It’s a radical idea, I know. Every time I pose the question to a harried, sleep-deprived pastor, the answer is the same: “Cancel church!?” The requite gasps of alarm end the discussion as quickly as they start. But I think the question is worth asking. Especially during a worldwide pandemic. Church leaders are saddled with … Continue reading Pastors are Exhausted…Give them a Sabbath
Leviticus, Social Distancing, & The Plague: A Short Story
This story is a fictional re-imagining of a heroic doctor who wrote the rules in the Biblical book of Leviticus. Public health, disease transmission, social distancing, and community health were questions they really did wrestled with in the Hebrew Bible. Leviticus 14:8–9 “The person to be cleansed must wash their clothes, shave off all their … Continue reading Leviticus, Social Distancing, & The Plague: A Short Story
Black Women, We Must Prioritize Our Own Health
Confession: I have overextended myself for people in my life who were unable to reciprocate with love and kindness. Because of my own history of neglect and trauma, at times I have allowed people to walk all over me instead of setting firm boundaries of what I will and will not tolerate. In many instances … Continue reading Black Women, We Must Prioritize Our Own Health
God is In Control is Not an Excuse for Inaction
Throughout the hellish week that was Election Week, some Christians relied on numerous platitudes to help navigate the various emotions and tensions they struggled with. One common platitude, mentioned by Christians across the political and theological spectrum, focused on God’s sovereignty. I saw numerous Facebook posts, Instagram memes, and tweets expressing a variation of “No … Continue reading God is In Control is Not an Excuse for Inaction
Why White Evangelicals Are Uniquely Susceptible to Personality Cults
For many progressives, it is tempting to dismiss white Evangelicals as racist, homophobic, and selfish hypocrites. And some of them are. But I must always remind myself that they were trained to be that way. They were trained by their white Evangelical religious leaders who have three major goals. Protect their church from outside threats … Continue reading Why White Evangelicals Are Uniquely Susceptible to Personality Cults
Dear Pastors, Unity Will Not Erase Your Complicity
Dear Pastors and Preachers, Many of you (us) have been taught a falsity about unity. We have been taught that to lead is to make equal space for all people, regardless of political difference and to find our unity in Jesus. This has been framed as a noble thing. But before we address our churches, … Continue reading Dear Pastors, Unity Will Not Erase Your Complicity