Every aspect of our lives has been tested – the landscape of our lives has undergone a radical upheaval. Living in Michigan, there have been a few times when I have experienced a “white out” while driving in a winter storm. It is completely disorienting. All the familiar points of reference disappear. This season we … Continue reading Reentry – A Pandemic Renewal Plan Part 2
Every once in a while, we get a glimpse of the Church doing what it was created for. Any impression or expectation that the Church was – or ever will be – perfect this side of heaven is mistaken. There is plenty of evidence of that in the letters of the Apostle Paul to the … Continue reading When the Church Shines!
We see it time and again. Whether you have been blindsided by a leadership decision or experienced a slow “death spiral” in a ministry role, the spiritual and emotional toll of a forced exit is great. Trauma is not too drastic of a word to use to describe what ministers and their families encounter when … Continue reading Uncovering the Trauma of Forced Ministry Exits
“We are not necessarily doubting that God will do the best for us; we are wondering how painful the best will turn out to be.” - C.S. Lewis It’s been a long week since my last posting. (I think I have to give up on putting myself in a “time” box.) Before we take a … Continue reading Another Reason Pastors don’t ask for help – Fear!
In my last blog, I began to explore what I think are the top five reasons pastors (and probably quite a few of the rest of us) don’t ask for help. I know that in my own life, I am constantly amazed at how often these tendencies crop up. The daily challenge is to lean … Continue reading I Can Manage on My Own… Part 2 of “5 Reasons Pastors Don’t Ask for Help – and what can happen if you do!”
I just finished reading this extremely thought provoking book by Dr. John Koessler, and I highly recommend it for everyone – but especially for the exited pastors among us. The title was what first drew me to purchase the book. It was a mind grabber. However, Dr. Koessler’s ability to be both pastor and theologian … Continue reading The Surprising Grace of Disappointment – Book Review
Starting up the blog again in this new year has been a bit of a challenge. As we all know, life can get in the way of our best laid plans. Anyway, I wanted to begin the new year on a positive note. I hope this little installment gives you hope! *** I really miss … Continue reading Hope Behind the Headlines
As pastors, laboring among broken people (and being broken ourselves!) there’s a lot of mess. Sometimes it feels like all you do is clean up the mess: “Clean-up on aisle 10!” So much work and effort, and it is most often unnoticed and unrewarding. I recently concluded teaching a class called “When God Hands You … Continue reading The Daily Grind
“Finally, brothers,rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.” – 2 Corinthians 13:11 (ESV) “I love to think of nature as an unlimited broadcasting station, through which God speaks to us every hour, if we will only tune in.” – George … Continue reading The Restoration Tree – a Parable for Exited Pastors
I heard this wonderful piece recited at a recent conference by my friend, Peter Reid. Peter is connected with Lamplighters Ministry, and was the featured speaker. I asked him to send it to me, and I am pleased to share it with you. It reflects the yearning of my heart on many occasions. I trust … Continue reading Back to Jesus Alone
