This past week has been quite busy for my life as a pastor. We helped with Bible School at a partner church, so that they could offer a preschool class as well as hosting our first Emmanuel’s Table. It was an exhausting and exhilarating week as we coordinated pick up for the food and
Hello, my name is Pastor Merianna Read More »
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 »
A recent ABP article, discussed how women ministers are being received in the moderate baptist world and there is some good news: Opportunities to lead churches are increasing for women in Cooperative Baptist life, but not fast enough to stop the loss of qualified female ministers from the Fellowship, a panel of ministers said during the
The Future of Baptist Women Read More »
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 »
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
I was eating yogurt with one of my congregants who has a birthday this week. When I walked in she was helping out a young mom who was trying to wrestle two little girls and get yogurt at the same time. This led to a conversation about how we knew each other. When she discovered
And They Let a Girl Preach? Read More »
I’ve experienced this first hand: In the face of this reality, a new opportunity is emerging. In fact, there’s growing evidence this new generation will bring the greatest opportunity for small church ministry in 2,000 years. Why? Because, as the first generation with a majority born and raised outside traditional marriage, genuine relationships and intimate
Small Churches the Future of Church? Read More »
Over the last two drives home from seminary, I’ve found myself neglecting my usual radio or podcast distractions. Instead, I’ve found myself thinking about the last three years in numbers (something that doesn’t happen often for me). Here’s what I’ve put together for my seminary journey in numbers: I’ve lived in 3 different cities. I’ve
In finishing up one of my last assignments for class, I ran across the story from Hudson Taylor: After concluding my last service about ten o’clock that night, a poor man asked me to go and pray with his wife, saying that she was dying. I readily agreed, and on the way to his house
Ministry as Long as the Price is Right Read More »
Tonight after our open church time in remembrance of Good Friday, I walked into the sanctuary to start the transformation for Sunday morning. This is one of my favorite parts of being in ministry: being able to see the behind the scenes preparation aspect of worship. I remember the first time I robed and participated
Walking into the Darkness Read More »
