The Rev. Juan Huertas
United Methodist Church
St. John's United Methodist Church, Baton Rouge, LA
The Rev. Juan Huertas is pastor of St. John's United Methodist Church in Baton Rouge, LA. Before coming to St. John's in 2011, he served as pastor of Squyres United Methodist Church in Ragley, LA, for three years.
He graduated from Candler School of Theology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, and was a fellow of The Fund for Theological Education.
He is a husband, dad, son, brother, spiritual director, as well as pastor.
Latest Content by The Rev. Juan Huertas
The Rev. Juan Huertas
(
UMC)
I join the many others in church circles who are reflecting, talking, and gathering about leadership. It seems that the more that we recognize congregational reality the more that we talk about "leadership" as the key factor in helping congregations become fruitful again. Strategies are many, actual evidence of those strategies working, few. It seems that what works is an intentionality and an ability to interpret, read, exegete the congregational and communal culture of a place and begin to ask questions about what God might be up to in that place.
Read full article...
The Rev. Juan Huertas
(
UMC)
It should not surprise us that another attempt at figuring out, reading the tea leaves, guessing, has failed. It seems that from the very beginning people connected to the Christian faith have been tempted to figure it out, to give a date, to make sure that people have an opportunity to prepare. We might begin our exploration of this phenomenon in the New Testament where in the book of Thessalonians where its author tells the church:
Read full article...
Other Recent Content by The Rev. Juan Huertas
May 03, 2011
The Rev. Juan Huertas
(UMC)
Hearing of the death of Osama Bin Laden has caused many type of responses. Many are asking, How should a Christian respond? Here is my personal response.
April 17, 2011
The Rev. Juan Huertas
(UMC)
As we begin this Holy Week, let us embrace the difficult journey that in the end leads to real resurrection.
March 21, 2011
The Rev. Juan Huertas
(UMC)
We know Jesus is calling people to the harvest. What is the "harvest?" and Who's Jesus calling?
March 16, 2011
The Rev. Juan Huertas
(UMC)
As I continue my journey through the bible I encounter the story of Jesus in the wilderness. As we continue in this Lenten journey I wonder if we at times should allow ourselves to explore the wilderness instead of trying to hurry out of it.
March 14, 2011
The Rev. Juan Huertas
(UMC)
A year ago I wrote a piece lamenting the church growth movement. It quickly elicited many comments, a year later would I have written something different?
March 09, 2011
The Rev. Juan Huertas
(UMC)
As we begin Lent let us take seriously our reconciliation to God and the created order and let us become agents of reconciliation in the world.
February 25, 2011
The Rev. Juan Huertas
(UMC)
A call for Christians to dialogue about sexuality as a part of our being made in God's image.
February 21, 2011
The Rev. Juan Huertas
(UMC)
What should be our response to the poor? The bible tells us time and time again, are we listening?
February 10, 2011
The Rev. Juan Huertas
(UMC)
As I read through Job I notice that real friends know when to stay silent,especially in times of tragedy.
February 08, 2011
The Rev. Juan Huertas
(UMC)
As I continue reading through the bible I realize how Nehemiah's struggle to build the wall of Jerusalem is much like our struggle to rebuild the church.
February 04, 2011
The Rev. Juan Huertas
(UMC)
I Chronicles can seem like a long list of names. As I read through them I find myself bored and can't wait to get through them, then I realize that each of these names matter because people matter.
February 02, 2011
The Rev. Juan Huertas
(UMC)
As I continue my adventure through the bible I read through I Kings and reflect on a well read scripture in Sunday school: Elijah and the prophets of Baal. It makes me realize that the gods we serve are sleeping . . .
January 27, 2011
The Rev. Juan Huertas
(UMC)
The cost of maintaining a building can sometimes cause a church to stop doing vital ministries. As I read through I Kings I ask, Does God need a house?
January 26, 2011
The Rev. Juan Huertas
(UMC)
As I read through II Samuel I'm struck by David's public display of grief at the death of his son Absalom.
January 20, 2011
The Rev. Juan Huertas
(UMC)
Reading the bible in 90 days and blogging about it!
December 19, 2010
The Rev. Juan Huertas
(UMC)
Christmas Eve can be one of the most attended worship services of the year. Have we prepared in ways that will facilitate the hearing of the good news?
December 13, 2010
The Rev. Juan Huertas
(UMC)
In this season of Advent we might want to reflect on the response of people like Joseph, who was given the task of naming his son with a name that would be a constant reminder of his identity to all the world.
December 05, 2010
The Rev. Juan Huertas
(UMC)
Today the Gospel calls us to repent! What kind of Advent preparation is that?
