When we began this journey away from Heights Church and ministry in the Twin Cities, I thought about Paul’s journey to Troas in Acts 16. Initially, I thought the journey to Troas would include the move to Alabama. A few weeks ago the Lord let me know the journey to Troas was the four months of preparation for this move. The move to Alabama is the next step. Continue reading “Day One”
Category: Ministry
The theology of place
I have held to what I call a “theology of place.” I minister in a physical place. I don’t minister in theory. I try to minister in reality. That has to do with where I am. Continue reading “The theology of place”
Saving my life and my ministry
I don’t mind living a little bit “out there” so people can examine what is going on in my life spiritually and theologically. I don’t mind engaging in hard issues, like racism, immigration, etc.
It does get a bit tougher when it comes to very personal matters, but I also know there are people who have the same struggles I have and for whatever reason don’t voice them. If I share just a little bit more of my life, there is an opportunity for people to identify and think, “Maybe it’s time for me to try this.” Continue reading “Saving my life and my ministry”
Thoughts on leadership
This weekend we were part of our church district’s Equip Conference and I came away with some incredible thoughts to evaluate where I am in leading others. I love pastoring and I am constantly evaluating how I am doing in leading others as a pastor. Continue reading “Thoughts on leadership”
The problem of ministry
I am working my way through In God’s Hands: The Spiritual Diaries of Pope Saint John Paul II. These are excerpts from his personal journals written during and after spiritual retreats through his life. One passage I’ve come across early on deals with ministry and issues he faced as a bishop in the Catholic Church at that time. They ring true for ministers in general it seems. Continue reading “The problem of ministry”
Pastoring
Over my years of ministry we have longed ceased in my circles to call it “pastoring.” We have called it “leadership.” Pastors do indeed lead, but the way we have come to train ministers isn’t in the style of pastoring that has a leadership component. Continue reading “Pastoring”
The powerful dynamics of a “small” church
In my years of ministry I have planted a church and currently pastor a church where I am about to celebrate 19 years of ministry. Both are “small.” Continue reading “The powerful dynamics of a “small” church”
