When I was in seminary, a professor challenged us future pastors to view the church as a hospital rather than a museum. Too often, he was seeing churches as a place where people go to look and see all the “good” the church had done in the past. But in a museum, you...
When Jews celebrate the Passover meal, the youngest child asks the question, “Why does this night differ from all other nights?” Since we will soon celebrate Jesus’ fulfillment of Passover during Holy Week, it is good for us to ask a similar question: “How does this week...
As I continue to integrate into Central, one of the things I have had to prepare is my business card. It's a simple tool, but on I will utilize in connecting with the community. At Central, the design on the front of the card is the same for all staff, but on the back we are given the chance for...
My Journey as the Pastor of Evangelism and Community at Central Presbyterian Church by Pastor Ben Tzeng
I’ll never forget the day I thought our 3 year-old was missing. We searched, called her name, and even drove around the block. “What if someone took her? What if she’s hurt?… “ Those thoughts closed my throat and chilled my veins. After what...
It doesn’t take anyone very long to figure out that music plays a prominent role in the church. When believers gather in community for worship, we spend time in prayer, we learn about the transformational truths of the Gospel through preaching, and we sing our faith in songs about...
As we watch the scenes of city of Texas and Florida submerged in the deluge of hurricanes and Mexico digging out from a ferocious earthquake (and all in the same month!), at some point we can hardly help wondering “Why?” Why does God allow events like this to occur? This is a hard...
There are times when coffee and a pastry are more than a light breakfast, and bacon is more than just a tasty treat. The food at Central's summer brunches is always delicious – "Julie & Co." does an amazing job preparing the menu each week, but the purpose behind the brunches is much...
Are your prayers too small? On Pentecost Sunday (June 4), Pastor Clay Smith gave a stirring and inspiring sermon about the kind of prayer that sustains our participation in God’s full mission. While God certainly cares about the smallest details of our lives, he also calls us to lift our...
We often hear stories of generosity and compassion around Christmas. Wonderful, encouraging tales of people reaching out and loving others through generous deeds and gifts. Though they surely happen, similar stories at Easter seem far less frequent. The focus of these holidays should certainly...