Category Archives: Life and Testimony

Brotherly Friction–Organizational Crucifixion

Posted on March 26, 2014 by Ron Goetz

My brother Noel recently expressed his concern for me. Tread lightly if befriending those who will agree with you, based only on their need to be comforted and befriended, versus a true hunger for the truth of the gospel. This … Continue reading →

Posted in Church, Devotional, Diversity, Family, Liberal Devotion, Life and Testimony | 2 Comments

ED KELLY: “I’m proof God changes hearts and minds”

Posted on September 7, 2012 by Ron Goetz

Edward L. Kelly Jr, a former pastor, writes about his change of position on marriage equality. In the early 80’s when I began my preaching ministry, I wrote and ranted that not only was homosexuality a sin, but it was … Continue reading →

Posted in Dominionism, Life and Testimony | 24 Comments

Former Nazarene Pastor Rick James

Posted on August 25, 2012 by Ron Goetz

I recently received this note from Rick James, former pastor in the Church of the Nazarene and a graduate of Point Loma Nazarene University. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * I … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, Church of the Nazarene, Life and Testimony, Point Loma Nazarene University, Religion, Sanctification, Testimony | 8 Comments

Ex-Southern Baptist Pastor Ted Hayes–80 Years Old and Still Speaking His Mind

Posted on August 9, 2012 by Ron Goetz

I received this from Dr. Ted Hayes, a retired Southern Baptist pastor living in Kingston, New York, a few days ago ( 2012/08/06).  Thanks for sharing this, Pastor Hayes. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible, Christianity, Gay Christians, Homosexuality, Homosexuality and the Bible, Life and Testimony, Pastoral Ministry, Southern Baptist, Testimony | 16 Comments

What Every Good Parent Should Want for their Child

Posted on February 25, 2012 by Ron Goetz

Some time back a FB friend named Zoë suggested several blog topics to me that really resonated. I’m going to start with her first suggestion, “What should every good parent want for their child?” In some ways that’s a simple question, in other ways complex. I’m … Continue reading →

Posted in Family, Life and Testimony, Parenting | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

“Every Member a Soul-Winner”

Posted on November 24, 2011 by Ron Goetz

My brother Noel is encouraging me to be an evangelist. He believes that all Christians should be evangelizing, and he reminded me about how, when I came home from college for a holiday, I led him to the Lord when he … Continue reading →

Posted in Homosexuality, Life and Testimony | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

When They Close Ranks Against You

Posted on November 4, 2011 by Ron Goetz

It started in June of last year, and lasted until the end of August.  On a much-visited “fundamentalist”  website  I  found  a  thread titled “Luke 17:34 – 36,” initiated in 2006 by a poster who asked the question, “In the light of the current … Continue reading →

Posted in Gay Christians, Life and Testimony, Two Men in One Bed | Tagged , , , | 8 Comments

My Sister, Bible College, and Deprivileging Theology

Posted on September 24, 2011 by Ron Goetz

My sister was born with brain damage. The umbilical cord was wrapped around her neck.  The doctors waited 24 hours before deciding to perform an emergency C-section. This was fifty-two years ago, before the great advances in fetal monitoring and the massive … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible, Christendom, Christianity, Life and Testimony, Theology | Tagged , , , , | 11 Comments

A Seminarian’s Rage

Posted on August 26, 2011 by Ron Goetz

In 1978 Dick Jefferson was pastor of Temple Baptist Church, located on 19th Avenue in San Francisco. I had heard about him at Simpson because he had done something rather extraordinary. He had led the transition of his American Baptist … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, Life and Testimony, Pastoral Ministry | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments

Activism: My Dad’s Legacy to Me

Posted on August 10, 2011 by Ron Goetz

My dad’s life was hard, from beginning to end. He was born in Buffalo, NY, when his father was 60.  Orphaned at 12, he was raised by his adult siblings–raised, and suffered beatings by an older brother. At some point he was sent to military … Continue reading →

Posted in Life and Testimony | Tagged , , , , , , | 16 Comments