I want to build the casket and dig the hole. We usually hire those jobs out, but I want to do it myself. Remember the scene in Harry Potter where Harry buries Dobby, but refuses to use magic? Something about…
Florida ministries changing lives — one child, neighborhood at a time
Brian was 10 years old when he first enrolled at Touching Miami with Love, an organization sharing Christ’s great love through literacy and educational ministries. Yet, Brian couldn’t read. Although he had struggled with dyslexia for most of his life,…
How can clergy achieve positive mental health?
A study has found that certain conditions correspond to both a lower likelihood of depression and anxiety and to higher levels of positive mental health. By promoting these, churches can help their clergy thrive.
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…
People-pleasing pastors risk health, families and callings
Besides preaching and visiting the sick, too many ministers also are skilled at denying themselves vacation days, putting in extreme time at the office and scaling back on family time. “We are well known for overworking,” said Merianna Neely Harrelson,…
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.
Four guidelines for pastors of the declining church
Uncategorized 3 Comments I’ve been interested in the work and writings of Margaret Wheatley for many years now. I just read her book, with Deborah Frieze, Walk Out Walk On: A Learning Journey Into Communities Daring to Live the Future…
unprofessional christianity VII: calling.
Ultimately, calling has nothing to do with who hears you, and everything to do with who you hear whispering to you to keep going, even in the dark. Calling isn’t about all the things you’re willing to go through until…
On failure and ministry
I do not understand the mystery of grace – only that it meets us where we are and does not leave us where it found us. – Anne Lamott I am a junky for any and all personality type assessments…