Merianna Harrelson

I am the Pastor of Garden of Grace United Church of Christ in Columbia, SC and the Director of Consulting at Harrelson.Co. I am always looking for a good cup of coffee and a great book.

5 Things About Bi-Vocational Ministry You Might Not Know

1. Bi-vocational ministry is not a new concept. The discussions about the reference Paul makes in his writing to being a tentmaker circulating in seminary classrooms and churches are becoming more frequent. Perhaps, this is because churches and seminaries can see the writing on the wall that the churches we have established that look an …

5 Things About Bi-Vocational Ministry You Might Not Know Read More »

Academy of Young Preachers

So, thankful for the partnership of the Academy of Young Preachers and CBF National to provide this opportunity for young preachers.

A Divine Cleansing

I know we progressive Christians aren’t all about cleansing rituals, but the two waves of thunderstorms that rolled through Columbia yesterday made me wish for my days in Germany when you would be stuck in the rain without an umbrella waiting on the bus inevitably at the one bus stop that had a cracked roof …

A Divine Cleansing Read More »

Challenge Accepted

So, I issued a challenge to Elisabeth in the middle of June to write her novel this summer. I promised her I would write, too, and that I would even call my writing a book project. Little did I know that Elisabeth knows a lot more about writing groups and writing books than I do! …

Challenge Accepted Read More »

I am the Messenger

I hope for a moment that they both understand what they’re doing and what they’re proving. I want to tell them, but I realize that all I do is deliver the message. I don’t decipher it or make sense of it for them. They need to do that themselves. I can only hope they’re capable …

I am the Messenger Read More »

What’s in a Bookstore?

I’ve only visited one of these 17 Bookstores, and it certainly inspires me to book a bookstore trip tour. More than that, though, it makes me wonder what’s in a bookstore like these independent bookstores that inspires people towards quick reflection and silent browsing? I have to wonder if it’s not the same emotion that leaves …

What’s in a Bookstore? Read More »

A Dream Come True

So, yes I have engaged in the Timehop culture that tracks what has come and gone. Yesterday, I ran across this picture as well as a myriad of others from the field trip we took to Carl Sandburg’s house as a part of the Spartanburg Writing Project. First of all, there is no way I …

A Dream Come True Read More »