The Rev. Juan Carlos Huertas

Denomination: United Methodist Church (UMC)
Organization: Grace Community United Methodist Church, Shreveport, LA

The Rev. Juan Carlos Huertas is lead pastor of Grace Community United Methodist Church in Shreveport, LA. Before coming to Grace in 2014, he served at St. John's United Methodist Church in Baton Rouge, LA, for two years, and 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.

Day1 Weekly Programs by The Rev. Juan Carlos Huertas

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Juan Carlos Huertas: Understood

Tuesday May 15, 2018
The Rev. Juan Carlos Huertas says Ascension Sunday moved us from the long narrative of Jesus’ life, which culminated with his death and resurrection, and now lands us at this moment--and as Jesus ascends to the heavens, we like the disciples are left wondering--what now?

Juan Carlos Huertas: Why Are You Looking Up?

Tuesday May 08, 2018
The Rev. Juan Carlos Huertas says Ascension Sunday moves us from the long narrative of Jesus’ life that culminated with his death and resurrection and now lands us at this moment--and as Jesus ascends to the heavens, we, like his disciples, are left wondering--what now?

Abiding Fruit

Tuesday April 28, 2015
The Rev. Juan Huertas says Jesus calls us to abide in him, so Jesus becomes our root, our vine, and God grows it, tends it, makes sure it is healthy and whole, making us into flowering branches that reveal the presence of Jesus in the field of God's kingdom.

Sharing in the Life of Jesus

Tuesday August 07, 2012
In his sermon on John 6:35,41-51, the Rev. Juan Huertas says, Those of us who claim Christ as our Lord find ourselves being fed by Christ's own presence, and it is in that feeding that we are participants in the divine life.

The Future of Preaching

Sunday December 26, 2004
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

Articles by The Rev. Juan Carlos Huertas

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Juan Huertas: Noche Buena

Thursday December 24, 2015
Noche Buena (Good Night) is what we call Christmas Eve in Spanish speaking countries. It's more than a translation but a different way to look at this special "eve" in the Christian calendar. In many countries Noche Buena is the most important night of the Christmas season. It might even be more important than Christmas morning. Families gather, food is shared, then the family heads to church to celebrate Christ's birth.

The Eyes that Have Cried

Monday August 18, 2014
A lament in light of #ferguson

Leadership as "Space Making"

Tuesday October 11, 2011
The church continues to have conversations about the importance of leadership to Christian communities. Although we are tempted as leaders to often give answers I wonder if a more important practice is for the leader to provide space for questions.

Rapture Fail

Saturday May 21, 2011
Another false prophet fails in its predictions. As people of faith are we going to join the mockery or are we going to use this opportunity to proclaim the promise of a new creation?

Bin Laden's Death: A Response

Tuesday May 03, 2011
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.

The Beginning of the End: A Palm Sunday Reflection

Sunday April 17, 2011
As we begin this Holy Week, let us embrace the difficult journey that in the end leads to real resurrection.

Few Workers: Bible in 90 - Day 74

Monday March 21, 2011
We know Jesus is calling people to the harvest. What is the "harvest?" and Who's Jesus calling?

Forced: Bible in 90 - Day 71

Wednesday March 16, 2011
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.

No More Church Growth: A Year Later

Monday March 14, 2011
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?

Reconciliation: An Ash Wednesday Reflection

Wednesday March 09, 2011
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.

Biblical Erotica: Bible in 90

Friday February 25, 2011
A call for Christians to dialogue about sexuality as a part of our being made in God's image.

Poor & Needy: Bible in 90

Monday February 21, 2011
What should be our response to the poor? The bible tells us time and time again, are we listening?

Friends: Bible in 90

Thursday February 10, 2011
As I read through Job I notice that real friends know when to stay silent,especially in times of tragedy.

Rebuild: Bible in 90

Tuesday February 08, 2011
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.

Names: Bible in 90

Friday February 04, 2011
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.

