Some churches wear their history like a feathered cape -- with the past thrown lightly over the shoulders of the present. The past is color, context, and dramatic flair. Some churches wear their history like a shroud -- with the past draped heavily over the face of the present. The past is … [Read more...] about How to Wear Your History: Suggestions for Churches
The Body of Christ is Both Tough & Fragile
When I was in seminary I was taught: Small churches are tough. You can't beat them to death with a stick! I believed that truism, and repeated it to others. Now I have fresh experience that allows me to see the backside of that truism, which is also true: Small churches are fragile. So far in my … [Read more...] about The Body of Christ is Both Tough & Fragile
A Peculiar Energy, Even as the Congregation Dies
For the last few Sundays I've filled the pulpit for a small church that has lost its critical mass. Attendance has dwindled to a faithful few, all of whom are running out of energy. Not a happy situation. Still, when I enter the church building, I feel a sense of welcome and warmth from the folks … [Read more...] about A Peculiar Energy, Even as the Congregation Dies
Farewell to My Church on Pentecost
Most unusual: The parking lot was already lined with cars when we pulled in. Inside the church office, my desktop was almost clear. I made photocopies of various last-minute instruction lists and reminders, and posted them in conspicuous places, the way you might for your first overnight … [Read more...] about Farewell to My Church on Pentecost
What I’ll Miss: a pastor’s thoughts on leaving her church
After almost a decade at my church, I am leaving to pursue writing full time, at least for a season. This coming Sunday is my last day in the pulpit! Here are just a few of the things that I'm going to miss . . . I'll miss my place in the sanctuary, the red velvet throne that's lost its springs. … [Read more...] about What I’ll Miss: a pastor’s thoughts on leaving her church
Boundary Lines: Is Part-time Ministry Possible?
The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places. (Psalm 16:6) When people hear that I work two-thirds time as a solo pastor, they usually smile knowingly and say, church work is never part-time. Like most truisms, that one has a grain of truth but also perpetuates a myth. If part-time … [Read more...] about Boundary Lines: Is Part-time Ministry Possible?
What Made Me Happy Today at Church
Driving up, the church property looked great after yesterday's Super Saturday, which accomplished major hedge trimming, gardening, and floor cleaning. The property looks like somebody loves it! Two families who are on vacation each left an older teen at home. ?Those kids came to church today. ?On … [Read more...] about What Made Me Happy Today at Church
Things to Not Do: One Pastor’s List
I'm thinking about what it means to cease working, in preparation for a sermon on Sabbath-keeping. Yesterday I had lunch with someone whose agenda was to discern whether I'm doing adequate "self-care" in ministry. (Ah, isn't that the topic of work and rest, or Sabbath?) We began with a little … [Read more...] about Things to Not Do: One Pastor’s List
I Like Church
I like my church. I like listening to the piano and singing the hymns. I especially love it when the pianist makes a little mistake and we sing right over it and it doesn't matter one bit. I like that people enjoy changing the hymn numbers in the wooden holder, and that people take turns doing … [Read more...] about I Like Church
Holy Laughter Has the Last Word in Ministry with Teens
Last night our Session (church governing body) examined a group of Confirmation students (7th-8th graders), who we call Seekers. ?There were 9 Seekers, 7 Elders, 1 Teacher, 1 Pastor, and 5 Pizzas. The Seekers have been meeting since October, nearly every Sunday morning. We started with the pizza … [Read more...] about Holy Laughter Has the Last Word in Ministry with Teens