In 1997 the church I pastored experienced what is commonly known as a church split. A church of almost 400 people rapidly diminished to 200 people, then over time to 100 people, and now less than 100 people. Although I no longer pastor that congregation, I am pleased to say that the church still exists and functions as a community. But I would not have survived without the following: SUPPORTIVE LEADERSHIP: Even though we lost one of our leaders in... Read more
I remember during my clinical pastoral education studies watching a short film about a man who was diagnosed with terminal cancer. I remember he had a wife and some teenaged children. In the face of his certain death he became fanatical about his belief in the afterlife and insisted that his family not be sad because he wasn’t really dying but transferring to a better place. They weren’t allowed to be sad or cry, even after he died. He insisted.... Read more
Even before I was ordained as a pastor in 1987, I read everything Eugene Peterson wrote. He has also lead me to other great writers, such as Annie Dillard, Eugen Rostenstock-Huessy, Luci Shaw, and more. He is a pastor I respect and I think the church and her pastors need to listen to him. Here’s a small clip from PBS you might enjoy: Watch the full episode. See more Religion & Ethics NewsWeekly. Long ago I created a t-shirt idea... Read more
Although the church, along with all institutions, will find adherents no matter how autocratic the rule of its membership is, I claim that in order for the church to survive in a healthy manner, in the best interest of its members, it must move towards a posture of self-rule by the members themselves. All three possible phases in the journey of a member… joining, commitment and separation… must be voluntary and respected. How teaching and learning goes on in this... Read more
Belief creates worlds. What happens in those worlds confirms the belief, which solidifies the worlds and entrenches the belief. If you want you can find a demon for anything. Read more
Sorry I didn’t get my post up this morning. We were without power for nearly 12 hours. So I’m posting it now. I must say it was a very strange experience not posting my morning cartoon. I wanted to draw a cartoon that portrayed the confusion often experienced, not just in churches, but in many organizations and even businesses. Even though the talk might apparently say that what is valued is one thing, embedded in the attitudes, speech and behavior... Read more
Some journalists and reporters are crazy. But we watch the news they bravely deliver. Buy the original drawing. Buy a fine art print of this cartoon. Read more
Oh the stories I could tell of leaders who personally invited people into relationship with them but completely freaked when they took them up on their offer. Read more
Interested in owning the original drawing ($150 USD)? email me. Or buy a print ($25) email me. Read more
nakedpastor
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