Author Archives: rthenderson

About rthenderson

Sixty years a pastor-teacher within the Presbyterian Church. Author of several books, the latest of which are a trilogy on missional ecclesiology: ENCHANTED COMMUNITY: JOURNEY INTO THE MYSTERY OF THE CHURCH, then, REFOUNDING THE CHURCH FROM THE UNDERSIDE, then THE CHURCH AND THE RELENTLESS DARKNESS. Previous to this trilogy was A DOOR OF HOPE: SPIRITUAL CONFLICT IN PASTORAL MINISTRY, and SUBVERSIVE JESUS, RADICAL FAITH. I am a native of West Palm Beach, Florida, a graduate of Davidson College, then of Columbia and Westminster Theological Seminaries.

BLOG 3/16/18. ST. PATRICK: GREEN BEER … OR …

Posted on March 16, 2018 by

BLOG 3/16/18. ST. PATRICK: GREEN BEER … OR MISSIONARY GIANT? Oh, yes! Tomorrow is St. Patrick’s Day, what with parades, green outfits, green beer, and all the rest. And I’m all for all that fun. But, then, being a student … Continue reading →

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BLOG 3/13/18. ‘STREET CRED’ FOR CHRIST’S FOLLOWERS

Posted on March 13, 2018 by

BLOG 3/13/18. ‘STREET CRED’ FOR CHRIST’S FOLLOWERS In the parlance of the urban street culture, to say that a person has street cred is a designation of acceptance of that person as one whom you can trust to be authentically … Continue reading →

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BLOG 3/8/18. THE GOSPEL OF PEACE … WHAT?

Posted on March 8, 2018 by

BLOG 3/9/18. “THE GOSPEL OF PEACE” … WHAT? Of late I have been taken with one of the apostle’s terms for the thrilling and captivating message of God’s invasion of his rebel creation in the person of Jesus of Nazareth … Continue reading →

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Posted on March 6, 2018 by

BLOG 5/6/18. THE CLASH OF FAITH-POSITIONS Every once-in-a-while, in our normal communications in daily life, it is worthwhile to stop and remind ourselves that every one, no matter how adamantly irreligious they may profess to be … everyone has a … Continue reading →

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BLOG 3/2/18. POLITICS, THE EMPIRE, … AND DANIEL

Posted on March 2, 2018 by

BLOG 3/2/18. POLITICS, THE EMPIRE, … AND DANIEL Politics in the 6th century BC were a bit more ruthless and obvious for the inhabitants of Israel than are so much that we are encountering today, what with the subtle and … Continue reading →

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BLOG 2/27/18. “WHEN GOD NEEDS A BURNING BUSH …”

Posted on February 27, 2018 by

BLOG 2/27/18. “WHEN GOD NEEDS A BURNING BUSH … “When God needs a burning bush, any old bush will do!” I give total credit for this jewel to my special friend and much appreciated preacher/teacher, Bill Serjak. I love it! … Continue reading →

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BLOG 2/23/18. THE PRIMARY MINISTRY OF GOD’S PEOPLE …

Posted on February 23, 2018 by

BLOG 2/23/18. THE PRIMARY MINISTRY OF GOD’S PEOPLE IS NOT IN CHURCH MEETINGS … BUT IN THE REALITIES OF THER 24/7 INCARNATIONS. For 60 years, I was a pastor-teacher in the church. For whatever reason, I never found much company … Continue reading →

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BLOG 2/20/18. “LOST IN THE COSMOS’ … OR ARMED WITH HOPE?

Posted on February 20, 2018 by

BLOG 2/20/18. “LOST IN THE COSMOS” … OR, ARMED WITH HOPE?  The human quest for meaning is not a new one, but the current chaotic scene, that can easily breed hopelessness, has taken on new dimensions. The government no longer … Continue reading →

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BLOG 2/16/18. “AND COULD YOU DO IT WITH TENDERNESS, HORACE?”

Posted on February 16, 2018 by

BLOG 2/16/18. “AND COULD YOU DO IT WITH TENDERNESS, HORACE?” In the mid-19th century there were two friends who were very devout and effective pastors in Scotland: Robert Murray McCheyne and Horatius Bonar. They would regularly get together on Monday … Continue reading →

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BLOG 2/13/18. THE TRAVESTY OF MARDI GRAS

Posted on February 13, 2018 by

BLOG 2/13/18. THE TRAVESTY OF MARDI GRAS Unless one has lived in a city such as New Orleans (or Mobile, AL, or Rio de Janeiro) it is difficult to comprehend the total madness that consumes the city in the annual … Continue reading →

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