Several weeks ago, I wrote that it takes nothing short of a miracle for a pastor to write a sermon every week. It is true that sermons are the stuff of miracles, and I stand by my premise. Yet, for…
Thinking beyond stereotypes about bivocational ministry
Because of many unwarranted stereotypes about bivocational* ministry in some denominations, congregations, and Christian cultures or tribes, it is unfortunately seen as second-class ministry. This is overwhelmingly not true. Such a perspective limits the possibilities of innovative congregational staffing patterns…
Bi-vocational: Mission impossible?
Recently, I participated in a wonderful gathering of diverse ministers and laypersons who were called together to discuss economic challenges facing future ministers. The conversation was both broad and deep, for each person brought unique experience and perspective to the…
Bivocational ministry is a thing of great beauty
You can call it bivocational ministry, two or dual career ministry, tentmaking, conjoint ministry, multi-focused ministry, or something else. Yet, when referring to the commitment of a majority of people in Christian ministry one or more of these titles fit….
How pastors should act during election season
Recently a certain candidate for the office of president announced her campaign and plans to attain our nation’s highest office. Immediately after her announcement via social media there was a flurry of responses and reactions. Naturally, being a minister, I…
Understanding the role of your pastor
When churches want a pastor who can ‘bring in young families’
. please consider sharing this post. Almost every church I’ve ever known has wanted to Attract Young Families. The reasoning behind this includes the following: If we don’t regenerate, everyone will eventually get old and die. It’s energizing to have…
TMI – the limits of vulnerability
Scholastica: A saint for women called to ministry
Women breaking new ground in ministry need a network of peer support. February 10 is the Feast Day of Saint Scholastica, the twin sister of Saint Benedict and founder of the first Benedictine convent for women. These “holy twins” were born…
A minister to young adult households trumps a minister to children
A very large congregation looked for a new, full-time minister to children for over two years. They could not find one. They presented their dilemma to me. My response was, “What if you are looking for the wrong staff position?”…
Before you criticize your pastor
Something your pastor or a church staff member has done has set you off. You can’t believe he or she had the audacity to do (or not do) or say (or not say) such a thing. Before shipping off a…
Leadership and bearing pain
Termination meetings — those uncomfortable sessions in which an administrator tells an employee that he or she is being fired — are primarily shaped by legal considerations these days. The instructions from the HR office are clear: Make sure that…