Category Archives: For Pastors Only

If Video Killed the Radio Star, What has the Internet Killed?

Posted on April 21, 2021 by Paul Harris

               The song “Video Killed the Radio Star” was the first video to be played on MTV when the network was launched August 1, 1981. And some pundits and prophets trace all sorts of developments or devolutions from this event. … Continue reading →

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As Goes The Agenda So Goes the Church

Posted on January 11, 2021 by Paul Harris

               At one time, the Missouri Synod understood this. It was the issue of the Prussian Agenda that led ultimately to her forefathers being dissatisfied with the German state church. The Prussian Agenda, seeking to unite the Reformed and Lutheran, … Continue reading →

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Apostolate and Ministry

Posted on December 7, 2020 by Paul Harris

Over 37 years of ministry, I only personally know of two removed from the clergy roster of the LCMS. One for cause and one just because. The one for cause is Matthew Becker who unlike the Neil Diamond song was … Continue reading →

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If that Paul can do it why can’t this one?

Posted on October 21, 2020 by Paul Harris

To my surprise, Paul McCartney’s first solo hit, “Uncle Albert” was made up of pieces from unfinished songs in the last days of the Beatles. There are 12 different sections. When I mentioned this to a musician he said, “They … Continue reading →

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The Cassandra Complex

Posted on August 17, 2020 by Paul Harris

I first mentioned Cassandra in a February 11, 2013 blog. In Greek mythology, she is given the power of prophesy by Apollo to win her love. When she cheats him, he turns this gift into a curse by causing her … Continue reading →

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Is what We Remember that Important?

Posted on July 7, 2020 by Paul Harris

“You don’t remember what your father said, but you remember what he did.” This was my first circuit counselor’s defense of deeds over creeds. He was a mid-50’s grad of the seminary. I was a new 1983 grad of the … Continue reading →

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If You’re Going to Run Through the Bosporus Give Heed to CCR

Posted on June 20, 2020 by Paul Harris

This article was published in Christian News, June 8, 2020. I couldn’t find an online edition so I offer it here for those interested.

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Bucket Lists, Binge Watching, and Social Distancing

Posted on March 24, 2020 by Paul Harris

It’s intriguing how quickly people adopt the latest way of labeling something. It becomes a shibboleth to me gauging how close one is to the world around them. This may be too strident of a judgment, something Logia editors said … Continue reading →

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If Righteousness Could Be Gained Through the Law – Visit to a Church of Christ

Posted on January 13, 2020 by Paul Harris

While attending that bastion of learning, Southwest Texas State University in the late 70s, I took a course for credit taught at a Church of Christ by a Church of Christ elder. It was notable in that he “proved” Jesus … Continue reading →

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Have a Good Game

Posted on December 23, 2019 by Paul Harris

I’m shutting the door to my study, on my way to conduct the Divine Service, preach the Word, and administer the Sacrament. One of my members, athletic himself with his kids in sports, says casually, “Have a good game.” He … Continue reading →

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