Blog
- November 2, 2010
“I’m not so sure it changed. Maybe I got better at hiding behind the curtain. There was one event, however,…
, - November 1, 2010
Carla glanced down at the table and noticed some initials carved into the table. She traced the carving with her…
- October 29, 2010
The coffee had grown cold during their conversation. They didn’t seem to notice. Al reached across the table and touched…
- October 28, 2010
“Do you know what my ministry is? Carla asked. “I know it has something to do with the border ministry…
- October 27, 2010
One of the shaggy haired waiters arrived immediately and asked how he could serve them. They ordered a dark-roasted Columbian…
- October 26, 2010
Two weeks ago, the email arrived. Carla was invited to address a meeting of his presbytery about her Hispanic ministry.…
- October 25, 2010
Over the next couple of weeks I want to share a short story I've written probing our sense of God's…
- October 22, 2010
Finally let us look at our spiritual health. It is easy to let the demands of the practice of ministry…
, - October 21, 2010
We didn't enter this profession with the expectation of making a lot of money. At the same time, especially if…
, - October 20, 2010
A long time ago, I heard a Catholic author refer to the family as our domestic church. That has always…
, - October 19, 2010
We are going through a difficult time for clergy. There is clear evidence that the stress and demands of ministry…
, - October 18, 2010
OK, last week we spent time on ways to take your vocational health. Now I want to suggest it is…
, - October 15, 2010
Following lunch, immediately jot down any reflections that have occurred to you over this break. Next, even if you have…
, - October 14, 2010
Following your devotions, return to your workplace. If it is allowed, pour yourself some coffee or cold drink. If that…
, - October 13, 2010
You have now arrived at the church, found the library, and set up your work space. You probably should have…
, - October 12, 2010
At least once every five years, I think it is important to pause and check one's vocational pulse. You need…
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RETIRED PASTORS ARE STILL PASTORS
May 14, 2014
I’VE RUN THE RACE A few years before I retired, the Presbyterian Church debated whether Honorably Retired should be the…
Litany of Appreciation for Entire Church Staff
May 12, 2014
This is a litany making use of Psalm 111. Draw upon what you have heard about the gifts and contributions…
A PARTY CELEBRATING ALL PASTORS
May 9, 2014
CONGREGATIONAL INITIATIVE The celebration of the ministry of a church’s staff needs to be initiated by the congregational leadership. This…
Associate Pastors are Pastors Too
May 7, 2014
HALF PASTORS OR WHOLE PASTORS If we tend to neglect appreciating the work of pastors, we double that neglect when…
BOOK REVIEW – “A Star and a Tear” by Stephen McCutchan (J. Harold Ellens)
May 5, 2014
By J Harold Ellens, 2 May, 2014 A Star and A Tear, Stephen McCutchan, 2013, Pp 386, Self Published. Reviewed…
Denominational Staff: Showing Apprecition
May 2, 2014
AFFIRMING STAFF MINISTRY A council that cares about those who are exercising ministry on their behalf should take time occasionally…
Denominational Staff: Reflecting on Your Call
April 30, 2014
A TIME TO LISTEN At least every couple of years, and in times of extreme stress more often, you should…
Denominational Staff–taking care of spiritual life
April 28, 2014
WORSHIP Denominational staff members who work for the larger church need to deliberately identify ways that they take care of…
Specialized Ministry Denominational Staff (1)
April 25, 2014
THE MINISTRY OF DENOMINATIONAL STAFF Denominational staff are a specialized or extra-congregational ministry that needs to be addressed. As we…
A Presbytery Celebration Litany
April 23, 2014
RECOGNITION OF MINISTRY In any given presbytery or regional gathering of the church, there are several who exercise their call…