BSP: How does the UMC appointment system today compare to what you believe was practiced in the 1st century church? AB: In some ways that is a difficult question to answer. I am not well enough versed on the episcopacy in the earliest centuries to compare to the modern practice of episcopal appointment. However, I…

When at last the tires were turning, this author was enjoying a retreat in the mountains of North Carolina. If memory serves, the rushing sound of Dog Creek was drowning out the clicking of these keys as I hurried to meet my deadline last month. Deadline met, that day unfolded beautifully. It began with the…

Chris Lister has been mentoring someone ever since he was in ministry school in 1997. Born in Pensacola, FL, Chris struggled through an adolescence of alcohol and drugs until he was truly ‘saved’ from a life that could have ended in crime and early death.  God opened the opportunity for service after ministry school when…

Then little children were brought to him, that he should lay his hands on them and pray; and the disciples rebuked them. But Jesus said, “Allow the little children, and don’t forbid them to come to me; for the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to ones like these.”           Matthew 19:13-14 (WEB) Are children a priority in…

Once or twice in a life time an opportunity comes along to say, “Yes” and a job merges with something that has been a life-long love. I am beginning a season like that. I am humbled that God would give me such a gift. God has gifted each of us for service in His Kingdom….