Sleeping god

Wednesday February 02, 2011
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 . . .

House: Bible in 90

Thursday January 27, 2011
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?

Grief: Bible in 90

Wednesday January 26, 2011
As I read through II Samuel I'm struck by David's public display of grief at the death of his son Absalom.

Around the Bible in 90 Days

Thursday January 20, 2011
Reading the bible in 90 days and blogging about it!

Christmas Eve Worship

Sunday December 19, 2010
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?

He Will Save His People

Monday December 13, 2010
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.

Advent Preparation

Sunday December 05, 2010
Today the Gospel calls us to repent! What kind of Advent preparation is that?

An Aids Day Reflection

Wednesday December 01, 2010
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.

Advent Awakening

Sunday November 28, 2010
As we begin the season of Advent are we going to actively wait or rush and miss God with us?

Captured By Gratitude

Tuesday November 23, 2010
On this thanksgiving week are we just going to say thanks or are we going to discover the joys of a life of gratitude?

An All Saints Reflection

Monday November 01, 2010
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!

Busy!!

Thursday October 07, 2010
After a gathering with other clergy members I left wondering if I was really too busy?

Jesus on a Light Pole

Friday September 03, 2010
Musings about faithful discipleship as a call to love!

Packing Heat!

Thursday July 08, 2010
A satirical response to concealed weapons in houses of worship.

Louisiana Groans

Tuesday June 01, 2010
On the first day of Hurricane season the people of Louisiana prepare for disaster as it deals with one. How do we respond?

For I Was A Stranger . . .

Thursday April 29, 2010
Personal thoughts on the Christian response to immigrants.

Who Do We Trust?

Wednesday April 21, 2010
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...

Who Adds to Our Number?

Wednesday March 24, 2010
A response to No More Church Growth!

No More Church Growth!

Wednesday March 10, 2010
What if the church stopped worrying about growing and instead became focused on proclamation?

Transformative People

Tuesday February 23, 2010
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?

Ash Wednesday Reflections

Wednesday February 17, 2010
As we gather today may the mark on our foreheads remind us that we can begin again.

Saints Go Marching In!

Thursday February 11, 2010
As I celebrate with fellow Louisianians I ask: What can the church do to inspire a city? To inspire a state?

Best Intentions

Tuesday February 02, 2010
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.

King, Haiti, & the Colonized

Tuesday January 19, 2010
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.

God in Haiti

Thursday January 14, 2010
While many are asking about God's presence during tragedy, the people of God are moved to become the answer to the question.

On Epiphany

Tuesday January 05, 2010
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.

The Yearly Examen

Thursday December 31, 2009
Why don't we keep up with our resolutions? Maybe some reflection on the passing year will help us keep them this coming year!

Noche Buena

Thursday December 24, 2009
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 . . .

Climate Silence in the Church

Tuesday December 15, 2009
As the leaders of the world gather to deal with climate change, at the grassroots the church remains silent.

It's Christmas Everywhere Else!

Saturday December 05, 2009
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.

Advent Space in a Christmas World

Monday November 30, 2009
In the middle of Christmas world the church forces us to slow down and recognize our real need.

On Gratitude

Wednesday November 25, 2009
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?

Video by The Rev. Juan Carlos Huertas

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Day1 Book Launch Party Video

Saturday December 12, 2020
Day1 presents a video Book Launch Party for the new book, "Bread Enough for All: A Day1 Guide to Life," published by Church Publishing, Inc. Join Day1 host Peter Wallace and seven outstanding preachers/church leaders who share their sermon excerpts from the book and engage in conversation and Q&A: Joanna M. Adams, Anna Carter Florence, William Flippin Jr., Juan Carlos Huertas, Micah Jackson, Charley Reeb, and Ozzie Smith Jr.

Facing Opposition - The Rev. Juan Huertas

Monday June 03, 2013
The Rev. Juan Huertas joins us with a powerful message on facing those hurdles in life that so assuredly come along.