We know David to be hero of the Old Testament. He is the man noted to be “after God’s own heart” (1st Samuel 13:14); he slew Goliath when everyone else was too scared to enter the battle field (1st Samuel 17); he grew to be a mighty warrior, a successful king, a consummate leader. To … Continue reading Hubris and Humility, When I get too big for my britches.
Spirituality
When Words Speak: 5 books that formed my faith and brought me closer to Jesus (besides the Bible).
Recently, our bishop asked us clergy to provide a list of three books that we have found influential to our lives or our ministry. These books didn’t have to be necessarily theological in nature, just books that we would recommend to others. For me, this proved to be a difficult task. I love my books … Continue reading When Words Speak: 5 books that formed my faith and brought me closer to Jesus (besides the Bible).
Individualism: The scourge of the Church.
We all know that the church today is getting smaller. Denominations are dwindling; churches around the country are closing their doors; more and more people live without any discernible church connection. Sure, there is a rise of spirituality, but that rarely translates into involvement in a faith community. When someone describes themselves as ‘spiritual not … Continue reading Individualism: The scourge of the Church.
Thy Word: A light through the darkness
In my late teenage years, I spent many of my summers at our local Christian summer camp. Camp Columbia was nestled in the forests of Thetis Island. It was more run-down that rustic, but I enjoyed much of the time I spent there. One summer, my role was to help with the Leadership Training program. … Continue reading Thy Word: A light through the darkness
Bad Fruit and Bobble-Heads
One of the most engaging books I read recently was J.K Smith’s You Are What You Love. It was in reading Smith that I first came across the term “Bobble-Head Christians.” A Bobble-Head Christian is someone who has a head full of information about God but an underdeveloped body. That is, while the individual may … Continue reading Bad Fruit and Bobble-Heads
Toward a Common Spiritual Life: Morning Prayer
The English poet and Anglican priest, John Donne, once penned that ‘No man [sic] is an island, entire unto itself; every man [sic] is piece of the continent.’ In this phrase, Donne is highlight an important reality for our lives; we exist amid a myriad of relationships. In fact, if we look at scripture, we … Continue reading Toward a Common Spiritual Life: Morning Prayer
Is Lent really just about treats?
Yesterday was Ash Wednesday, heralding the beginning of Lent. Typically, this liturgical season involves adopting a devotional activity to mark one’s observance. Often, this involves some type of fasting. We ‘give-up’ something for the 40 days of Lent. What are we to give up? Well, that’s the question. Too easily does Lent become a time … Continue reading Is Lent really just about treats?
In Praise of the Church
When was the last time that we praised our congregations? When have we communicated that participation in our local church has been a blessing to us? How often do we thank God for the community in which we are surrounded? When was the last time that we rejoiced because we belong to this church? As … Continue reading In Praise of the Church
Have we misunderstood the Church?
Let me begin with a question: What is the goal of the Christian life? What does committing one’s self to Jesus point us toward? The possible answers are numerous. Some could say ‘Worship’; the Christian life is to be a life of perpetual praise to God. Others might say ‘Heaven’; the Christian life here on … Continue reading Have we misunderstood the Church?
Lectio and Liturgy
I just finished my last essay for my doctoral course called ‘Engaging Scriptures.’ This course was a look at the practice of Scripture contemplation as a means of Spiritual transformation. Being someone that highly values the practice of lectio divina, this was a course I very much enjoyed. Did you know that you can understand … Continue reading Lectio and Liturgy
Reverend Kyle Norman 