Blog
- September 16, 2009
It is difficult for either clergy or congregations to raise the question of boundaries. For the clergy, being asked to…
- September 15, 2009
One of the sadder realities of the change in ministry is the necessity of reviewing our boundaries with respect to…
- September 14, 2009
One of the great quanderies that has evolved in ministry is how to set boundaries in interpersonal relationships. This ranges…
- September 9, 2009
Most churches do not choose to be harmful to the pastor's family life. As a body they would probably agree…
- September 8, 2009
One of the popular topics for clergy these days is the issue of boundaries. There are a number of areas…
- September 4, 2009
One of the trickier aspects of this whole issue of forgiveness is learning how to forgive yourself. On two previous…
- September 3, 2009
I know that at first glance it seems like almost heresy to consider forgiving God. However, we need to remember…
- September 2, 2009
We talk alot about forgiveness in the church. Usually we focus those comments on our need to forgive someone who…
- August 31, 2009
A very wise friend of mine said to me about a year before my retirement, "You need to decide what…
- August 28, 2009
Recently I was at a retirement banquet for one of my best friends. Sitting next to me was another retired…
- August 26, 2009
Here is another exercise by which you can take the pulse of your ministry. It is not something that you…
- August 25, 2009
Sometimes I think we fail to take seriously that the Infinite mystery of this universe has chosen to provide us…
- August 24, 2009
Every once in awhile, I think it is good to pause long enough to check your pulse in ministry. We…
- August 21, 2009
One of the gifts of the psalms is that they give us permission to pray that which otherwise we might…
- August 20, 2009
Psalm130 is a helpful psalm to pray while keeping your congregation in mind. Pray it slowly, with emendations, and reflecting…
- August 19, 2009
In continuing with learning to pray the psalms for the concerns that we experience, I would offer Psalm 57 as…
What Would You Say to a Congregation?
May 10, 2013
I have worked as pastor, consultant, and friend to congregations for over forty years. I have watched them endure bad…
5 Reasons U Care about Healthy Clergy & 5 Things U Can Do About It.
May 8, 2013
You care about clergy because: You believe that God calls clergy to ministry. A divine source sparked their choice of…
Truth & Consequences: A Pastor Confronts Sexuality
May 6, 2013
Part 5 Wrestling with Scripture in Counseling. As you read the story, try to picture how you might have responded…
Sabbaticals, Our Humanity, and Presbyteries
May 3, 2013
The larger church can build the rhythm of seven into their agenda and offer it as a gift to creation.
Sabbaticals, Our Humanity, and Presbyteries
May 1, 2013
The Sabbath can be the church’s invitation to society to maintain our humanity and our freedom.
Truth & Consequences: A Pastor Confronts Sexuality
April 29, 2013
This is part 4 of the serial story that is posted each Monday morning by 9 a.m. As you read…
Laughter as Healing for Clergy (5)
April 26, 2013
We continue to look at ways that you can find some space to laugh at some of the situations you…
Laughter as Healing for Clergy (4)
April 24, 2013
Today I want to get more specific about how you would grow in the ability to find something comic or…
Truth & Consequences: A Pastor Confronts Sexuality
April 22, 2013
Part 3 of 8 part serial. New installment posted each Monday morning. Previous posts can be accessed by clicking the…
Laughter as Healing for Clergy (2)
April 19, 2013
Our soul is healthiest when it includes a good dose of humor. As was mentioned in the last blog, if…