Books abound in the preacher’s life.  At times I feel they overtake me.  They are on my desk, on my shelves, on my nightstand, on my electronic devices, in my briefcase, in my car, in the floor, at the house, at the church, at the office…everywhere I see them, I read them, and I pour them into my life.  Some of them inspire me, others offend me.  Some solidify my convictions, others rebuke them.  Some are creative, while others are contentious.  I love books; most preachers do.

It was Mark Twain who said, “A man who doesn’t read good books …

I have a general rule of thumb about visiting places for the first time: if I feel uncomfortable or unwelcomed, I typically don’t go back.  This is true with restaurants, vacation spots, individual homes, and yes, even churches.

Some of the most joyous places I have ever visited have been churches; and unfortunately, some of the most miserable places I have ever visited have been churches.  It is sad to say, but some congregations don’t do well with visitors.  They feel threatened by their presence, and aggravated by the fact that someone different just might sit in their pew (I …