These are essays from the Real Live Preacher blog. 2002-2010

Not for Lightweights

Last Sunday was the 4th of 13 in my sabbatical time. Each of them is precious to me. Each week I am choosing a place and a way to worship. I’m not a church tourist, hoping to see new things. I’m seeking spiritual experiences. I want to worship. Saturday night Jeanene and I still hadn’t…

Just to Sit and Cry and Not be Bothered

Things are pretty quiet in the mountain town of Creede, Colorado. You will not find fast food or fast living there. If you want someone to package your entertainment and provide it with instructions, you should probably go elsewhere. Nothing is franchised in Creede, not the stores or even the churches. It’s the mountain way.…

Superball Spirituality

Things have been unpredictable around here. Charlie died, as you know. My friend Tom called to tell me his life is falling apart, and I found a Superball at church. It has a chunk gouged out of it so it bounces funny. They do say these things come in threes. Perhaps I should explain about…

The Coin and the Question

Saul was dressed in an expensive, imported robe. He was obviously a wealthy man. His hair gleamed and was heavy with Persian oil. His beard was trimmed short in a manner that was trendy among local Romans. He wore expensive jewelry, including a number of rings. One of them bore the mark of King Herod…

Where is the man?

A Real Live Preacher Dramatized Version of the story from John’s gospel commonly known as “The Woman Caught in Adultery.” It’s been many years since I wrote one of these. Let me take a moment to explain them. I took the original text, then grappled with interpretive issues. I would create a dramatic account that…

Talk to the hand

People like the idea of getting to the bottom of things. It suits our human desire for stability. We don’t like floundering in high water or high ideals without some purchase we can feel with our feet or hands or minds. Worldviews and paintings should be hung on strong nails sunk deep into the meat…

How to find a church

I keep getting emails from people who say, “Your church sounds nice. I wish I could find one like that.” Let me guess. You’re looking for a cool church, filled with authentic Christians who aren’t judgmental, but also have convictions, and are hip and classic in just the right mixture. A church where people forgive…