At the center of this year’s General Synod of the United Church of Christ, a “pray space” had been provided for children up through preschool age. It included tables at which to color or draw, some mats for crawling and tumbling, and a few other modest amenities for creative play. The idea for such anContinue reading “The Actual Doing of the Thing”
Tag Archives: ministry
Yes, Your Church Needs an Interim Minister
Various church traditions have different ways of handling pastoral transitions. Some have an appointment system, where denominational leaders tell clergy where to go in the event of a vacancy or because it’s otherwise time to make a move. Others have a succession system, where an internal candidate is trained for the position while the currentContinue reading “Yes, Your Church Needs an Interim Minister”
Your Pastor Is Not a Scapegoat
One of my favorite sayings in ministry is, “this is not about that.” That is, whatever the presenting issue is (a complaint about a tablecloth shortage for an upcoming dinner, for instance), is really about something else that won’t be as apparent (worries over finances that have resulted in no tablecloths). People decide it isContinue reading “Your Pastor Is Not a Scapegoat”
Jeffrey A. Nelson 