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Continue reading →: St. Patrick and the need for forgiveness
This season, with St. Patrick’s Day right around the corner, a little journey I started four years ago will come to a close as I graduate with my doctor of ministry degree. This timing is appropriate because some of my doctoral research concentrated on St. Patrick and how God’s call…
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Continue reading →: The real source for congregational leadership is the Bible
About every 20 years, new models for how to do church ministry and congregational leadership pop up. Some of the most recent models include emergent, missional, or kingdom-centered paradigms. And the list goes on. If this isn’t bad enough, church leaders fight amongst themselves about which model is more effective,…
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Continue reading →: Following God’s will is difficult as we face inner turmoil
I had a lovely childhood, except when I had to sit at the designated children’s table. You know what I’m talking about: the adults sat in the dining room with fine wine and great food while the kids were relegated to the kitchen on old, vinyl chairs and one small…
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Continue reading →: J. D. Salinger Reminds us of the Importance of Engaging our World for Christ
Several weeks ago, the death of J.D. Salinger sent ripples, if not waves, through the literary world. Salinger had more fanfare in death than in life, for he spent most of his life as a recluse in the darkest nooks of New England. In fact, when I heard of his…
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Continue reading →: Happy 400th Birthday, Baptists!
When I meet people and tell them I am in the ministry, they assume that I am a Catholic priest. My dark complexion and Italian name do not necessarily yell “Baptist,” so when I correct people as to my religious background, they seem taken aback. For me, being Baptist is…
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Continue reading →: Depression, coping with job loss takes a spiritual toll
You’ve heard the story before. Mitchell has worked for his company for 20 years. Five more years and he can retire with benefits. Today, he begins work like he does every day: coffee in hand, computer warming up, ledger ready to be filled. Except this day is different. Just before…
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Continue reading →: King’s cause was born out of righteousness
The Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., is one of my heroes of the faith. For me, King’s heroism resulted from his ability to stand up against the tidal-wave of public opinion in order to uphold the values and convictions he held so dear. During King’s day, there were several major…
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Continue reading →: Keeping Promises is a Biblical Mandate
One of the worst human tragedies a person can face is a broken promise. I see the consequences of broken promises among some of the folks with whom I work. A family member will make a promise — usually to spend quality time with someone — and the time never…
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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