Blog
- March 9, 2009
It is common wisdom that one of the biggest barriers to clergy taking care of themselves is the attitude of…
- March 5, 2009
We live in a very busy world and most people are so intent on their various destinations that they don't…
- March 4, 2009
There are many ways that pastors and educators show love for their neighbors in the congregation. Much of your work…
, - March 3, 2009
Sometimes I think we take ourselves so seriously that we forget that some types of self-indulgement can be an appropriate…
, - March 2, 2009
Over the next several days, I want to suggest a couple of samples of how pastors and educators might live…
- February 27, 2009
Presbyterians Todayreported in their March issue a startling study of the changing weight of pastors. In the past 17 years,…
, - February 26, 2009
We are working on a clergy appreciation event that I think could have good dividends for others as well. Each…
, - February 25, 2009
If we are to model our ministry after that of Jesus, perhaps it is importnt to recall some incidents in…
- February 24, 2009
I want to pursue this idea of the importance of being open to receiving support in your ministry. There are…
- February 23, 2009
I think one of the important aspects of clergy care is our willingness to permit the congregation to care for…
- February 20, 2009
It is easy to assume that if you are a single person all the talk about family leaves you out.…
- February 19, 2009
Couples, whether they have children or not, need to be intentional about finding couple time as well. Especially when your…
- February 18, 2009
Whether you are a family of two adults, or you have children, or even if you are single and relate…
- February 17, 2009
Today let's look at the family that resides in your house. Even if your family consists of you and your…
- February 16, 2009
A third category of health in the ministry is the area of family health. This is a little tricky because…
- February 13, 2009
Ministry places you on an emotional rollercoaster. At one moment you are preparing a sermon. Then someone interrupts you with…
Antibody #4
November 16, 2012
A key antibody that resists the toxic atmosphere in which we must live is the maintenance of a sense of…
Antibody #3
November 14, 2012
A third part of developing your antibodies, is developing some clarity as to the limits of your ministry. The integrity…
Antibody #2
November 12, 2012
A challenge for ministry is that frequently you are asked to hear and respond to other people’s pain, then drink…
Antibody #1
November 9, 2012
When you are listening to another person intensely while they are sharing their pain, it is natural that your own…
Secondary Traumatic Stress
November 7, 2012
While there are certainly traumatic events that a pastor experiences in exercising the ministry, a less obvious but very real…
Compassion Fatigue in the Ministry
November 5, 2012
We have heard a lot about PTS or Post Traumatic Stress among those who have returned from serving in the…
Building Up the Anti-Bodies
November 2, 2012
One of the intriguing and challenging statements that I heard at the recent Compassion Fatigue Conference was that “Disease is…
All Saints Including Living Ones
October 31, 2012
Tomorrow is All Saints Day. Many churches choose the Sunday nearest to that day, in this case probably November 4,…
Receiving New Pastors and Caring for Continuing Pastors
October 29, 2012
I have just completed offering a Webinar, in conjunction with The Presbyterian Outlook called “Teaming With your Clergy.” I’ve watched…