In seminary, I avoided taking the preaching courses until the very end. Instead, I preferred to preach the gospel to empty pews in our chapel on my lunch break and in between classes. In fact, I would offer the hymn…
When ‘Satan goes to a prayer meeting’
I love prayer. Despite the popularity of social media, status updates and tweets do not compare to sharing a prayer request with God. There is no better connection. The fact that we can be in direct dialogue with the Divine,…
It’s the Church’s birthday, not its funeral
I’m not going to tell you my age but not because I’m embarrassed by the number. I’m not that old yet. I’m only partly kidding. No matter what I have collected — a couple of degrees, student loans, a marriage…
Distracted discipleship: redefining what it means to be present and involved
In order to keep in touch with parishioners, many pastors make phone calls, send greeting cards, emails, text and direct messages. This is the result of multi-generational ministry and the influence of social media. In an effort to reach our…
It’s ‘Bring Your Family To Work Day’
Pastors’ families are rated on appearance, behavior, personal relationship choices, report cards, salvation and sports performance. There are scorecards in every pew. So look alive, family! It’s Sunday and it’s game time.
The invisible fanny pack of male pastor privilege
In my Sixth Sense voice: “I see fanny packs.” Peggy McIntosh saw a knapsack in 1989. First appearing in Peace and Freedom Magazine, her now famous article, “White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack,” included a list of white privileges or…
Happy New Life!
By Starlette McNeill I need to see your hands. Put the pen down and slowly back away from the list. Before you begin your annual declaration of independence from unhealthy food and toxic people, before you purchase the gym membership…
Before we say, ‘I forgive you’
By Starlette McNeill I am in a place that I had not anticipated and certainly could not have prepared for. It is the same feeling that I had after the shooting of nine bowed heads at Mother Emmanuel AME Church…
The self-care struggle
By Starlette McNeill I am sitting in the chair and my feet are in the water. I agree that the temperature is good. My pedicure has begun but the argument in my head continues. Do I really have time for…