by Tracy Hartman | Aug 14, 2019 | mission
Yesterday I was with a group of inter-faith pastors and educators. When we introduced ourselves, we shared our names, where we served, and the greatest challenge we faced in ministry. The answers to the last question surprised no one: “My church has been declining –...
by Tracy Hartman | Nov 20, 2018 | change
I am a member at Tabernacle Baptist Church in Richmond, VA. In 2008, we began to welcome refugees from Burma into our congregation, many of whom spoke little or no English. Today, we serve together, side-by-side, learning from and teaching each other. On any given...
by Tracy Hartman | Aug 21, 2018 | conflict
Conflict. Just the word gives many of us a sinking feeling. And it seems to be everywhere these days: in our homes, our churches and other ministry settings, and in our national and global interactions. Two weeks ago I had the privilege of spending a week in Israel...
by Tracy Hartman | Apr 24, 2018 | love
If you are reading this column, you are passionate about the work of ministry. You may pastor a church, coach ministers, provide consulting services or lead a congregation through an interim time. This is good and noble work that we are invested in, and we often read...
by Tracy Hartman | Dec 19, 2017 | call
When I talk to people about calling, sometimes I like to start by asking them if their call stories are more like the shepherds or the wise men. Often, as folks look back over their own faith journeys, the answer is, “Both.” The Christmas story is a good reminder...
