Blog
- June 2, 2009
One of the difficulties in helping congregations do a better job of caring for their pastors is that there is…
- June 1, 2009
In preparation for the annual meeting ofThe Presbytery Pastoral Care Network, www.pastoralcarenetwork.org , I have been composing a Toolbox for…
- May 29, 2009
Sometimes the researching and beginning writing of sermons can seem to be a lonely task. I would like to suggest…
- May 26, 2009
After I shared the last set of punchy prayers, I started thinking about new ones. 1. Lord, I said, People…
- May 20, 2009
Lord, I said I’ve done so much for this church, I’m burnt out. I haven’t reached that stage yet, God…
- May 19, 2009
You can check yesterday's blog for an explanation of the format. The fun is imagining what God's response might be…
- May 18, 2009
Steve Lindsley's musings on what Jesus might twitter brought to mind a brief model of prayer I came upon in…
- May 13, 2009
Let me continue to reflect with you on ways that a presbytery can contribute to the health of its clergy.…
- May 12, 2009
Presbyteries have been through some very difficult times in recent years. The debate over sexuality is the most visible issue…
, - May 8, 2009
Recently I asked my staff to tell a story about something that happened to them in the ministry that, at…
- May 6, 2009
My friend, Steve Lindsley, tried to imagine what it might look like if Jesus twittered. I don't know much about…
- May 5, 2009
Sometimes it's hard not to cry but it is more healing if you can laugh. To find some humor in…
- May 4, 2009
A new friend, Bill Christian, and I were discussing the healthy effect of laughter and how it can be an…
- May 1, 2009
Plenty of studies have demonstrated that laughter is good for our health both physically and emotionally. One of the fun…
- April 28, 2009
I am currently enduring a torn up house because we are sanding and polishing the floors in two of our…
- April 27, 2009
The March issue of O magazine reported that a survery in October by the American Psychological Association found that 80…
A Lenten Gift for Pastors & Other Lovers of the Journey
February 4, 2013
Beginning on Monday, February 11 at 8 a.m. and each Monday after that through April 8, I want to share…
Sabbatical Moments (4)
February 1, 2013
Sabbatical moments, like we have been exploring, are creative efforts to interrupt the stressful pace of ministry and allowing you…
Sabbatical Moments (3)
January 30, 2013
Let’s look at some brief sabbatical moments that might contribute to your emotional health. Remember that sabbatical moments interrupt your…
Sabbatical Moments (2)
January 28, 2013
Remembering that the sabbath is an invitation to cease productive work for one of three purposes–refresh self, connect with neighbor,…
Letting Sabbath Minister to You
January 23, 2013
Honoring the Sabbath is one of the unique contributions to the world from the Jewish faith. Initially expressed as stopping…
Being Pastor to a Staff (4)
January 21, 2013
Most clergy recognize that some of their most important ministry is done quietly and often out of public view. For…
Being Pastor to a Staff (3)
January 18, 2013
In addition to treating your staff members as individuals, it is also important to build a sense of community among…
Being Pastor to a Staff (2)
January 16, 2013
There are some practical steps that you can take that will strengthen you ministry to your staff. One of the…
Being Pastor to a Staff
January 14, 2013
One of the surprises for a person who experiences his or her first experience of being head of a staff…
Spiritual but not Religious
January 11, 2013
How often have you heard someone say, I’m spiritual but I’m not religious. If I hear them right, being religious…