Author Archives: pastordavesimpson

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About pastordavesimpson

I'm an unexpected pastor. Why unexpected? Because no one is more surprised than me that I'm a pastor. See the "About" page on my blog for more info.

“That Sucks!”

Posted on July 30, 2013 by pastordavesimpson

Here are two words that I have come to believe can be powerful in expressing empathy: That sucks! (“That sucks!” can of course be moderated depending upon the recipient.  “That stinks!” or, “That’s awful!” or, “I can’t imagine!” or, “That’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Living, Christianity, Pastors | Tagged , , , , | 11 Comments

My Neighbor, Trayvon. My Neighbor, George.

Posted on July 18, 2013 by pastordavesimpson

When the expert on the law asked Jesus “Who is my neighbor,” the lawyer’s intent was to limit his responsibility.  Surely his neighbors were only people just like him.  But Jesus answered not with a definition but with a parable, … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Living, Christianity, Church, Racism, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 6 Comments

Coming to Peace with the World (Disney World, that is)

Posted on July 13, 2013 by pastordavesimpson

The relationship began with infatuation.  Our first, brief encounter lasted only a few days but I was totally smitten.  She was exciting and wonderful and new.  As I got older, it was only the excitement I craved, but what she … Continue reading →

Posted in Arts and Culture, Parenting, Travel | Tagged , , , | 7 Comments

Too Smart for God – The Bumper Sticker Version

Posted on July 5, 2013 by pastordavesimpson

It’s always seemed kind of presumptuous to tell folks I’m working on a book.  I’ve gotten a little more comfortable with it lately  Partly that’s because I’ve felt more entitled  since I’ve started needing three digits to write the page … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, Too Smart for God, Writing | Tagged , , | 5 Comments

Marriage Needs to Be Protected . . . From People Like Me

Posted on July 2, 2013 by pastordavesimpson

Hey fellow Christians, where’s the outcry?  Yesterday a law took effect – in southern-state Virginia, of all places – that is a threat to the very idea of marriage.  And it’s not about same-sex marriage.  As of July 1, people … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Living, Christianity, Church, Homosexuality | Tagged , , , | 5 Comments

Jesus Loves the Little Children (Who Can Roll Their R’s)

Posted on June 26, 2013 by pastordavesimpson

(This summer my church has graciously granted me a sabbatical to finish my book, Too Smart for God.  As I write, I’ll be posting some excerpts here for your enjoyment and for your feedback before I submit it to the inevitable … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, Church | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

How (not) To Sabbatical

Posted on June 20, 2013 by pastordavesimpson

Day four of my Sabbatical, and the change in routine has already caused me to screw up bigtime.  I was supposed to meet with the Academic Dean at my daughter’s school this morning at 10; I remembered that at 11:30. … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, Church, Pastors | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments

Auditioning for Heaven (and a gratuitous Wayne’s World reference)

Posted on June 4, 2013 by pastordavesimpson

I started yesterday’s sermon by sharing with the congregation my latest quest to be a game show contestant.  Two weeks ago I went down to DC and auditioned for a new trivia-based  show.   I can’t tell you the name … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Living, Christianity, Game Shows | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

RUSSIAN SCIENTISTS HAVE DRILLED INTO HELL! (AND FOUND PROCTER AND GAMBLE’S LOGO?)

Posted on May 28, 2013 by pastordavesimpson

Outrageous news is broadcast by outraged Christians via e-mail, Facebook, Twitter, and all manner of other social media pathways.  It’s their duty to get the word out, by golly, and thank God for the technology that lets it spread far … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Living, Christianity | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Sunday Morning God TV . . . or Not

Posted on May 17, 2013 by pastordavesimpson

A couple of weeks ago I had a rare Sunday morning free (I was off and we worshiped earlier in the weekend).  In my hotel room, I sampled the many Christian television options available on the local cable system. Death and Damnation … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Living, Christianity, Pastors | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments