I don't know if you go to a church that recognizes Ash Wednesday, or if you go to church at all, but I want to urge you to find a church that practices the imposition of ashes and go to it on Wednesday night (2/26/20). It may seem like "a Catholic thing," but it's not. … Continue reading Ashes to Ashes, Dust to Dust
This Sunday, February 23rd, is a very special day for our family. 13 years ago, Daniel Grady Schmidt, our second child, was born not breathing. It's just "one of those things" that can happen that you never think will happen to you. We were blessed that he survived. He was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, which … Continue reading Meet Our Son, Daniel
In a previous post, I began exploring the question of why I am Lutheran, particularly with all of the choices out there among Christian denominations. While there are differences among Lutherans (a topic which I will explore in a future post), let's take a look at what makes Lutheranism in general different from other Christian … Continue reading The Lutheran Difference, Part 2
In a previous post, I began exploring the question of what makes Lutheranism different from other Christian denominations, and why that is appealing to me. I think it's especially interesting to people because I have spent time studying and teaching about religion and theology, and because I have spent time worshiping at and with many … Continue reading A Tangent: Denominationalism
As many of you know by now, I was raised in the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod. Then, as an adult I spent a great deal of time "church shopping" my way through other Christian denominations before God brought me back into the LCMS. One of the things I did not like about the LCMS … Continue reading Why Do We Do That: Vestments
You probably don't think of yourself as a theologian. After all, you aren't some crazy-haired, old university professor in a tweed jacket with elbow patches and a pipe, sitting in a mahogany office filled with dusty old volumes written by dead guys, postulating on the metaphysical and epistemological essence of the existence of deity, right? … Continue reading Dirty Words: Theology, Doctrine & Dogma, Oh My!
My life journey to this point has taken a circuitous route through the Christian Church. My wife and I, having come from very different denominational backgrounds, have attended just about every Christian denomination (and non-denomination) under the sun. So how did we end up in the Lutheran church, with me as a Lutheran pastor? Good … Continue reading What & Why: Lutherans, Part 1
In the first of a new series on this Blog, I want to take a look at words that have negative baggage associated with them, even though they are actually really good things. These are words people hear - and their noses immediately scrunch up as though a bad smell has suddenly entered the area. … Continue reading Dirty Words: Religion
One of the tricky parts of having a public presence on the web is figuring out how much personal information to share, especially regarding your children. But my kids are also a huge part of who I am, and their stories obviously intersect with mine. That said, I want to introduce you to my oldest … Continue reading Our Christmas Miracle
Yes, I am a Lutheran Pastor. Yes, I am an adult. And yes, I believe in Santa Claus. I know of a great many Lutheran Pastors who love to get their Grinch on by criticizing, making fun of or outright scorning the right jolly old elf, but I say this is due to their hearts … Continue reading Redeeming Santa Claus
