Recently, when quiet enough to listen, I’ve heard whispered the word gentle. The whispers have become a beckoning to explore how to be gentler in my … [Read more...] about Gentle
On Not Losing Heart
It had been one of “those” Sundays: the sermon misfired, the choir was off-key, the chair of deacons mentioned a member who complained she didn’t get … [Read more...] about On Not Losing Heart
Part Two | Hope in Lament: A Regular Practice of Worship
Anne Lamott’s difficult relationship with her mother continued even beyond her death. After she died, Anne searched for clues to understand her … [Read more...] about Part Two | Hope in Lament: A Regular Practice of Worship
Part One | Freedom Through Lament: Acknowledging Reality, Naming Pain, and Opening to Grace
We’ve been through a lot. “A lot” could be the too-much of relentless demands, unrelieved pressures, and unrealistic expectations or it could be a … [Read more...] about Part One | Freedom Through Lament: Acknowledging Reality, Naming Pain, and Opening to Grace
Leading for Church Health in this Election Season
To say the least and the obvious, we live in a time of confusion and upheaval. It’s well-known that St. Anthony the Great, one of the church’s … [Read more...] about Leading for Church Health in this Election Season
Leading with the Good News
Congregational leaders use a variety of frameworks, processes, and tools in their work of guiding, shaping, and nurturing churches. Among others, I’ve … [Read more...] about Leading with the Good News
Ministry and the Gifts of Christmas
Among the myriad gifts of Christmas are: Assurance that God is with us—“Emmanuel.” God is not aloof from us or disinterested in us—not, as Bette … [Read more...] about Ministry and the Gifts of Christmas
Leading like the Good Shepherd
What’s your guiding image for ministry leadership? In addition to the traditional roles of “pastor,” “priest,” and “prophet,” there are many others. … [Read more...] about Leading like the Good Shepherd
Treasures New and Old
Jesus once said: "Every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like a householder who brings out of his treasure what is new and … [Read more...] about Treasures New and Old