Most people believe spiritual growth matters, and it certainly does. Even the growing number of people who reject organized religion and all of its baggage will tell you that they believe in the importance of spiritual growth, reflection, and formation. Seeking inner peace, love, hope, joy, contentment, and grace in this culture can be very challenging. That is simply stating the obvious. We live in chaotic times where there are many obstacles to achieving peace. Restlessness and anxiety is at an all-time high. These obstacles should be named because, in many ways, they are always present and serve as......

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We have established a TEXAS FLOOD SURVIVOR FUND to provide counseling for the children who survived the massive floods the weekend of July 4th. They have been through a LOT. Many of them lost siblings and close friends. The devastation and loss of life has been overwhelming. We have all seen the heartbreaking coverage on the news. Here is a picture of my friends from Houston when they dropped their girls at Camp Mystic. Annie (11) survived. Molly (9) did not. Life brings lots of heartache. An undeniable reality of being human......

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It has been absolutely heartbreaking to see the devastation from the weekend flooding in Texas and all the lives that have been lost. I have a good friend from college whose two daughters were at Camp Mystic. The younger one did not make it. These families are hurting and we need to keep all of them in our prayers.  We are establishing a Texas flood relief fund here at Woodmont and will decide how to best use the money to support the families and the rebuilding.  You can click here to make your contribution online:......

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This Friday, we will celebrate the Fourth of July, the 249th birthday of our nation. We live in the greatest country on earth, despite the challenges that we face. Columbia University professor Andrew Delbanco published a fascinating book in 1999 titled The Real American Dream: A Meditation on Hope. In the book, he gives a spiritual history of our nation and how each generation has worked to create a culture of meaning to make sense of life’s challenges, suffering, and purpose. In the early years, Delbanco says that the primary focus was......

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On Sunday, the congregation officially approved our 2025-2026 operating budget and the proposed leadership slate. Our new leaders (Board, Elder, Deacon) will be installed this Sunday, June 29, at the 11:00 service, and our new church year begins on July 1. I am grateful for those who are stepping up to serve the church in these important roles! Please keep them in your prayers. I am also grateful to those who are rolling off at the end of this month. Also, a big THANK YOU to everybody who is putting on Woodmont’s......

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Clay Stauffer What the World Needs Now by Clay Stauffer The 5 Types of Wealth by Sahil Bloom Tim Keller on the Christian Life by Matt Smethurst Baptizing America by Beau Underwood Thinking Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman Hope by Pope Francis Michael Graham Come and See: Discipleship in the Gospel of John by Sherry Brown Hare Brain, Tortoise Mind by Guy Claxton Andra Moran The Hidden Gospel — Decoding the Spiritual Message of the Aramaic Jesus by Neil Douglas Klotz The Prophetess by Chelan Harkin The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by......

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I often find myself thinking about the future of Christianity in America. What will the church landscape look like five, ten, or twenty years from now? In mainline Christianity, denominational decline and statistics have been depressing for quite a while. Many churches are aging rapidly and having a hard time reaching the younger generations. If your nursery is empty and your children’s ministry is struggling, that is not a good sign. If attending your church is boring or painful, that is not a good sign. Energy and hospitality are key! People want......

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We are now entering the summer months. Summer brings a different pace, an opportunity to slow down and catch our breath after a busy end of the school year. Over the years, I have learned to embrace the rhythms of the different seasons. I also find myself reminding people that church keeps gathering during the summer. In ministry, I see a lot of people who are hurting and who need to heal for a variety of reasons. I am thankful that Woodmont is a church that is very intentional about offering healing......

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