Keeping Black Christians at Arm’s Length
I am always encouraged by the many black Christians I see and hear about embracing and rejoicing in the truths of Reformed theology. Seemingly in all segments of the church, Reformed theology is...
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Less Celebrity, More Community
Atlanta, like most cities, is plastered with billboards. Among those most prominent are ones promoting such Atlanta-based iconic brands as Coca-Cola, Delta Airlines, and Chick-Fil-A. Amidst these...
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WOW: Women of the Word
I was born and raised in First Baptist Church of Woodland Park. It was a small, unassuming, country church. Most of the pastors who served there lived in the city, usually at least 50 miles away. Like...
View ArticleInterview With Tim Byrd, Missionary to South Africa
One of the joys I have, as pastor in a local church, is being able to encourage and support local and foreign missions. If the local church is doing anything, it must be sending and supporting missions...
View ArticleShe Survived Boko Haram: “Be Quiet or Be Killed”
Few things in print have moved me in recent years like I was moved this past week by the testimony of a 15-year-old young lady from Nigeria named, Deborah Peter. Ms. Peter appeared before the Committee...
View Article“Where Are the Elders?”
Growing up I learned early on the meaning of the proverb, “It takes a village to raise a child.” Many times I was made aware that my parents were not the only ones raising me. They were not the only...
View ArticleThe Burden of the Pastor
The pastor has a burden. It is unlike anything felt by anyone else in the local church. Even in the context where the biblical prescription for a plurality of elders is being heeded, the lead pastor...
View ArticleClarity, Conviction, and Commitment in Church Planting
Over six years ago a handful of men, women, and children embarked on the journey that is East Point Church. We had a desire in our hearts for a new church intentionally planted on the often-neglected...
View ArticleAre You Preaching Christ?
“Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed to them the Christ” () Are you preaching Christ? It sounds like an unnecessary question. Most preachers would respond, “Of course. What else is...
View ArticleNot the Greatest, Not Champion, Just Servant
A song titled, “Hall of Fame” by The Script (feat. Will.I.Am) has a chorus that rings: “You can be the greatest, You can be the best, You can be the King Kong banging on your chest, You can throw your...
View ArticleThe Black Church’s Exodus: A Good Thing?
Are “black millennials” leaving the church? Is this something about which we should be alarmed? In recent times much has been written on this subject seeking to interpret and analyze what some are...
View ArticleReading: A Reformation Legacy Once Denied Blacks
When many of us were in our youth, there was a popular national literacy movement called Reading is Fundamental (RIF). It was a drive to promote reading and literacy among the children of our nation...
View ArticleThe Flower of Salvation
Recently the brothers on The Front Porch were in Indianapolis for the Midwest Annual Reformation Conference at New Life Community Church. It was a rich time of fellowship with new friends around the...
View ArticleOn Ferguson: We Must Pray, Preach, and Practice
I am have been asked on several occasions what are my thoughts about the events in Ferguson, MO and the subsequent fallout around the country. Though I have not shared my thoughts publicly, I have had...
View ArticleFaithful Over Little
According to the National Congregations Study, the average church in America has a regular Sunday morning attendance of 75 people. Small churches continue to be the norm, though the larger...
View ArticleWomen Preachers & Pastors — A Big Deal in the Church?
Recently a young man approached me with a dilemma. He discovered that the young lady he has been courting attends a church that allows women into the pastoral ministry. He had attended church with her...
View ArticleThe Pulpit & the Culture of Your Church
Recently, while reading a book on pastoral counseling, I was reminded of the sacred responsibility of preaching. The book was The Pastor and Counseling: The Basics of Shepherding Members in Need by...
View ArticlePastor, What Are You Reading These Days?
I am often asked, “What do pastors do?” Everyone knows we preach, conduct funerals, counsel, and officiate weddings (at least for the time being). Yet pastors are tasked with so much more than meets...
View ArticleBlessed Assurance
“Everyone is a child of God.” That’s how I remember my mother and grandmother talking about family members who died. No matter how lasciviously and ungodly the family member lived, those at the funeral...
View ArticleAnger Management
I’m angry, and I don’t really care what they say (I don’t really care what they say) I’m angry, nobody better get in my way (nobody better get in my way) – “Anger Management” by Lecrae I grew up around...
View ArticleDiscouragement: Inevitable but not Overwhelming
One of my favorite poems is “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening” by Robert Frost. The poem ends with these words: “The woods are lovely, dark, and deep; but I have promises to keep, and miles to go...
View ArticleThe Color of the Gospel
Recently a black colleague of mine asked me if I was working on any new writing projects. I told him as a matter of fact I am. It is a book on The Pilgrim’s Progress. He quickly responded, “Oh, will...
View ArticleWhat’s Going On?
I have long been a fan of Marvin Gaye. Everyone I knew growing up was. My favorite Marvin Gaye song asks the question, “What’s Going On?” Mother, mother There’s too many of you crying Brother, brother,...
View ArticleA Christmas Homily: He Had the Birthday, We Got the Gift (Rom. 6:23)
Like everyone, I have a birthday—mine is November 13. When I was a young boy growing up in Michigan, one of my birthday wishes was that it would not snow on my birthday (usually to no avail). Like most...
View ArticleA Church of Cards
The election and presidency of Donald Trump has reminded me again that the one who hangs the best paper often wins political favor. In other words, your propaganda machine is every bit as important...
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