Wait, have you checked all the boxes? — When Baptism Comes With Strings Attached Baptizing a person is one of the most rewarding events in the life of a pastor. It symbolizes a desire to commit everything to the best friend you’ll ever have, Jesus. And a commitment to pay tithe. And to quit tobacco. And to believe in a modern-day prophet. And the…

Conversations with my daughters — The denomination where I pastored for 20 years upholds a belief in same-sex marriage that doesn’t align with the values I want to pass on to my daughters. LGTBQ+ folks are technically welcome in my church as long as they remain celibate and don’t practise homosexuality or push for a…

My story isn’t over yet — (Trigger warning: suicidal ideation) My colleague and I were walking alongside the train tracks in beautiful Vancouver. We were so excited! There was a bright future ahead of us. The church that we pastored sent us there to attend a personalized workshop, just for us! Then the railroad shook. …

A pastor refuses to let go — (Trigger Warning: vulnerable account on bullying and forgiveness) I’m going to tell you the story of how I was bullied at church and school throughout my entire life. Then, I’ll explain why forgiving my bullies doesn’t make sense. Finally, I’ll go through the process of letting the past go. First…

Choices and fate. — I used to have lots of plans in life. The future was under control. I was young and naive. VERY naive, to be honest. Until reality hit hard when Ms. Depression first showed up disguised as burnout. Little I knew she was there to stay. Plans to pursue a masters…

An awkward post on self-esteem. — One of my dear barista friends sent me a message out of the blue yesterday. What a message! It encouraged me to see myself from a more positive angle. She mentioned how much she appreciates the way I approach the LGTBQ community, especially coming from a Christian pastor. …

I want to believe that I’m beautiful. — As it turns out, I break the second most important Bible law every time I despise the man in the mirror. “A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” — Matthew‬ ‭22:39‬ ‭NLT‬‬ I recently reminded my wife and daughters to beYOUtiful, which means that being themselves is…

Deconstructing one of my favourite verses — See, God has come to save me. I will trust in him and not be afraid. The Lord God is my strength and my song; he has given me victory. — ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭12:2‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Not Me I will trust him and not be afraid. Yeah, I do trust him, and I’m not…