brian shivers

We are really excited about this summer! We are working on creating a discussion series for Zoe. We would love to hear any questions that you might have on theology, faith, spiritual life, etc. If you have any suggestions on topics you would like to discuss this summer please leave a comment and it will be sent to Brian's email only. Also, if you have any suggestions on places that you would like to go to or things you want to do this summer, please send that in the comment as well. We look forward to great summer!

Sermon on Memorial Day – May 29, 2011 - (to view video, click here ) Acts 17:22-31 (click on citation to view text) The morning was full of excitement and anticipation. No one really knew exactly what to expect, but somehow everyone knew it would be great. The entire group had been preparing for nine months. They had explored, studied and discovered together. They had thought and dreamt about this very moment. And here they were. They had traveled to a new city, a new country together and had a full day ahead of them. As they walked down the street in the early morning sun, the energy was high and the chatter was lively. This was to be the first day of a ten day journey of faith. The group was handed their tickets and they began the climb up the magnificent hill. As they took the long walk up the hill the group had no idea what is in store for them when they would finally reach the top. I walked in the front of the group and stopped to face them. I wanted to see the looks on their fac...

I uploaded this for my family and friends who make up my "great cloud of witnesses".  This is the video version of the Great Cloud of Witnesses post below.  Thank you to all the saints, friends, students and colleagues who have been such an important part of this journey.  I praise God for you all. This was filmed at First Presbyterian Church, Anderson, Indiana.  It was immediately following my examination on the floor of presbytery - Whitewater Valley Presbytery - on Wednesday, May 11, 2011.

Everyone I know is stretched beyond their limits.  There are so many things that need to be done.  There are so many people who want something from us.  There are so many plans to be made and opportunities on which to follow through.  There are assignments to complete and people to please.  There are so many... Our lives can get so out of whack because of all of these demands.  As the people we love see us running around trying to complete every task and accomplish other people's goals, they will often offer this sage advice, "You know, you really need to learn how to say, 'No.'"  If only it were that easy, but it isn't.  Sometimes it feels as though it is impossible to tell people "No."  So, what about a little different take on the situation?  What if the problem isn't that we don't know how to say "no"?  What if the problem is that we haven't clearly defined that to which we are compelled to say "yes"?  Let's b...

The following are the words I shared on the floor of presbytery on Wednesday, May 11.  This was the day on which I was examined and voted on as a candidate for Minister of Word and Sacrament in the Presbyterian Church (USA).  I am humbled and thankful for all that has transpired over the last several days.  This is my way of saying "Thank you" to all of those who made it possible. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us” A small giant of a man, William James was born March 29, 1908 in a tiny Texas town. WJ, as he was called early in his life, became an itinerant minister in the Assembly of God Church. He faithfully served churches in Missouri, Illinois and Indiana for over 60 years. I was privileged to call this man “...