? There are many ways we are broken as people. Sometimes it occurs when our lives are overwhelmed with responsibilities. Other times it takes place during a significant loss in our lives such as a...