I have heard that John Calvin gathered the clergy together on a regular basis to provide both spiritual nurture and…

Most of us are aware of the positive benefits from contributing to another person’s well being. It is not only…

This week I will complete a very pleasant three month ministry. I have been the three month interim at a…

I recently found a quote that reminded me again why we do what we do. There is a church in…

Clergy families can offer special support and thanksgiving to other clergy families. Have some discussion within your family about another…

If your children are late middle-school and above, the thanksgiving discussion may take on a different design. There would be…

When asked, it is fairly easy to come up with a list of ways in which being a pastor and…

This is a week for exploring the power of gratitude. As a pastor, consider some of the many ways that…

Judy Carter, in her book The Comedy Bible suggests an exercise that can translate directly into the life of a…

“What are you doing here, Elijah?” Remember the context of that profound question. Elijah had been working hard combating the…

The Lawrence Schmidt Center newsletter recently published an article by Dr. George Morelli on Clergy Fatigue and Burnout, in which…

A pastor experiences a cacophony of emotions ranging from ecstasy to utter despair from the various people s/he encounters. Medical…

Clergy are frequently the first people contacted when members and non-members experience mental distress. We can be cynical and say…

Hopefully you have given yourself permission to take this day off and be with your family, or if you are…

Some final thoughts on what can help multiple staff relationships. First, a yearly planning retreat in which you take a…

One of the strengths of the Presbyterian faith is its understanding that you don’t have to be perfect to do…

You’ve introduced your new staff member to some key figures in the congregation and encouraged that person to take some…

In most cases when you bring on a new staff person, they are moving from another community. Sometimes we forget…

A church expends a lot of energy in seeking and hiring a new staff person. Then s/he comes and people…

After a number of active exercises, you could then move to a more reflective aspect of the retreat. There is…