The Work of Repentance

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On the twentieth anniversary of 9/11, I preached from the book of James. “Brothers and sisters, do you . . . really believe in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ?” James wrote that faith without works is dead. Today, in Santee Chapel at Lancaster Theological Seminary, I explored the work of repentance as a faithful response … Read more

Bearing Witness on the Anniversary of 9/11

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Saturday, I preach at Lancaster Theological Seminary. The assigned text is from the book of James 2:1-10, 14-17. If this passage is not immediately familiar, it is the one that says faith without works is dead. (Can you hear Luther rolling over in his grave?) Saturday is also the twentieth anniversary of 9/11. Which works … Read more

Educating Bivocational Ministers

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How can institutions of higher learning in theological education respond to an increasing need for bivocational ministry preparation, training, and support? Did you know that nearly 60% of current students surveyed expect to be bivocational in ministry after graduation? And, over 75% believe that bivocational ministry is the future of pastoral ministry. Read my detailed … Read more

Trauma and Transcendence: Finding God in the Ashes

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My latest research, published today, explores trauma-informed care from a religious ethics standpoint. Psychological trauma is a spiritually disruptive experience. To accompany someone through the aftermath of trauma, we need to be willing to talk about God. In this article, I provide guidance for caregivers and other service providers. Trauma-informed care can become a form … Read more

Book Release: The Practice of Mission in Global Methodism

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A timely study of mission in a changing world, addressing migration, neocolonialism, climate change, and many other issues concerning church and society. The Practice of Mission in Global Methodism: Emerging Trends from Everywhere to Everywhere. Routledge Methodist Studies Series. Co-edited by David W. Scott and Darryl W. Stephens. New York: Routledge, April 2021. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003107002. Publication … Read more

Doubting Thomas and Bearing Witness

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A sermon on John 20:19–31. Preached by Darryl W. Stephens at Otterbein UMC, Lancaster, PA, April 11, 2021. Thomas was not present with the other disciples when the resurrected Jesus greeted them. Thomas doubted their story. We may share his doubt. How do we testify to someone else’s experience? (Hint: I wore my red stole … Read more

Trauma-informed Pedagogies

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This week, many communities and institutions in the US are observing the one year anniversary of life upended by COVID-19. For teachers in higher education, this anniversary is yet another reminder that trauma-informed pedagogy is essential to healthy life and learning in the classroom. How different our world and outlook compared to this depiction of … Read more

God is Our Refuge

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God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, . . . “Be still, and know that I am God!” . . . the God of Jacob is our refuge. Psalm 46, NRSV A colleague in ministry called me recently. A phone … Read more

Searching for the Kin-dom?

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Bearing Witness in the Kin-dom: Living into the Church’s Moral Witness through Radical Discipleship is the #1 New Release in Methodist Christianity on Amazon, as of March 9, 2021. Imagine God’s Justice and Lead with Compassion Love. Justice. Solidarity. Living as siblings in the “kin-dom” of God requires bold faith. Women in the United Methodist … Read more