Matthew 22:15-22 Then the Pharisees went and plotted to entrap him in what he said. So they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that you are sincere, and teach the way of God in accordance with truth, and show deference to no one; for you do not regard people with partiality. Tell us, then, what you think. Is … Continue reading Bible Leads: Matthew 22:15-22: Taxes
There are many articles floating around these days detailing reasons why clergy are leaving the church. In an online discussion of one of them I asked “Are there any studies about why people stay?” Seeing none, I offer my own current perspective. This is not to rebut those who are leaving, though I will probably address similar ideas. Ministry is complex and there are many … Continue reading Why I’m Staying in the Church
There are times in life when certain events reoccur and a pattern is discovered. This past week, I received a text from a former parishioner that another former parishioner had died the day after Christmas. I get these from time to time, especially as my pastoral career continues and I have 6 congregations in 4 different communities in my past. But Gio was young, 26 … Continue reading Crossroads in Pastoral Ministry
On September 1st, I began my 3rd year in ministry with you here at Orchards. It has been an honor to have been with you for 2 good years. I just want to briefly mention my love for you and this congregation. You may not realize it, but 2.5 years ago I was looking for work outside of the church. I am glad that circumstances … Continue reading Now Loading: Year Three at Orchards
What I love about church in the None Zone: No cultural Christianity: They’re is no civic version of the religion telling you what Christianity is (ie. Patriotism, gender roles, etc.) Deliberate choice to be in church: We’ve all heard the None’s reasonings and have decided to pursue Jesus anyhow. This makes for a stronger church member. None’s keep us honest and transparent: Some of the None’s reasonings are … Continue reading The Body of Christ in the None Zone
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
This past week, as a pastor, I… thought a lot about Baptism. worried a lot about Christmas. thought and prepared a lot about Lent. ate an elementary school “lunch”. read a book and sat through a 5.5 hour lecture on church administration…and mostly liked it. scheduled a wedding for August. It’s been a good week. Continue reading This Week in Ministry
This week in ministry, I… passed out chocolate kisses, drank beer and ate pizza, scrubbed urinals at the shelter, hung up garland poorly, wrote to the Bishop, read a book on my phone, thought a lot about John the Baptist, wondered what to say or do about terrorism and gun violence, recruited parishioners for a new ministry. Things are getting busier, but most of what there is to … Continue reading This Week in Ministry
Sometimes I feel like I ought to wear my collar during the week, just to better illustrate the things I do as a pastor. This week I just did a lot of seeing other people in various capacities. So this we, as a pastor, I … ate a ton of Thanksgiving food, almost 2 weeks before the actual day. stumbled over praying for Paris, then wrote … Continue reading This Week in Ministry
This past week I: Thought about Jesus as a bad Thanksgiving guest Got to drive a MAX train Rediscovered the challenge of talking with teenage boys Learned a lot about Salt Engaged racial disparities in my county Prayed contemplatively…twice Got paid to eat pancakes…twice I also got back in the learning to run groove. A very busy but good week. Continue reading This Week in Ministry
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