First Post in 2011

When I became a full-time pastor back in 2008 I read something that said every pastor should have a blog.

Of course, I know plenty of pastors that don't have a blog.

But I have always enjoyed writing.

And so I thought, why not? Yes, I should have a blog. And SamSpeak was born.

It went well for quite a while. It's probably not too much to say that I was mildly obsessed with it. I don't think I ever developed a large following, but some people were reading. And in addition, some friends were also blogging, so it was like we were developing our own little blogging community--one of the cool things about this medium.

But then my wife and I had a major transition to a different state, a larger church, more responsibilites, blah, blah, blah.

Needless to say, blogging fell by the wayside.

But the proverbial itch to get back into blogging has been begging to be scratched for a while.

And so today, on this somewhat cool and dreary October 12 in the flat plains of rural mid-west Ohio, I decided to just go for it.

I realize, of course, that this post is kind of dumb. There is nothing here of subtance. But that's okay. I think that's been part of problem--too worried about saying something so profound and significant. And who am I kidding? I'm not all that profound or significant!

So, here's hoping to be better at this than I have been. And I'd love to invite you on the journey with me.

The only thing I promise is to be honest--honest about my own doubts and fears and failures and faults; which is not an easy task for someone who bears the official title "Senior Pastor." Thus, I anticipate posts on here could range anywhere from mildly amusing to irreverent to tottering on the verge of that dreaded "H" word .... heresy.

Not intentionally on that latter part, of course.

I also hope to provide some thoughts of substance, some constructive theology, some encouragement, and be a blessing along the way, all in line with my stated purpose and intention for SamSpeak.

Theology, I'm very much beginning to understand and believe is so much more about the journey than a destination. Granted, my theology has an ultimate destination ... But heaven is only going to be the beginning of a new journey. One that lasts forever.