A pastor’s residence is her retreat, her haven, her household’s headquarters. This week’s question is about her pastoral housing choice: to live in the church parsonage or not? Dear Matriarchs: I am UM and moving to a new appointment. The church has a parsonage, and they indicated that it was our choice to either move… Read More
Ask the Matriarch: “How Do You Know When It’s Time to Go?”
This week’s question can be summed up in the advice given in Kenny Rogers classic “The Gambler” You’ve got to know when to hold ’em Know when to fold ’em Know when to walk away And know when to run But how do you know when? This week’s question is our ministry version of that… Read More
Ask the Matriarch: “You Want Me to do . . . That?
This week’s question is about surprise requests. How do we decide what we can do and what is outside our call or abilities? Dear Matriarchs, It is not unusual for strangers to come to our church asking for help of various kinds, but yesterday brought a new one for me. A young couple came to… Read More
Ask the Matriarch: Summer Worship Ideas
Summer is coming and preachers are planning! This week’s question solicits advice for summer worship ideas. Dear Matriarchs: This summer, I would like to diverge from the lectionary for the summer. Last year a colleague and I came up with a fun, travel-themed trip through the book of Exodus. Have any of you tried anything… Read More
Ask the Matriarch: Providing Congregational Care in a Multi-Staff Setting
This week’s question explores the ministry challenge of how to provide quality congregational care in a multi-staff setting. Dear Matriarchs: I am a Senior Pastor serving with an Associate Pastor, a Minister of Music, a Youth Pastor (seminary student), and a Faith Formation Director (layperson). Providing good care to the congregation is a meaningful part… Read More
Ask The Matriarch: When Their Situation Touches You
Pastors’ work requires our competence and our compassion . We have the professional tools to guide our congregants and congregations through joys, challenges and sorrows. How do we handle ourselves and our role when a death in the congregation finds us dealing with our own feelings? This week’s question: I have to do a funeral… Read More
Ask the Matriarch: “Her Prayer Left Me Speechless”
You know that problem of church members not taking initiative? Today’s ministry challenge is a result of a church member who steps up big time. Read all about it: Tonight our church began the process of selecting an architecture firm for designing our new sanctuary. I had to leave due to sickness. A charter member… Read More
Ask the Matriarch: Some Things We Regret
What is a RevGal Matriarch? Our Matriarch panel is composed of clergywomen with at least 10 years of professional church leadership experience. With experience comes . . . well . . . all kinds of experiences. Take heed as the Matriarchs to reveal how their regrets have made them better pastors. Dear Matriarchs: As you… Read More
Ask the Matriarch: Clergy Collar or Not?
This week’s question is about the advisability of wearing the clergy collar in a particular situation. Wearing the collar always sends some kind of message. The question this week wonders if wearing the collar might send an unintended message of bias to others. And what does the clergy collar say to the Rev who wears… Read More
Ask the Matriarch: Pastoral Transition, Grief, and Soul Care
This week’s question is from a pastor in transition from her first call to her new congregation. In the midst of her excitement, she identifies another emotion. How might she address that in her own life and with her new congregation? Dear Matriarchs- I have accepted a new call and I’m moving across states, time… Read More