December 01, 2010
The Rev. Juan Huertas
(UMC)
On this World Aids Day I ponder the church's role in combating this killer disease, in educating people about the disease, & in providing a place of healing to people living with Aids and their families.
November 28, 2010
The Rev. Juan Huertas
(UMC)
As we begin the season of Advent are we going to actively wait or rush and miss God with us?
November 23, 2010
The Rev. Juan Huertas
(UMC)
On this thanksgiving week are we just going to say thanks or are we going to discover the joys of a life of gratitude?
November 01, 2010
The Rev. Juan Huertas
(UMC)
As I reflect on the people of faith that have gone before me I am reminded of my own call to "saintly" living in our world today!
October 07, 2010
The Rev. Juan Huertas
(UMC)
After a gathering with other clergy members I left wondering if I was really too busy?
September 03, 2010
The Rev. Juan Huertas
(UMC)
Musings about faithful discipleship as a call to love!
July 08, 2010
The Rev. Juan Huertas
(UMC)
A satirical response to concealed weapons in houses of worship.
June 01, 2010
The Rev. Juan Huertas
(UMC)
On the first day of Hurricane season the people of Louisiana prepare for disaster as it deals with one. How do we respond?
April 29, 2010
The Rev. Juan Huertas
(UMC)
Personal thoughts on the Christian response to immigrants.
April 21, 2010
The Rev. Juan Huertas
(UMC)
In the midst of continued suspicion of institutions where do we stand as the church? ...I've heard the church called a bureaucracy many times and I wonder why? I've been guilty of speaking of the church as if it was this disembodied entity that had nothing to do with me. I believe this way of thinking allows me to be critical without having to commit to be part of the solution...
March 24, 2010
The Rev. Juan Huertas
(UMC)
A response to No More Church Growth!
March 10, 2010
The Rev. Juan Huertas
(UMC)
What if the church stopped worrying about growing and instead became focused on proclamation?
February 23, 2010
The Rev. Juan Huertas
(UMC)
In the church and in the world we are constantly hearing about the need for transformative leaders. This Lenten season is God calling us to be a transformative people?
February 17, 2010
The Rev. Juan Huertas
(UMC)
As we gather today may the mark on our foreheads remind us that we can begin again.
February 11, 2010
The Rev. Juan Huertas
(UMC)
As I celebrate with fellow Louisianians I ask: What can the church do to inspire a city? To inspire a state?
February 02, 2010
The Rev. Juan Huertas
(UMC)
Sometimes our best intentions lead to poor action. As we continue to watch the events in Haiti unfold, may Christians be more attentive to how their actions witness the good news.
January 19, 2010
The Rev. Juan Huertas
(UMC)
Dr. King's message is as important today as ever. May his words guide us as we seek to help the people of Haiti rebuild.
January 14, 2010
The Rev. Juan Huertas
(UMC)
While many are asking about God's presence during tragedy, the people of God are moved to become the answer to the question.
January 05, 2010
The Rev. Juan Huertas
(UMC)
While stores have moved on, in our family we will gather tonight and wait for the wise men. The story will help us remember to become light for the world.
December 31, 2009
The Rev. Juan Huertas
(UMC)
Why don't we keep up with our resolutions? Maybe some reflection on the passing year will help us keep them this coming year!
December 24, 2009
The Rev. Juan Huertas
(UMC)
Noche Buena "Good Night" is Christmas Eve in Spanish speaking countries. As we gather this Christmas Eve many ask themselves: What is good this night?
The Angels have an answer . . .
December 15, 2009
The Rev. Juan Huertas
(UMC)
As the leaders of the world gather to deal with climate change, at the grassroots the church remains silent.
December 05, 2009
The Rev. Juan Huertas
(UMC)
It's Christmas everywhere but we are still preparing. This does not mean we are not looking forward to the celebration. What it means is that we recognize that we cannot jump into the celebration until we are prepared for what Christ's coming really means.
November 30, 2009
The Rev. Juan Huertas
(UMC)
In the middle of Christmas world the church forces us to slow down and recognize our real need.
November 25, 2009
The Rev. Juan Huertas
(UMC)
The holiday of giving thanks has become a holiday to food, possession, and overconsumption.I wonder what it will take to turn the tide, to bring us to an attitude of true gratitude?
December 26, 2004
Melissa Wiginton
(other)
Melissa Wiginton is Director of Ministry Programs and Partnership for Excellence for the Fund for Theological Education, based in Atlanta, GA. She introduces Day 1 listeners to three seminarians supported by The Fund: Stephanie Crumpton is a senior at In
