On the heart of your Bishop - May 2013
Who does not need Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, a coach, mentor, guide, friend, or consultant?
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Where is the finish line?
It all started with Nehemiah hearing about the distress of his spiritual family back in Jerusalem. He prayed about...
Ben Gosden
The Rev. Ben Gosden is associate pastor at Mulberry Street UMC in Macon, Ga.
What if...?
It was a hot, June day in South Georgia. The word “hot” doesn't even seem sufficient. After all, June in South Georgia can bring days when the heat sits on you like a 50 pound backpack.
Lent and the strangeness of being a Christian
I’m writing this column around 2:30 p.m. on Ash Wednesday. We’ve completed two of the three services we’re offering today. It’s been a busy day of activities and our night will end just as the day began – with a worship service reminding us that we are dust and to dust we shall one day return.
Interruptions
There are days and even weeks when life seems to be one big collection of interruptions. For example, I’m writing this column just a few hours before the deadline. I hate to work up against deadlines because they make me nervous. It’s not that I put off writing this column – I had a wonderful column in mind that I’ve been trying to write for more than a week now.
Some dos and don'ts for young adult ministry
I currently serve as an associate pastor at Mulberry Street United Methodist Church in Macon. One of my primary responsibilities is young adult ministry. During the past two years I’ve learned a good deal about what ministry with young adults is like and I’d like to take a moment to share a few ideas with you. Take them, leave them, question them, it’s up to you.
Living as disciples in the middle of an election season
I guess I can’t really help it, but every four years I follow political races like they’re sporting events. Now you must know that my interest comes from the fact that my background was in political science. Before I was called into the ministry, I majored in political science in undergrad and planned to go to law school. My great hope was to work in politics or cover politics as a journalist. So I admit that I can be a bit of a political junkie at times.
Annual Conference 2012: Surprised by Hope
Last month we completed the 2012 South Georgia Annual Conference. The week promised some interesting material and potential for debate sprinkled within the annual slog through reports and business sessions. Like many, I went expecting a typical sort of gathering filled with seeing old friends, making new ones, worshipping, and being sent forth into ministry for another year. What I didn’t expect was to be surprised by grace during those 72 hours.