Many seminaries and denominations require some level of psychological testing and evaluation for people who want to become pastors. I’m on board with the concept—the last thing we want is a bunch of narcissists in charge of churches. But I do question the effectiveness of some of these evaluations. The two things I remember from… Read More
Wit’s Ends Day: Is it Work?
As pastors, it’s not always easy to know when we are “on the clock.” What counts as work and what doesn’t? If I’m counseling someone about their marital difficulties in my office, that is work. But what if that person starts in on the same sensitive and private conversation in the middle of the grocery… Read More
Wits’ Ends Day: A Notable Pastor Evaluation
First United Church of Nazareth Pastoral Evaluation Report from Pastor/Congregation Relations Committee (PCRC) Over the past three weeks, the PCRC has asked congregation members to submit pastoral evaluations as we seek to provide accountability to our pastor and strengthen our congregation’s ministry in the community. We appreciate all who took the time to… Read More
Wits’ Ends Day: Vacation Preparation
Last month I shared a few vacation tips for pastors, but I realize that I neglected to address what may be the most important aspect of clergy vacations—the week before you leave town. You know, the week you start to think you will need to stay home from your vacation in order to get all… Read More
Wits’ Ends Day: Vacation Tips for the Pastor
Summer vacation season is almost upon us. And we all know that vacations can be stress-producing, anxiety-triggering, money-sucking, energy-draining, exercises in “it seemed like a good idea at the time.” BUT, they can also be wonderful, life-giving, revelations. Here are some helpful vacation tips especially designed for pastors who need time away: Establish a “no… Read More
Wits’ Ends Day: TV Show Pitch
Dear Studio Executive, I am writing about a new TV show I hope you will consider producing. It is called “Gal Eye for the Pastor Guy.” It’s about a team of fabulous clergy women who travel around the country doing lifestyle, theological, and ecclesiological makeovers for struggling male pastors. We realize that such a program… Read More
Bullet Journals for Pastors
Bullet journals are really trending right now. Actually, the fact that I just started one probably means they were really trending two years ago. I’m a little slow on the trends. But I have one now! If you, like me, want to start a bullet journal, then you, like me, will type “how to start… Read More
Wits’ Ends Day: Happy (Ash) Valentine’s (Wednes)Day
Hallmark may not be taking advantage of this unique opportunity, but I thought somebody should create a few cards to mark the confluence of Valentine’s Day and Ash Wednesday. Sending all my love and penitent thoughts to you lovely clergywomen on this day of hearts and ashes. If you’ve ever struggled with the logistics of… Read More
Wits’ Ends Day: New Year’s Resolutions (for other people)
I was too busy throwing up my peppermint fudge brownie sundae (and whatever else I had eaten ever in my life) to make new year’s resolutions last week. But that’s OK. I’d be breaking them by now anyway. A couple of years ago I made some resolutions for failure in the new year—which worked out… Read More
December Clergy BINGO
Dec. 22: “Sorry I can’t [do what I’m scheduled to do Christmas Eve] because I have to [do this thing I’ve known about for months].” Fire safety concerns crowd out holy awe as entire congregation holds lit candles while singing Silent Night Dirge tempo for “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”—all seven verses Realization that you… Read More
