After a discussion with my clergy group yesterday, I decided that many congregants could use some guidance in terms of interacting with their pastors–particularly in the post-worship receiving line. Feel free to make copies and share with those who may need it. (Note: Two of these are borrowed directly from a colleague in the group.… Read More
Wits’ Ends Day: Email Fantasies
Is it weird that I kind of look forward to opening up my church email each morning? These little electronic messages are filled with so much possibility! Maybe someone is offering a generous gift to the church or sharing an insight from Sunday’s sermon. Maybe there is an invitation to a fabulous event or a… Read More
Wits’ Ends Day: Ode to a Pastor’s To-Do List
How orderly the empty boxes wait Aligned along the margin, the sure Sign of a new day—an empty slate For marking “X”s, or checks if you prefer. Who can imagine what lingers there For a pastor to accomplish by end of day? It is a strange job we are called to do: To read and… Read More
Wits-Ends-Day: Walls to Build
There has been a lot of talk about walls lately. At the risk of making my humor column “too political,” I will say that I’m not a big fan of the proposed $5.7 billion barrier between the United States and Mexico. I mean, since Christ breaks down dividing walls of hostility (Colossians 2:14), this seems,… Read More
The Pastor is Political: The Pastor Halo
I recently had to file a complaint to the Office of Child & Family Services about the inspection of a summer camp that takes place on our church property. A new summer camp is trying to get underway and the mandated surprise inspection did not go well. The director had only 2 campers, both autistic, and had… 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
Saturday Prayer: The Struggle is Real
Dear God, This work you call us to is hard: this work of prayer and study and preaching; this work of organizing and coordinating and administrating; this work of phone calls and emails and Facebook posts. I struggle to maintain compassion and grace with those closest to me who aren’t doing all I’d like them… 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
The Pastoral is Political: Sneaky Ninja Jedi Pastor
Although I know many young women who are pastors, lets be honest, that is my world, the perception is that these pastors are few and far between. When I was in seminary, 8 years ago, there were more female students than male. My mother was a pastor. Its not unusual for me to see pastors… 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
