I would like to clarify something after my post from yesterday, Trapped or Free. Lisa pointed out that it might sound like I was anti-Presbyterian or generally anti-mainline. She also pointed out, quite correctly, that we have been treated far worse in the church since then. And she’s right. So here’ s my clarification: The issue isn’t where we are, but how we are where we are. The struggle for me wasn’t with the Presbyterian church per se (although at... Read more

Are you feeling trapped? I suppose I could ask this of anybody in any kind of situation. Of course, I will add my disclaimer that there are some situations people find themselves in which they have no choice. They are indeed trapped and cannot escape. What I am addressing here is something different. And I guess I’m asking this particularly of pastors: Do you feel trapped? Let me tell you a story… Lisa and I met in a pentecostal bible... Read more

I had a friend tell me today, “I don’t know of any pastors who are really happy.” That got me thinking about myself… again. We’d been talking about how the church is a wonderful source of fellowship, support and even joy, but at the same time it is a source of incredible struggle, sorrow and pain. We seem to always experience the loss of friendships, the severance of relationships, the drifting away of loved ones. It doesn’t matter which way... Read more