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.

“I’m Not Very Religious”

Posted on October 26, 2016 by pastordavesimpson

I met her at the door after worship. This young adult had come to church at the behest of a family member. If enduring the service wasn’t bad enough, now there was no clear path to the exit;  she had to wait … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, Church, Lutheran Theology, Pastors | Tagged , , , , | 9 Comments

“What Do You Preach about at a Same-Gender Wedding?”

Posted on October 18, 2016 by pastordavesimpson

This past Saturday on a bright beautiful blue-sky fall afternoon next to the glistening Chesapeake Bay, I had the privilege of presiding at a same-gender wedding for the third time.  I hope someday to lose count.  I hope, as someone … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible, Christianity, LGBTQ, marriage equality, Sermon | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

The Trumptape: Silence is Assent

Posted on October 8, 2016 by pastordavesimpson

I have certainly heard the reprehensible attitudes expressed by Donald Trump and Billy Bush in their taped 2005 conversation. But not in any “locker room.” Mr. Trump and Mr. Bush echo the misogynistic mindset of many sexual offenders I dealt … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, Church, Faith | Tagged , , , , | 8 Comments

Black Lives Matter: A 21st Century Beatitude?

Posted on September 28, 2016 by pastordavesimpson

Jesus kicked off the Sermon on the Mount with the beatitudes. “Blessed are the poor in spirit . . .” A guy on the mount interrupted Jesus. “Hey! ALL lives are blessed!” Jesus ignored him. “For theirs is the kingdom of … Continue reading →

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

The Unexpected Pastor Goes to Camp

Posted on July 19, 2016 by pastordavesimpson

What does hope look like? For me last week it looked like 70-some young people, from 8 years old through high school age, singing crazy camp songs, laughing, learning, and listening to camp stories, swimming and zip-lining and sitting in … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible, Christian Living, Christianity, Church, ELCA, Faith, Lutheran, Pastors | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

Deconstructing the Narthex

Posted on June 10, 2016 by pastordavesimpson

Last Sunday I removed the narthex from the church I serve. Some of you may be wondering, “What’s a narthex?” It is for you that our narthex was eliminated. In a church building, the narthex is the entrance lobby, the room … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, Church, Lutheran, Worship | Tagged , , , , | 6 Comments

It’s Not Just About Brock Turner: The “Rape Culture” Is US

Posted on June 7, 2016 by pastordavesimpson

(NOTE: This post contains some graphic language. If you are offended by the language, I hope you are infinitely more offended by the pervasive culture of rape and sexual assault this post addresses.) Men, we have to speak up and … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Living, Faith, Family, Father | Tagged , , , , | 5 Comments

Jesus, Water Fountains, and Wedding Cakes

Posted on March 31, 2016 by pastordavesimpson

In the 1960’s, “States’ Rights” meant the “right”to discriminate against people of color. Today, “Religious Liberty” means the “liberty” to discriminate against LGBTQ folks. Advocates of both have invoked Christ. But Christ no more died on the cross so you … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Living, Christianity, Homosexuality, LGBTQ, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

If Jesus going to the Cross was all about love, why do I see so much hatred and judgment in churches?

Posted on March 28, 2016 by pastordavesimpson

This year’s Easter sermon responded to”Five Easter Questions to Answer for Millennials.”  Here is an excerpt, responding to the question in this post’s title. . . Hatred and judgment in churches.  As a pastor, should I be defensive? No. As a … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 3 Comments

The Unexpected Pastor’s Best Picture Countdown 2016

Posted on February 26, 2016 by pastordavesimpson

It’s time for my annual ranking of the films nominated for Best Picture.  As in the past, these are not predictions,  but rather my opinion of which films are most worthy to win the Best Picture Oscar. (In fact my #8 … Continue reading →

Posted in Arts and Culture, film, Movies, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment