As a church professional, I get to hear some pretty terrible theology sometimes, from people who assume that I believe as they do. Can you relate? One of those things that I often hear is that the “Old Testament God” is vengeful while the “New Testament God” is forgiving. Passages like this week’s from Jeremiah… Read More
Tuesday Prayer
God of the broken broken by shame hidden deep and ignored for years which nonetheless affected everything turned joy to skepticism turned hope to caution turned love to fear turned anger to depression turned abuse to self blame blame. God of the broken break open now the lies and myths that have kept me silent,… Read More
The Pastoral is Political: Activism, Failure, and Jesus
Today, I want to tell you about the trip I took to the border a couple of months ago. Texas Impact sponsored a group of clergy to learn about the crisis on Texas’ southern border. We spent time learning about the nature of the crisis — causes and barriers to solutions. Then, we went across… Read More
Buy a t-shirt and support RevGalBlogPals!
Have you ever wondered what you can do to help support the work of RevGalBlogPals? Buy a t-shirt (or two)! Our continuing education programs and online spaces depend on the effort of volunteers and donations from good people who support women in ministry. Every shirt you buy will fund speakers, venues, and scholarships for future… Read More
Permission to Lament (Ruth 1:1-17)
Lament has been on my mind quite a bit lately. I carry it deep within my heart and right on the edge from where my tears pool. I feel it in my spirit, in the tightness of all of my muscles and within the stiffness of my too often clenched jaw. Maybe it’s because I… Read More
Big Event 2020 – More singles + commuter tickets!
We have added more singles and some commuter tickets for Big Event 2020: From Vision to Action, January 27-31, 2020 at the Franciscan Center in Tampa, Florida. Click here to register by October 31st. Three outstanding clergywomen will share their stories and help participants explore how a vision for ministry becomes action in the world. Our… Read More
Ask the Matriarch: Pastoring the Church Matriarch
This week’s question for our RevGal Matriarchs is about a congregational matriarch. Dear Matriarchs: In my small, aging (worship around 60 people) PCUSA congregation there are basically 2 matriarchs. One of them is enlarging her territory and I’d like ideas on how to limit her. She is already clerk of the session, moderates mission committee,… Read More
Wednesday Prayer
Creation is raging Children are raging Rightfully so! What will be left when things settle? Rainbows and sunshine? Bareness and despair? A clean slate? New possibilities? Nothing? God help us to hear what creation is saying to us in these times Grant us hearts to hear the urgency in the voices of our children And… Read More
Tuesday Prayer
God of All Creation, Extreme heat is overtaking seasons usually filled with cool breezes And a multitude of tropical depressions are swirling in the Atlantic. I’m fairly certain your creation is groaning in labor pains But I know it won’t give birth to healthy fruit. Yes, someday your glory on that side of heaven will… Read More
RCL: Trusting God’s Promises (for real)
I don’t know about you, but I’m having some difficulty staying focused. There’s the Sunday School plans, the stewardship campaign, the funeral services, the special worship services, the Bible studies, and don’t forget Advent will soon be upon us. And have you completed your review of the draft budget? Oh, and what about sabbatical planning… Read More
