Category Archives: Pastors

Celebrating Grace – Excerpt from Ten Year Ordination Anniversary Sermon

Posted on May 22, 2017 by pastordavesimpson

I can identify with Paul’s anger. In his letter to the Galatians, Paul was angry at anything – or anyone – that contradicted or got in the way of the message of Grace he was called to preach. Paul had … Continue reading →

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“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

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

If I Have Gay Children: Four Promises From A Christian Pastor/Parent (Reblogged from John Pavlovitz)

Posted on September 26, 2014 by pastordavesimpson

A friend who is the parent of a gay child sent me this link to a post on Pastor John Pavlovitz’s blog. It obviously resonated with them.  I think the post is quite awesome and well worth of sharing: If I Have Gay … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Living, Christianity, Homosexuality, Parenting, Pastors | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

Some Thoughts about Depression and Suicide

Posted on August 25, 2014 by pastordavesimpson

(Yesterday after the “normal” sermon about the book of Ruth, I spent a few minutes discussing a couple of things I felt called to share.) While I was away on vacation, Robin Williams died. It was amazing how much his … Continue reading →

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“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 →

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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 →

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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 →

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Mystery: The Trinity, Juggling, and a Poem

Posted on June 4, 2012 by pastordavesimpson

Yesterday was Trinity Sunday, the day set aside for congregations to contemplate the mystery of the three in oneness of God.  And for pastors to struggle at writing sermons that address church doctrine without putting their congregations to sleep. To … Continue reading →

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Big Dreams, A Bigger Dreamer

Posted on May 25, 2012 by pastordavesimpson

(Last evening I had the privilege of giving the graduation address at Trinity Lutheran Middle School.  It is the school affiliated with the church I served for over 10 years as a layperson and as a pastor.  I also taught … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible, Christianity, Jeopardy, Pastors | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment