Brant S. Copeland

Brant S. Copeland is pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Talla­hassee, Florida.

Articles by Brant S. Copeland

Blogging Toward Sunday

When we need the Spirit's help

Numbers 11:4-6, 10-16, 24-29

Sep 24, 2012 by Brant S. Copeland

My Dad was a pastor. He began his ministry in the early 50’s, when mainline churches were growing like weeds and a clerical collar would elicit a discount at the local department store and a complementary membership in the country club.

Not so for my son, who has also worked a pastor. He paid full price for his coffee at Starbucks, where he led discussions with Millennials who wouldn’t dream of darkening the door of his grandfather’s church.

Living by the Word

Sunday, September 30, 2012

Numbers 11:4–6, 10–16, 24–29; Mark 9:38–50

Sep 18, 2012 by Brant S. Copeland

My dad was a pastor. After serving in World War II, he went to college on the G.I. Bill and then on to seminary. Like other mainline denominations, the Presbyterian Church was in full growth mode back then, and clergy ranked high in polls among the nation’s most trusted and respected professionals.

Blogging Toward Sunday

Reconsidering Proverbs 31

Proverbs 31:10–31

Sep 17, 2012 by Brant S. Copeland

Proverbs 31 used to be a standard at funerals. That was before we realized that womanly virtue meant more than giving a husband bragging rites in the city gates. I use to think it my pastoral duty to root out both masculine and feminine stereotypes in liturgy, hymnody and scripture. Now I’m not so sure.

Living by the Word

Sunday, September 23, 2012

Proverbs 31:10–31

Sep 11, 2012 by Brant S. Copeland

Those of us who follow the lectionary have encountered the industrious woman of Proverbs 31 many times. Every three years she appears with her wool and flax, her distaff and spindle, her keen eye for both fashion and a good deal, her open hand to the poor, and her penchant for providing her husband bragging rights at the city gates. But we haven’t always welcomed her.