Blog
- April 8, 2011
There is an old creativity strategy that I think might be beneficial in a conversation about the work of judicatory…
, - April 7, 2011
A council that cares about those who are exercising ministry on their behalf should take time occasionally to affirm their…
, - April 6, 2011
If you have taken some time to reflect on the nature of your call that has led to this position…
, - April 5, 2011
At least every couple of years, and in times of extreme stress more often, you should deliberately pause to reflect…
, - April 4, 2011
It is very easy to allow the incessant meetings, inevitable crisis, and pastoral care of others to exhaust you. Even…
, - April 3, 2011
Let me suggest one final possibility for the congregation and pastor upon the pastor's return from a sabbatical. Remember that…
, , - April 2, 2011
Another possibility for the congregation and pastor upon return from Sabbatical would be to have a congregational visioning time. This…
, , - April 1, 2011
Congregations need to be intentional about receiving a pastor back from a sabbatical. In some ways a 3-4 month sabbatical…
, , - April 1, 2011
There is a piece of technology that I think can be very valuable in helping denominational staff nurture the value…
, - March 31, 2011
Denominational staff members who work for the larger church need to deliberately identify ways that they take care of their…
, - March 30, 2011
I will speak of the body that meets regularly with a staff person as a council. You can adapt that…
, - March 29, 2011
While it may be very frustrating and stressful to be a pastor of a congregation, at least you have a…
, - March 28, 2011
If you talk to many people within our denomination, one overpowering reality is that economics are necessitating cutting staff. As…
, - March 25, 2011
At least in the Presbyterian church, and I suspect in most other denominations as well, those involved in specialized ministry…
, - March 24, 2011
Most people who are involved in specialized ministry also are associated with a congregation. Sometimes their family is a part…
, - March 23, 2011
While public recognition and affirmation are important, the experience can soon fade if that is all that happens. How often…
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WHO IS WAGGING YOUR TALE
October 29, 2014
CLERGY TALES–TAILS: WHO WAGS THE DOG Ministers are strong and weak, faithful and faithless, as are the members of…
A LAUGH A DAY KEEPS THE DEMONS AWAY
October 24, 2014
God Laughs—Why Don’t You Ministry is not easy. The strongest and most compassionate clergy continually drink in the pain and…
AN INTERIM PASTOR’S SPECIAL GIFT
October 17, 2014
A TIME OF TRANSITION Every church experiences a time when the previous pastor leaves and the congregation confronts the challenge…
Building Community Among Clergy
October 15, 2014
A FRESH APPROACH A Company of Pastors offers a fresh approach to overcoming the type of loneliness that seems inherent…
WHEN GOD ASKS YOU WHAT YOU ARE DOING (2)
October 10, 2014
(Continuing reflecting on Elijah and you and your call.) GOD’S INVISIBLE HAND Keep moving forward through your first position in…
WHEN GOD ASKS YOU WHAT YOU ARE DOING
October 8, 2014
YOUR ELIJAH EXPERIENCE I’ve been thinking lately of Elijah’s experience in responding to the call of God 1 Kings 17…
SUGGESTIONS FOR THOSE WHO CARE FOR CLERGY
October 3, 2014
BEYOND JUST PUTTING OUT FIRES I have invited Alan Baroody to share some suggestions that the Committee on Ministry or…
THE TOXIC EFFECT OF LONELINESS
October 1, 2014
SIGNS TO NOTICE Below are listed several possible negative SIGNS in the life of clergy. Think about clergy you know…
A Sweet Loneliness (part 2)
September 26, 2014
LONELINESS HAS ITS VALUE I have explored some of the toxic features of the loneliness experienced by pastors, but here…
A Sweet Loneliness
September 24, 2014
A UNIVERSAL LONGING There is something in human nature that yearns to be part of something more. Even if you…