Grace & Gumption
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Essential Equations: Goodness in Ministry and Music
I deeply enjoyed drafting the sixth chapter in my work in progress, Fruitful Worship, in which I considered the necessity of doctrinal, moral, and creative goodness for fruitful music and ministries. As I wrap up this chapter, I want to share the following, which may be helpful to those who, like me, might wonder where Continue reading
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The Amazing Grace of a Father
The first hymn I ever learned was “Amazing Grace.” My dad used to hum it to me when I was a child and, later, taught it to me. At my wedding, nearly one year ago, it was my wedding processional. (The above photo is of that exciting, terrifying moment.) “Don’t worry,” my dad said before Continue reading
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Becoming Who Your Book Thinks You Are
When I was in grad school, I asked a fellow student to grab coffee. She was a few steps (and degrees) ahead of me, but we shared an alma mater and enough other similarities that I hoped maybe we’d become friends. At coffee, she told me about a book she was writing on happiness and Continue reading
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Leaning toward Grace
Too often, I’ve heard professing Christians say, “I just lean more grace than truth.” This statement is used to simultaneously claim Christ while committing the sins that crucified him. Such statements ignore the nature of grace, which does not leave us to stew in sin but saves us from sin. Grace is not separate from Continue reading
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Seven Deadly…Gyms?
Today, I chose the treadmill most people at the gym avoid. Situated right behind a load-bearing column, it’s the one treadmill that doesn’t afford a view of either the TVs, the mirrors, or other people. I anticipated insufferable boredom and resolved to run as quickly as possible so I could be done as quickly as Continue reading
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Good Friday 2022
Art, beauty, Bible, blog, blogger, christ, christian, christian blogger, Christian living, Christian poetry, christianity, church, devotional, faith, hope, journal, poem, poems, poet, poetry, poets, reflection, sacred music, sacred poetry, theology, theology and the arts, word, worship, write, writer, writing -
Every Careless Note
Whenever I receive new music, I review the lyrics of the selected songs. Recently, I had to turn down a gig because it would have required me to perform pieces from The Book of Mormon. I am not Mormon and have strong disagreements with much of the Latter Day Saints doctrine; however, many of my Continue reading
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Love: The Good Soil
Because of the outpouring of interest and encouragement surrounding my first post on the fruit of the Spirit in worship music, I have begun work on a full manuscript on the subject! Now that I am several months into the project and well into chapter three, I feel it is only right to share some Continue reading
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Church Growth Prayer
Teach me, Lord, to number my daysInstead of counting sheep: To live as faithfully for the oneAs for the ninety-nine.May it be as I lay down to sleepThat I rest in the victory you’ve wonBeyond any success I’d claim as mine. Continue reading
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Building the Body or Building the Brand?
Examining church doctrinal statements and job postings is a weird hobby of mine. It’s one of the consequences of being a huge theology nerd as well as a pastor’s wife. Recently, I came across several ministry job descriptions that are deeply troubling. Frighteningly, these are coming to represent a norm amongst contemporary evangelical churches. For Continue reading
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The Interview
You’re here for which position?Oh, that one. Alright.You’re from where?It’s not much of a town, is it. (Not a question: a statement.A judgement.) This is your first ministry job?Hm.And you’re thirty?Well, we all have to start sometime… (He is not more than fortyBut they start them young.) How many children do you have?One? That’s nice—What’s Continue reading
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Communion Crumbs
Last week, I was provided an unexpected perspective on communion. On Saturday, my husband remembered that it was his turn to bring the communion items—the bread and the “wine.” We stopped by the grocery store for what we expected would be a quick errand and, instead, spent a fair amount of time in the juice Continue reading
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Ryanne Molinari 