By Amy Butler I am, in general, a bigger fan of starting trends than following them. Which is why, when I read about Ashes on the Go last year in the Washington Post, I firmly told myself there was no…
Where’s that bishop on my speed dial?
By Amy Butler Just last week Episcopal laywoman and noted author Sara Miles stopped by for a conversation about life and faith and some other interesting things. Given the ecumenical nature of the evening it seemed only right that the…
Considering seminary? Get ready for the unexpected.
By Amy Butler I could write a column about all the things I didn’t learn in seminary. Oh, wait. I already did that. Several times, in fact. It’s a great topic, because I think there’s not a pastor on the…
Sometimes spiritual discipline requires a ‘thumbs up’
By Amy Butler I recently read an article about “running ministries” which opened with a story about a ministry called “Sweaty Sheep,” a Kentucky group that sees running as church. I try to be open to alternative perspectives, diversity in…
Finding a place to ask the tough questions
By Amy Butler Early in my pastoral work I found myself in the middle of an intense season of transformation and conflict at my church. I wasn’t prepared for the dynamics I faced then; really, nobody at church knew quite…
Ghosts of Christmas past
By Amy Butler There is, and has been for many years, a mild but ongoing disagreement within our church staff about Christmas Eve worship. One camp feels we should always hold a traditional Lessons and Carols service and that anything…
Not afraid of miracles
By Amy Butler I don’t really believe in miracles, at least the kind my siblings and I used to watch with fascination on Christian television when our parents told us to amuse ourselves and there was nothing else on. This…
Embracing conflict
By Amy Butler No matter how seemingly functional your family system, with the holidays upon us every one of us is managing some kind of potential conflict. From deftly avoiding political conversations to strategically scheduling relatives’ visits to planning a…
Don’t suck
By Amy Butler Asked recently if I had any advice for young women considering pastoral ministry, I responded with an answer that perfectly illustrates why I should never speak without a manuscript: “Don’t suck.” What I meant to say, of…