When we gather together to worship, something wonderful is happening in us. While opening the Scriptures, singing, praying, and giving our offerings, a formation is underway: God is performing the slow and steady work of making us a thankful people.

I began writing new songs of worship when I was fifteen years old. No one sat me down and said this practice can be a part of growing in Christ, nor explained the spiritual benefits of writing songs. I simply…

I love old hymns. I keep a stack of hymnals on my nightstand, and have an ever-growing collection in my library. I cut my teeth on Charles Wesley and John Rippon. I hope to write academically on the pastoral theology…

Whether we hear God’s word in a call to worship, a confession of sin, an assurance of pardon, an exposition, or in the benediction — every time we hear the words of Scripture, God is speaking to his people.

I can almost hear the bells of our church steeple still ringing in my ear. Every Sunday morning as a child church bells would echo through our town. From our steeple tower, a proclamation would sound to all who could…

I had preached the funeral of their baby just a few days before. Some of our best friends laid to rest their little girl, marking one of the most difficult days of my life. While preaching graveside, my eyes rested…