I’ll never forget the man who poured water all over my carefully orchestrated homeless ministry in Little Five Points. We had collected bibles and made sack lunches and were distributing them in Findley Plaza. Not that we were evangelizing — we just knew that there are people on the streets who take comfort in the
Meeting a Need: The Homeless Don’t Need Bibles Read More »
Fair warning to you who are about to read this: It’s written with an “R” rating. It’s not sugar-coated, mealy-mouthed or any of the other indirect, passive-aggressive things you might expect from a pastor. In fact, I’m feeling quite aggressive. Maybe I’m about to exercise my “aggressive liberty”. Now, if that term doesn’t make sense
“Erotic Liberty” Pastor Proves He’s Stuck on Stupid Read More »
It’s the first day of 2015, and if anything is clear at this point, it’s that we absolutely must change the way we conduct ourselves. In other words, we need some powerful collective resolutions – yes, resolutions – to help us change the way things are and the way they might be. But groups of
Let There Be Peace on Earth, and Let it Begin with Me Read More »
Rev. Candace Chellew has published a new e-book, Be Bulletproof: How to Defend Your Faith, Love Your Enemies, and Finally Make Peace with the Bible. Featuring the first article written on the idea of spiritual self-defense that later became her 2008 book Bulletproof Faith: A Spiritual Survival Guide for Gay and Lesbian Christians, this 30-page
Be Bulletproof: New E-Book By Rev. Candace Chellew Read More »
Progressive Church: Definitions of progressive Christianity include characteristics such as spiritual vitality and expressiveness, a willingness to ask questions, an affirmation of human diversity, a sincere respect for other faiths, and a concern for the environment. At Gentle Spirit Christian Church, our culture and values intersect with each of those characteristics in both subtle and
Progressive Church: What it Means for Us Read More »
We all know that feeling of talking to someone who’s not really listening to what we’re saying. They can hear us just fine, but they’re not listening: They’re distracted, they’re not taking it all in. They’re too wrapped up in their own thoughts to listen to ours. They’re nodding their head, but in that vaguely
Are You Listening — Or Just Nodding Your Head? Read More »
Christmas 2014: Here’s everything you need to know about celebrating the season with Gentle Spirit Christian Church. (Click here for this year’s Advent bible study and devotionals.) Worship Services Tree & Wreath SaleSOLD OUT! Every year starting the day after Thanksgiving, there are quality trees and homemade wreaths for sale on the First Christian Church
Christmas 2014: Worship Services, Ministries & Lectionary Read More »
This season I’m providing a series of daily Bible readings (at the bottom of this post) to help you relate to the Advent themes of waiting, preparation, light in the darkness, and the coming of the promised Messiah. But first I’d like to share the following story. By Dr. James Allan Francis, written as a
Advent 2014: One Solitary Life Can Change the World Read More »
If there was ever a time for the Christian Church to step up and step out, now is the time. The Church has historically been not only slow but hesitant to stand up for justice and mercy. It was too slow in responding to the Civil Rights Movement, the Women’s Liberation Movement, the genocides in
Ebola: Pastoral Statement on the Virus and Our Response Read More »
Since the end of March I have been trying to write my next blog. I know the subject I want to cover, but I have hit that “writers block” which is made of solid brick. Part of the reason for the block is there is just so much un-Christian like behavior and events going on
Clearing Out the Temple Read More »