This my top ten most viewed posts of the 2019!
It’s always interesting to see what analytics reveal about what people are reading!
Most Viewed Posts in 2019:
1. 9 Keys to Engaging Youth In Church
Not a new post, but the definition of evergreen, people are always looking for help engaging youth in the church. This post was the basis for my first ebook, A Church for All.
2. The United Methodist Church Didn’t Listen to Jesus Yesterday
Back in February, the United Methodists were looking to clarify its relationship to the LGBTQ community and its theology. But rather than build consensus, they chose to formally reject holy conversation.
3. One Table
I was given the opportunity to present a paper on Holy Communion from the perspective of The Episcopal Church. Knowing my colleagues would cover many of the nuts and bolts, I chose a more creative and human approach.
4. They Did Not Understand About the Loaves
This piece was from my 2016 daily devotional: “A Simple Lent”. This reflection was fun to write, and for the second year in a row, ended up at #4.
This reflection on John 21 from 2013 reached #3 last year. Much like the above passage from Mark, these aren’t passages that are written about. And Google seems to like them!
6. Change: For the Sake of Change
I’m constantly writing about change because we’ve got it all wrong. This piece from 2018 makes the case for it. It didn’t make the top ten last year, but the subject is both evergreen and timely.
7. How the Blind Beggar Became the Greatest Disciple
Last year’s #5 and a first-timer on the list, this sermon from 2015 gets traction from people looking up Mark 10:46-52.
In this piece, I tried to tie two things together: the multiple ways the Bible talks about sex and marriage and contrast them with what we take as “traditional”. [2012]
An eternal question and its befuddling answer. Last year’s #10 is from 2011.
10. Jesus the Snake
I called this an “alternative homily” of John 3:14-21. I tried to explore the story from the view I could’ve taken if I had thought of it before Sunday. [2015]
Overview
Let’s crunch the numbers.
2011: 2
2012: 1
2013: 1
2015: 2
2016: 1
2018: 1
2019: 2
This year’s top posts sport a couple of new and timely posts near the top, but the rest are evergreen. Several of last year’s first-time top posts returned.
As usual, people search for fixes to problems. But for the second year in a row, most of the top posts look like sermon prep or Bible study.
In the coming days, I’ll share my essential reading for 2019 and my 3 words for the new year. Until then, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!