What if I told you there is a sermon online that has over 10 billion views since being posted? This sermon, only a little over 20 minutes long, has been used as the basis for laws and governments, influencing world leaders. The sermon has been debated and studied by ethicists, philosophers, lawyers, and theologians. The sermon has been quoted at least a trillion times, the most viral words in the ...  Read More

There are TWO big things happening this weekend.First, today is obviously an important one for our country. On its 250th anniversary, I am reminded of both the power and promise of the United States. Living here is a blessing and an ongoing mission, something we ought to be grateful for even as we accept the work of ensuring this country’s blessings for all people. Today, I hope each of us can giv...  Read More

I am going to confess something. Taking time off is hard for me. I know some of you think that sounds wild, but I suspect a few of you understand. First, I love my work and so it is not something I want to escape. Secondly, I like my days to have structure, a plan, and activity. I like to feel like I have accomplished something. Finally, and this one is the most difficult to admit, I have a lot of...  Read More

On June 19th, 1865 in Galveston Texas the last slaves in the United States received news of their freedom. Though the Emancipation Proclamation was written and released some two and a half years earlier, it took all that time to reach them. The day was obviously significant for them but it soon began to be celebrated throughout the south as a day when freedom formally was enacted for all.More rece...  Read More

This Sunday is going to be a special one at The Gathering for two reasons. First, we will be welcoming Ezequiel Nhantumbo and his wife Celia all the way from Mozambique! Ezy has been our Mozambique Initiative Representative since the inception of our partnership. He has hosted many teams from The Gathering (and all over Missouri) over his over 20 year span in this role. He is the main link between...  Read More

I remember as a teenager, someone described life to me as a mountain. The best way to climb it is with someone ahead of you and someone behind you. The person ahead of you is a little further along the path that you are traveling. They have seen things up ahead that you have not seen and accumulated experience that you have yet to accumulate. Most importantly, these are folks who can reach back an...  Read More