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
The Pastoral Is Political: On Overload
Are you on overload? I’m on overload. Just in the past week alone, listening to two men threaten one another with nuclear weapons and watching the white nationalist/supremacist/Nazi rallies in Charlottesville has given us more than our souls have bargained for. There’s too much hate happening in our world, and we see it firsthand in… Read More
