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Continue reading →: Despite election results, God is still in charge
At the writing of this article–on the eve of the election–I do not have any clue who will win the presidential race. It is a close one, they say, and I can’t begin to guess (nor have the patience to research) who may be leading in the electoral count. It…
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Continue reading →: A week in the life of a pastor
The aim of this memoir is to provide a behind-the-scenes glimpse of what pastors do in a typical week. It is intended for laity and aspiring clergy alike. Monday Every Monday morning begins with coffee klatsch at Sugar Bakers. There is nothing better than having a dozen church friends welcome…
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Continue reading →: Revelation’s Two Witnesses give rise to Zombie Apocalypse
Last weekend, the Atlanta Journal Constitution reported that an annual counter-terrorism summit for the military will simulate a zombie attack. Just in time for Halloween, the plan calls for hundreds of zombie actors to hold a VIP hostage and keep the good guys busy with menacing moans and groans. Although no one…
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Continue reading →: Traditional religion or inspiring rituals?
It seems that a church’s worship style determines congregational attendance these days. I thought it was a fad, but I’m now convinced that people primarily choose a church based on music and liturgy. Gone are the days in which people went to church according to denomination or upbringing. It was…
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Continue reading →: Breast Cancer Awareness month challenges churches, clergy
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness month. It is a good time for advocacy, support, education, and remembrances of survivors and victims of breast cancer. For churches serious about ministering to the whole person, this presents a unique challenge and pastoral opportunity. According to the American Cancer Society, one out…
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Continue reading →: “Creative God, Creator Still” co-creates with artists among us
Aside from some favorite times during the Christian year, such as Pentecost and Advent, we here at my church practice another event that has become a favorite: Christival. Every October for the past thirty years, Trinity has observed Christival–a combination of “Christ” and “festival”–to celebrate faith and the arts. Each year,…
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Continue reading →: Balancing between this world and the next
In last week’s article, I mentioned a question my daughter asked before her great-grandmother’s funeral. “If Grandma is in heaven, then why is her body still here?” She posed the question while we were on the way to the wake. Since this would be her and my son’s first funeral,…
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Continue reading →: Worship gives expression to our deepest grief and our exuberant gratitude
Several weeks ago I had the honor of officiating a memorial service for a dearly beloved friend and churchgoer. His family sought to balance his request to have a simple service with the need to accommodate all the things of which he was a part, such as the military and…
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Continue reading →: How to organize and write a sermon
We have put out video tutorials on how to organize, write, and preach sermons! To access these videos, check out our First Baptist Church Youtube channel! Organizing and writing a sermon does not have to be rocket science. Yes, it is an art–and not everyone may master it–but very a…
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Continue reading →: A tale of two desperate souls
There once was a guy named Jairus. He was a real faithful churchgoer and leader in his community. He had a daughter, 12 years old, who was dying. She was the apple of her father’s eye. At one time they played games together, then it was off to school and…
Engaging Heart, Mind, and Soul
Rev. Dr. Joe LaGuardia
Rev. Dr. Joe LaGuardia is a pastor, writer, and chaplain residing in Florida. He is author of three books and regular contributor to Smyth & Helwys’ Formations Series. His articles have appeared in USA Today, Baptist News Global, Christian Ethics Today, TCPalm, and Rockdale Citizen.
Baptist Spirituality explores the intersection of faith and culture incorporating biblical scholarship, culture and the arts, politics, science, and theology.
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