Wit’s Ends Day: Reviewing the Review

We just finished a pastor/congregation evaluation process at my church. Actually, our consultant says that this is just the beginning! We have exciting work ahead as we explore the summary documents! We should read through them prayerfully every night and consider what God is saying to us through the words of our co-congregants! What an… Read More

Wits’ Ends Day: Guidelines for Choosing Curriculum

For no particular reason, I have decided to offer some suggestions for choosing children’s curriculum. Whether it’s Sunday School or, say, Vacation Bible School, the lessons we share with the young people of the church are important. It’s true that no curriculum, not even what I wrote for Shine (#ShamelessSelfPromotion), will perfectly impart the fullness of… Read More

Revised Common Lectionary: Trinity Sunday

Wisdom raises her voice. At intersections and entrances, she proclaims to the people: “Before the earth, I was. Before the springs and mountains, I was. Before the skies and seas, I was. I have always been the Inspiration and the Delight.” (Proverbs 8:1-4 & 22-31, Revised Rachel Version) In the Revised Common Lectionary readings for… Read More

Wits-Ends-Day: Early Warning Signs

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

Preacher Party: Wilderness of Judea Edition

Welcome to the second Sunday in the season of Advent! Today’s Gospel lesson brings us the story of John the Baptist, baptizing believers as they confessed their sins, shouting accusations at the Pharisees and Sadducees, and prophesying the coming of the Messiah. With whom do you relate most closely this week – John, Jesus, Pharisees… Read More