“So then, putting away falsehood, let each of you speak the truth with your neighbor, for we are members of one another.” Ephesians 4:25 (NRSV) Recently, I was reviewing the gifts of the Spirit that Paul wrote about in 1 Corinthians. He included such gifts as healing, prophecy, discernment, and several others. However, there were…
Sermon: “Sharing Jesus With the World”
More or less, here’s the sermon I preached this morning. In hindsight, I probably should have changed the title because the sermon took a slightly different turn than what I envisioned earlier in the week. I ended up approaching the text as a prayer for the disciples Jesus would eventually leave behind. By extension, I…
A Letter to the M.S.A.C. General Conference Delegation
After a four year delay, the 2020 session of the General Conference of the United Methodist Church is only weeks away. Soon, delegates will gather in Charlotte to debate legislation that will shape the future of our church and, perhaps, decide the future for several of our annual conferences. Mississippi has been hit particularly hard…
“What’s Going to Happen at General Conference?”
The title reflects the question that I, and I’m sure most UMC pastors, are asked constantly. I always tell my people that I’m not afraid to tell them when I don’t know the answer, and this is the answer I give here. Simply, I don’t know. The pre-conference editions of the Daily Christian Advocate have…
Would Jesus Have Live Streamed the Sermon On The Mount? (Nurturing Faith in a Digital Age)
In today’s digital age, the landscape of ministry is undergoing a profound transformation. The advent of digital technology has paved the way for churches to expand their reach and engage with their congregations in unprecedented ways. While some critics argue that digital ministry fosters consumerism and promotes spiritual laziness, a closer examination reveals that the…
Rural Broadband is Today’s Rural Electrification
We take electricity for granted today, but it wasn’t that long ago that rural areas were without this necessary utility. As cities became electrified, rural areas were left out because the power companies being formed believed that providing power to rural areas would not be cost-effective. I imagine there were arguments such as, “Farmers don’t…
Just a Housekeeping Note
Greetings, all! If you’re a frequent visitor to this site, you may notice some things are slightly different. I’ve moved to a new host, and, as typically happens, some things did not transfer over. If you notice pictures are not where the alternate text says they should be, please ignore this. I apologize for any…
Embracing the Digital Age: The Importance of Digital Ministry for the Church
In an era where digital technology permeates every aspect of our lives, the church must adapt and embrace the opportunities presented by the digital age. Digital ministry, the use of technology to share the Gospel, build communities, and minister to people, has become increasingly crucial in fostering spiritual growth and connecting with the world. Let’s…
Sermon: The Guardian of the Soul
More or less, here’s the sermon I delivered at Salem UMC and Pleasant Hill UMC on April 30, 2023. 1 PETER 2:19-25 (NLT) For God is pleased when, conscious of his will, you patiently endure unjust treatment. 20 Of course, you get no credit for being patient if you are beaten for doing wrong. But…
Hello, Adams UMC and Sweetwater UMC!
We live in a digital age, and it’s not lost on me that one of the first things people of the UM church do is google the person announced as their new pastor. So, to the folks of Adams UMC and Sweetwater UMC who have found my website: Hello! My name is Jonathan Tullos (Tull-is),…