Let’s start with “yes!” In our pursuit of spiritual growth, we often encounter questions and challenges that require deep reflection and discernment. The book, Perfect Love: Recovering Entire Sanctification - The Lost Power of the Methodist Movement by Kevin M. Watson offers invaluable insights into the Wesleyan doctrines of salvation and sanctification presenting their transformative potential in our lives. For Methodists, to truly grow, the heart of our spiritual journey lies the unique practice of creating a trusted group of 3 to 4 individuals who walk alongside us, offering support, acco ..read more

There are 300 Biblical references about the Messiah. Gabriel, Mary, Joseph, Elizabeth, Zechariah, angels, shepherds, Simeon and Anna are well known and beloved members of the narrative. (Matthew 1-2 and Luke 1-2) Consider how the Magi add a Far Eastern exotic flavor to the mix. Their salvation narrative is recorded in Daniel 2. The Magi mentioned in Matthew 2 pique our interest as outsiders who arrive years after the birth of the Messiah. Sometimes we forget it takes time for people to see the signs or to hear the good news before they actually arrive, trust and believe. Herod the Great, Caesa ..read more

There are few topics more important than the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ. In his high profile Case for Christ* series, Lee Strobel pointed out there are 300 biblical passages spread across 260 chapters that reference the physical resurrection of Jesus. Dr. Jeremiah Johnston boldly states in his new book, “Christianity is based on history – not myth, legend, fairy tales or fables*.” However, along with the mountain of evidence, Dr. Johnston cautions that some 25 percent of self-identifying Christians say they don’t believe in the bodily resurrection of Jesus. So, what do you believe? Th ..read more

Please join me as we pray for God’s anointing and vision for Willerup Church as we approach the Wisconsin Annual Conference vote, June 9, and to allow the disaffiliation to take place. Keep all the churches, clergy, staff and congregations as a top priority in your prayer life. It’s been a long road. God has been faithful. You have been faithful. It’s our time to accept the mantle of authority the LORD has placed upon us. Something new is about to take place. We need to be ready: a holy people, prepared to do good works which Christ Jesus predestined for us to do. (Ephesians 2:10) Christ Jesus ..read more

Have you ever left Easter worship service totally uplifted and convinced Jesus really did rise from the dead and that resurrection power was available to you? Then, only to find out a few hours later, that even though you felt good at church, real life challenges stole your Easter happy! You're not alone. Unfortunately, this happens a lot. What if the problem wasn't Easter or Christianity for that matter. What if the problem was with how we approached our 'after' Easter story? Willerup Christians will no doubt be in awe of the work of Jesus this Easter. We are familiar with the events which mo ..read more

You are alive during one of the most challenging epochs of modern history. Dramatic clashes of authority can be seen everywhere. Just reading a headline produces anxiety. Dramatic clashes occur within our own families and marriages which leave us feeling anxious, alone and isolated. You need connection. I need connection. We are designed for it. But, there has never been a time when we've more divided. As if that wasn't enough, pile on more anxiety and add a little hopelessness as you search for any good news coming from Washington, D.C. or Ukraine or your local school board. Dramatic authorit ..read more

Skepticism is the trendy way culture evaluates everything these days. Healthy skepticism is good. It stops us from clicking on an email sent by a savvy criminal trying to get into our bank account. It can include a gut-check to slow down on making a decision that has enormous future impact and requires more time for second thoughts. Healthy skepticism is good. But, when it comes to the Bible or our belief…skepticism will derail a robust faith in a New York minute. WHY? Several reasons come to mind: 1. We underestimate the Adversary. 2. Our ego gets in the way. 3. We aren’t confident about wha ..read more

Maybe it’s been a minute since you thought about church growth. There are many theories about what happens when a church who began as family church attracts more people to become a pastor-centered church to one that is program sized and eventually engages more people to become a large church! A lot changes, hopefully transformation, right? Although we might be excited about continued church growth, there are things to consider. One very important component is practicing personal humility and personal spiritual growth. Notice what makes you agitated or disappointed. Be Christ-like in everything ..read more

This fall, we are exploring one of the Christian classic texts, Dietrich Bonhoeffer's "Life Together.” Someone might ask why we are delving into Bonhoeffer, instead of, the writings of John Wesley? In a world currently dealing with the epidemic of loneliness, “Life Together” offers a unique perspective on fostering genuine Christian community. Bonhoeffer's book delves into the essence of intentional Christian communal living, urging readers to embrace committed relationships that shape personal growth and shared worship. Amidst the challenges of his own time leading an underground seminary dur ..read more

Our conversation was about normal stuff--nothing out of the ordinary. So, I didn't expect what happened next. I nonchalantly mentioned something that was no longer any of my business to be thinking about and she let me have it! "Oh my, GOD! Stop bringing it up. That part of your life is over and you've worked through the steps of forgiveness. Sure, it's going to hurt and for more than a little while. But, every time YOU bring it up, it's like re-injuring your own heart over and over again." Ouch. She was so right. We are all guilty of self-inflicted wounding at times and it can be an awful cyc ..read more