Author Archives: Paul Harris

About Paul Harris

Pastor Harris retired from congregational ministry after 40 years in office on 31 December 2023. He is now devoting himself to being a husband, father, and grandfather. He still thinks cenobitic monasticism is overrated and cave dwelling under.

So you think I’m being too picky?

Posted on April 30, 2012 by Paul Harris

Bethel Lutheran Church, Dallas, has 802 communicant members.  Their August 14, 2011 online bulletin had this to say about Communion: “• Holy Communion will be celebrated in the 8:30 Traditional Service today. For those who desire to commune with us … Continue reading →

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In a Heep of Trouble

Posted on April 23, 2012 by Paul Harris

You bet you are pastor.  You are in a heap of trouble if one member tells you another member needs pastoral care and you don’t act on it.  I know so because Uriah Heep showed me so.

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An Introduction to our Divine Service

Posted on April 18, 2012 by Paul Harris

Our Order of Service is not unique to us Lutherans. Martin Luther did not break away from the universal Christian Church, but rather, he recalled the Church to Her original doctrine and practice. The Church still existed, but She had … Continue reading →

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How Come Growing up I could Say the P Word but not the N Word?

Posted on April 9, 2012 by Paul Harris

I really don’t get this.  Growing up my parents didn’t use and I was not allowed to use the “N” word, but I could use the “P” word.  Though my parents weren’t Polish (I could say “thank God” here and … Continue reading →

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Distinctions that Matter

Posted on April 2, 2012 by Paul Harris

For some time I’ve wondered why liberals in general and scholars in particular want to make a distinction between resurrection and resuscitation.  At first, I thought there were some plausible reasons for doing so; then I concluded it ought not … Continue reading →

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Presidential Politics and Closed Communion

Posted on March 27, 2012 by Paul Harris

I received two interesting pieces of mail on the same day.  One was from Houston Lutheran’s Life; the other was another LCMS church’s newsletter.  They both had startling information.

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Lutheranism 101 is Really LCMS 2.0

Posted on September 26, 2011 by Paul Harris

Surely someone has already pointed this out.  Lutheranism 101 published in 2010 is the popularization of the positions taken in the 2004 synodical convention.  It’s LCMS 2.0

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BTO Is Back

Posted on August 30, 2011 by Paul Harris

Bachman Turner Overdrive was a 70’s band with hits such as “Let it Ride,” “Taking Care of Business,” “You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet.”  To say or read these titles is to hear them all over again.  But of that band … Continue reading →

Posted in Missouri Megatrends | 1 Comment

Idols for Destruction

Posted on August 22, 2011 by Paul Harris

I’m rereading Herbert Schlossberg’s book Idols for Destruction.  I first read it 25 years ago; I always planned on rereading it.  What I’m struck by is how many American idols I have set up in my life that need destroying.  … Continue reading →

Posted in Missouri Megatrends | 1 Comment

A Head Start

Posted on August 7, 2011 by Paul Harris

At last the world has given the Church a head start by openly admitting that their 45 year old Head Start program hasn’t worked.

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