Posts by Category: Bishop’s Corner

The word “Advent” means “coming” or the arrival of something important. As a people of faith, we join the voices of Ancient Israel in the clarion cry for God to save us, to restore justice and to build right relationships. We join their voices in a call for the fulfillment of God’s promises. By Bishop Jonathan Holston.

It has been said that, “When spoken together at just the right moment, there are two words that have amazing, life-changing power.” These two words possess the capacity to breathe into us new life, to lift burdens, and to calm fears—as well as to inspire hope. The two words to which I refer are simply these: “I understand.” A column by Bishop Jonathan Holston.

At the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, midshipmen must keep their rooms ready for inspection at any time and keep their uniforms in regulation condition. Demerits can be given for a room or uniform that is not in proper order. A column for the Advocate by Bishop L. Jonathan Holston.

What I have come to know is that confession and repentance is hard and painful work. No one ever feels that they have wronged anyone or done anything that needs an apology until it is brought to their attention. Yet repentance goes beyond confession. To truly repent demands a life changed from the inside out. A column for the Advocate by Bishop L. Jonathan Holston.

In times of change, such as this year of pandemic that we have experienced, what if we were to offer new questions rather than searching for a new “right” answer. Changing the conversation can move us toward a different way of thinking about our future possibilities. By Bishop Jonathan Holston.

By Bishop L. Jonathan Holston. Walking with Bishop Knox into the town of Alajuela, I asked him his expectations of clergy. He responded, “To be on the cutting edge of ministry, making a difference for the sake of Christ.”

Jesus’ call for us not to worry about the future is a bold claim. The good news of the Gospel is just that—GOOD news. So when Jesus tells us not to worry, he is not leaving us high and dry. Jesus is calling us to put our trust in him. To trust that he will provide for our every need—the big stuff and the little stuff. All of it. By Bishop Jonathan Holston.

Even now—especially now—we have the opportunity to be for someone the Gospel that they may never otherwise hear. By Bishop L. Jonathan Holston.

So many of us experienced something of an adrenaline rush that propelled us through the challenges of 2020. As we deal with the ongoing pandemic, many people are feeling more foggy and fatigued. The adrenaline rush has waned, so how do we amass the energy necessary to sustain us through the final stretch of this season? By Bishop L. Jonathan Holston.

My prayer for the new year is succinctly, I trust you, Jesus. That fear loses its grip on me. That adversity becomes an opportunity for growth and that grace is gratefully received. By Bishop L. Jonathan Holston.

When we are willing to step up and step out in faith, God will lead us beyond the bounds of expectations. A word from Bishop Jonathan Holston.

Bishop L. Jonathan Holston on the coming 2020 Annual Conference.

“Are we there yet?” Most folks have heard this question while traveling. The GPS even counts down the miles and minutes that remain until you arrive at your destination. The driver points out landmarks for passengers to look for along the route. These checkpoints create digestible lengths of time for milestones reached until the trip is complete. A column for the Advocate by Bishop L. Jonathan Holston.

Forty-five years ago, against the advice of his Motown record executives, Marvin Gaye released the song “What’s Going On.” What’s going on is that we can’t breathe. The weight of oppression and injustice is suffocating. By Bishop L. Jonathan Holston.

By Bishop L. Jonathan Holston. Growing up in the Holston household, respect for your elders was the rule. Fear was not exactly what my brother and I had for our father, even though we were scared at times, but it was the awesome power of his presence. He was a yes sir/no sir kind of guy. If he asked you to jump, you asked how high. If he asked you to run, you asked how far. If he asked you to stand, you asked how long.

By Bishop L. Jonathan Holston. The famed Dear Abby advice column offers wisdom wrapped in empathy and practicality. One such insightful column includes ways to have a chance for a fresh start today. There is no need to wait for a new week, a new month, or a new year. We don’t need to feel overwhelmed by the enormity of the long term.