A few years ago, in conversation with artist Dylan Mortimer, we identified what we called “3rd rail” topics; things that, when talked about (or sometimes even approached) overcharged conversations to the point of explosion; topics that blew things up between individuals as well as whole people groups. Dylan, then in his early 30s and staring … Read More
Levi Macallister and I share in a sad and strange fraternity of sorts – sons who have lost their fathers tragically. We also share in the way we went about processing that particular trauma. Which is, to move toward music and poetry. It’s not just us, it’s the way a lot of us process trauma. … Read More
One of the hallmarks of a good or great artist is the ability to reinvent. The capacity to, after finding success with a certain formula or expression, change things up; even essential things. Because that artist is different. Latifah Phillips has been writing, re-writing, and reinventing for well over a decade. She is Page CXVI … Read More
Shaun Groves Intro It was 1997 in Palo Alto, CA. I remember sitting 7th row from the stage, listening to a man named Tony Campolo talk about loving people well. He talked about neighbors and kids. He told a story about Jesus I’d heard before touching and healing a leper. Then he started talking about … Read More
It is hard to be a pastor. In fact, in the two decades I’ve worked as a songwriter, storyteller, author, advocate and a pastor, the weight and difficulty of the entire list before it, pales in comparison to how difficult I’ve found it to pastor wisely and lovingly. So, I find myself in sincere awe … Read More
Albert Camus writes about ethics, “A man without ethics is a wild beast loosed upon this world.” And while I think we’d be hard-pressed to find someone who denies the importance of ethics, the practice and application of ethics can get tricky when related to cultures and disciplines in which we’re not as knowledgable. Specifically, … Read More
One of the most persistent criticisms of religious progressivism is that it is reactive, pushing back on (and sometimes warring against) older, institutional practices deemed out of date, unhelpful, and even unjust. And while there is some good to such a posture, it doesn’t constitute a full enough profile of leadership. In his book “The … Read More
My father over-identified with his work. It cost him his life. I’ve talked about that a lot since losing him, which happened 22yrs ago, today. Talking about my Dad’s overworking and depression was a warning to folks kind enough to listen. I also know I live with many of the same capacities for overwork and … Read More
1. Curse Of The Faithful I’m here. I’m always here. And you know that because you’ve tested me You know that that’s what’s best in me; That when it all breaks, I’m still holding on. There’s a story to tell About the houses that fellAnd the ones they left trapped underneath Who stood in their places With everything … Read More
It’s one thing to say “we’re in this together.” It’s another thing entirely to practice “belonging” and pay the kind of price required to actually broaden one’s tent; to include people who would just as soon exclude or eliminate you from the socio-cultural mix altogether. For many years now, Ben McBride has been doing the … Read More
