Since I’ve moved back to the Midwest, I’ve noticed some common themes. When I’ve talked to pastors and church members, they see a need to effectively use social media. True, print is still the dominant theme. Yet, the also see more and more people consuming social media. They see the Millennials almost exclusively on their phone and not bothering to pick up a church bulletin.
I’m wondering if kids who are hearing US election news may start to build up a little anxiety. People on both sides are shrill. the rhetoric has never been more emotionally charged. Manners have been trashed. It’s just a mess.
I thought of this cartoon when I thought of the reassuring words I have heard from pulpits. This month, my pastor is doing a sermon series based on the subject, “Brave.” I am just glad there are still places where you can find words of hope and encouragement.
I drew this cartoon for the October 2016, Church of God Newsletter.
It has always fascinated me how good people can get caught up in petty things like saving their seat at church. In extreme cases, it can even lead to violence like this example.
At one of the churches I attended, there was a legend about an elderly lady that would hiss at people if they were in her seat. One Sunday, a friend’s family was about to sit nearby. The dear old sister looked up, then commented, “It’s okay if you sit there. It’s Brother So and So’s seat, but he passed away this week.”
It runs contradictory to what Jesus himself taught:
“But when you are invited, take the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he will say to you, ‘Friend, move up to a better place.’ Then you will be honored in the presence of all the other guests.” Luke 14:10 NIV
So you can have my seat. But I can’t guarantee a dear old sister won’t hiss at you.
I created this cartoon for the September 2016 CHOGNews.
Today’s road trip took is through Acts 15. Too often, we make new people conform to our standards when we didn’t begin at the same advance stage.
This made me think of how hard it is for a highly talented, successful athlete to become a coach. When you have performed at such a high level, it is difficult to relate to athletes that haven’t been there yet.
Paul was a great teacher. He helped others get to a higher level, but didn’t make them start there. A good teacher and coach knows where his students are, adjusts to that level, then patiently takes them to a higher level of performance.
I love it when kids are worshipping in large group. When kids are sincere and enthusiastic, it can put the most exuberant grown up worshipper to shame.
But something happens in the pre-teen years. You can always tell when kids start getting self-conscious and are “too cool” to lift their hands, dance and put their heart into worship.
Unfortunately, as we get older, it is more likely we get stuck not worshipping than to get stuck in the act of worshipping.
