Standing By Vacated Tents

Hindsight, as the saying goes, is 20/20. I believe it. As I look back over my life, one of the things I can see is the way God has used events and circumstances in my life to prepare me for ministry. For example, as a pastor, I am often called to hospitals to visit someone … Continue reading Standing By Vacated Tents →

I Graduated…Finally!!

I did it! On December 11, 2021, I graduated with my master’s degree in Theological Studies from Gateway Seminary. It has taken a lot of time and effort, and it’s been the reason this blog has been on hiatus. I had the honor of briefly sharing the story of my journey to obtain my degree … Continue reading I Graduated…Finally!! →

Winding Down My Sabbatical & Thoughts on Moving Forward

It's June! Wow! Four months ago, today, I began my Sabbatical, and this has been, simultaneously, the quickest and longest four months in the history of humanity. When it started in February, I was still in shock at the tragic deaths of 9 people, including Kobe and Gianna Bryant, on my last Sunday morning at … Continue reading Winding Down My Sabbatical & Thoughts on Moving Forward →

And now. . . Sabbatical!

Well, my first week of my first ever Sabbatical is coming to an end. For those that did not know, I am taking a 4 ½ month Sabbatical this Spring. It is, honestly, long overdue. As I outlined in my final sermon before leaving, this is not a vacation, but rather a time for part … Continue reading And now. . . Sabbatical! →

My 2020 Goals!

A new year typically comes with new resolutions, but I’m over resolutions. In the past, my resolutions have turned out to be wishes that I try to make come true, and quickly fade into the background as I fall back into my usual patterns of life. Now, I’m taking a different approach. Goals! Realistic, measurable … Continue reading My 2020 Goals! →

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year! It’s been a while, but The Stray Shepherd is alive and well! The Fall of 2019 was a very busy time in my life where some things had to be moved aside to make room for a bunch of other things God put on my plate. This blog was one of them. … Continue reading Happy New Year! →

The Power of Presence

My wife had surgery recently on a Friday afternoon. It wasn’t anything major, although any time spent under the knife is always a little concerning. It was an outpatient procedure, meaning she would check-in, get prepped, have the surgery, and be on her way home in time for dinner. Easy peasy! I was told that … Continue reading The Power of Presence →

Faith Markers

Stay-cation is over, and I am back on the blog! It has been nice to give my mind and body a break for a couple of weeks. I feel refreshed and energized for the next exciting season of things to come at CrossPointe Church. This fall, we will embark on a spiritual growth campaign that … Continue reading Faith Markers →

Be Patient With Them All

In my quiet time with the Lord, I read a verse in that grabbed my attention as a pastor. Near the very end of his first letter to the church in Thessalonica, the apostle Paul gave some final instructions. He wrote, “And we urge you brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, … Continue reading Be Patient With Them All →

Heavenly Diversity

This past Sunday, in my sermon “Looking Back to Move Forward,” I made the statement, “These two churches with completely different backgrounds, merged and has become one of the most diverse multi-ethnic, multi-generational churches in the Inland Empire, probably all of California, and quite possibly the nation!” While I do not have any hard statistics … Continue reading Heavenly Diversity →