WOMEN IN MINISTRY, VOLUME ELEVEN

Landing the Plane on the Pre-Fall Male-Female Relationship

One of my preaching profs would remind us regularly that “landing the plane” was one of the most important aspects of preaching. In other words, know when and how to end it. I’ve now spent over 15,000 words, a third of my overall thesis, making a case against the hierarchist’s claims about creation. It’s time […]

Landing the Plane

WOMEN IN MINISTRY, VOLUME TEN

Billie Jean King, Bobby Riggs and the Battle of the Sexes

My first memory of the concept of “the battle of the sexes” was the tennis match between Women’s Tennis champion, Billie Jean King, and retired tennis star, Bobby Riggs. It was 1973 at the Houston Astrodome and ninety million watched it worldwide. Billie Jean won in three sets. The pre-match buildup was far more entertaining […]

Battle of the Sexes

WOMEN IN MINISTRY, VOLUME NINE

Occam's Razor and Overthinking the Creation Narratives

I tend to overthink things. It’s the engineer in me, I guess. My Mom tells me that it’s my Dad in me. My Dad was a classic overthinker. Sometimes that can help you. Sometimes it gets you into trouble. Is it possible that we are overthinking the creation narratives? Occam’s Razor Occam’s razor is a […]

husband and wife

WOMEN IN MINISTRY, VOLUME EIGHT

Who's the Boss?: The Serpent, the Woman, and the Man

My Dad always tried to teach me to take responsibility for my actions. He never enabled me by making excuses for my bad behavior. I have, at times, struggled to be as good as my Dad in this area. I draw some consolation in the fact that I am not alone. None other than Adam, […]

Women in Ministry

WOMEN IN MINISTRY, VOLUME SEVEN

What's In a Name? Maybe Everything.

My parents named me after my Dad’s younger brother. I didn’t have a vote in the matter. Don’t get me wrong, I love my Uncle very much. He has been a second father to me. It’s just that the name has always been difficult to navigate. It’s a Biblical name, but it’s one that you […]

Adam and Eve

WOMEN IN MINISTRY, VOLUME SIX

The Biblical Meaning of Being a Suitable Helper

My wife, Priscilla, helps me in immeasurable ways. I like to think that we help each other, but truth be told, I wouldn’t be where I am without her. She has always preferred “behind the scenes” work, but in no way does that make her subordinate to me. In fact, the “help” she has been […]

husband and wife

EASTER SUNDAY

The Path to Resurrection Life

On Sunday morning, the women came to the tomb expecting Jesus to be dead. He was dead on Friday. They didn’t come expecting resurrection. What led them from unbelief to belief? What led them to find resurrection life? What does Jesus’ resurrection mean for us today?   The Path to Belief Unless I see the […]

Resurrection Life

GOOD FRIDAY

Reflections on a Difficult Day

Good Friday has always been difficult to navigate. Easter is much easier. I know how to feel on Easter. I know what to say on Easter. Good Friday, on the other hand, is awkward. How do you greet people on Good Friday? “Happy Good Friday?” That doesn’t sound right. When you think about it, Good […]

Mary at the Crucifixion

WOMEN IN MINISTRY, VOLUME FIVE

The Chicken, the Egg, and Who Came First

I’m the eldest among my siblings. I’m not sure what that means. My sister is the most driven. My youngest brother is the smartest. My other brother (his twin), who is mentally challenged, is the kindest and wisest. I guess that just leaves me the oldest. I’m living proof that coming out “first” means absolutely […]

the chicken and the egg

WOMEN IN MINISTRY, VOLUME FOUR

The Serpent, the Tree, and the Male-Female Relationship

My granddaughter told me that her Barbie dollhouse has a place to park a vehicle and that her Barbie needs a vehicle. I didn’t catch the hint because I was distracted by the fact that at the age of six, she used the word, “vehicle,” instead of “car.” She’s growing up and I don’t like […]

serpent