>Welcome to Christian Conversations! My name is G. Kevin Baker, and this blog is devoted to theological reflection on life and ministry. I am a pastor, writer, father of three, and committed follower of Jesus Christ.The water image in the header is meant to be a reminder to all who comment or post here - … Continue reading About this blog
Author: gkevinbaker
Lenten Reflection: Wesley on Repentance
> The following is an excerpt from John Wesley's sermon, The Repentance of Believers. In this season of Lent, where so many are focusing on practices to take on and to give up, this word from Wesley is a stark reminder that even attending to the "means of grace", as important as that can be, … Continue reading Lenten Reflection: Wesley on Repentance
Wine labels and metaphors for Ministry
>I would never have guessed they would have anything in common until I saw the label on this South African wine just a few days after I had heard the same expression used as a metaphor for ministry in multicultural contexts.Either way, both the wine and the ongoing ministry in Christ's wonderfully diverse church bring … Continue reading Wine labels and metaphors for Ministry
Reconciliation requires speaking truth and practicing forgiveness
>As Edward Gilbreath has already pointed out, this story has already made the news and has been making its way across the internet - but I am another one of those who had not seen it.I share it here again and pray for stories like this to multiply. And as for people like this, with … Continue reading Reconciliation requires speaking truth and practicing forgiveness
How appointments are made in North Alabama
>Ok, so I don't think I have ever seen anything like this: a bishop posting an online video explaining a new approach to how appointments are going to be made.At first, it didn't sound like much new (ie. "we are going to make mission the priority" - is this not what the UMC has been … Continue reading How appointments are made in North Alabama
Welcoming Immigrants and Reflecting on Multicultural Ministry
>Here is a recent article written by Natalie Gott, who recently visited at Reconciliation UMC. She reflects on how the church today is called to welcome immigrants.I particularly found these "Questions to Consider," located on the website article's side bar, helpful ones to ponder and pray over for anyone interested in muliticultural and cross-racial ministry:Does … Continue reading Welcoming Immigrants and Reflecting on Multicultural Ministry
How do I love thee, Durham?
>I love Durham. I have lived here now for over 15 years: four while I was in Divinity School (90-94) and the last eleven (97 - 2009) since I was appointed back here by Bishop Marion Edwards to help start what later became Reconciliation United Methodist Church."How do I love thee ... let me count … Continue reading How do I love thee, Durham?
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