Ministry – Page 2 – Apprentice 2 Jesus

The work of deacon

I have reached final approval to be ordained as a vocational deacon in the Anglican Church. This has been a journey, taking me from 30 years of ministry in the Assemblies of God to the choice of being vocational deacon rather than moving into the priesthood.

The call to pastor

In my lifetime as a minister we’ve moved from talking about “pastors” to focusing almost exclusively on “leadership.” I read passages like 1 Peter 5:1-5 and read articles like this one from Dennis Edwards, and my heart is stirred once again for a call to pastor. We need the shepherds once again.

Being validated in our lostness

A head scratching parable for me is found in Luke 16. It is the parable of the “shrewd manager”. It’s such an odd passage that most commentaries will simply state it’s an odd passage and difficult to interpret.

My message from last Sunday

I was honored to preach at my home church (Church of the Apostles) this past Sunday. I love Apostles Eastern Shore Sermons | Community Voices | Dan Thompson | 6.30.19, let’s play it! https://www.podbean.com/ea/pb-tn49z-b68d34 You can also try this link.

The myth of ministry “success”

“The point of being an apostle, in any case, is not that one should be showy and spectacular; not even that one should be successful. ‘Stewards of God’s mysteries’, say some translations in verse 1; that’s fine, but the word ‘steward’ has been so overused that we may need to find other ways of bringingContinue reading “The myth of ministry “success””

Day One

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 monthsContinue reading “Day One”

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.

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 whoContinue reading “Saving my life and my ministry”

Thoughts on leadership

I love pastoring and I am constantly evaluating how I am doing in leading others as a pastor.

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 thatContinue reading “The problem of ministry”