Prolific 1980s pop philosopher William R Joel once said “Life is a series of Hellos and Good-byes. I’m afraid it’s time for Good-bye again.” Itinerant ministers become accustomed to saying Good-bye, it’s my turn again. I know these things stretch out and get annoying before they’re done. There is often a little bit of relief when the day to leave finally arrives: at least you … Continue reading Garage Church
I began itinerating when I graduated from high school in 1993. Since then… 1 year at Bluefield College as a commuter. 3 years at King College as a resident. 1 year with my parents as an unemployed college graduate. 2 years in Webster Groves, MO in the US-2 program. 1 year in Cambridge, UK in the Time for God program 8 months back living with my … Continue reading The Regretful Side of Itineracy
Here is my struggle: I feel God’s calling in my life. I feel a great sense of responsibility to it. Being responsible to my calling is being responsible and faithful to God. It’s that serious for me. I know others, not exclusive to clergy, have a similar view. But, under an episcopal system such as United Methodism, my calling is subject to the system of itineracy, whereby … Continue reading Itineracy and God’s Calling in Your Life
The Mountain Vista Moment of 2013…A Son is Born In the run-up to the due date, I was, admittedly, hoping for another daughter. A. has been such a delight and I was nervous about having a boy. Since we waited to find out the gender of our second-born, I was calm but uncertain. Wow, was I wrong. What a delightful and charming little guy we … Continue reading A Mountainous 2013
Joan Chittister’s well-being is at the mercy of her community. She has a commitment to God, codified in her Church’s discipline that marries her fate to that of her town. It is group salvation. As she told Religion and Ethics Newsweekly “Benedictines take to this day a vow of stability.What does that mean? It means we’re in Erie for life. We go down with this … Continue reading Itinerancy Means Never Having to Say “I’m There for You”
It is the night before the last Sunday in June. For United Methodists that means ‘time to itinerate’. Many churches across the connection are gearing up to say good-bye to their current pastors, even as they are anticipating the arrival of their new pastor. Clergy are writing last sermons. I am one of those clergy, as is my lovely wife. At the end of what … Continue reading Right Now, A Lot of Pastors are Writing ‘Last Sermons’
Do you offer yourself without reserve to be appointed and to serve as the authoritative authority may determine? Have I attained perfection already? Have I completely conquered all matter of fear? Do I have complete and perfect trust in the Cabinet? Do I completely give over to other fallible humanoids the responsibility to determine how and where I will live out God’s calling in my … Continue reading BOOM: Offering myself without reserve
deeplyplaid.com 