Although we might like to think the church models that are currently in place exhibit the gathering of people trying to interpret and understand the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ in the 1st Century, they don’t. Our American churches much more closely resemble corporate America with hierarchies, hiring policies, and operating systems implemented directly …
I went to the library today expecting to fess up to the fact that I had turned in an overdue book because it was a new release, and I just wasn’t quite finished with it. I knew what I had done and even if I had forgotten the email notice addressed Merianna Louise Neely Harrelson …
This week Willie went to visit two different places. In addition to the seeing Mr. Joe, we were also asked to visit another assisted living community. It was exciting to be asked to go to a new place and visit new people. There’s something about bringing Willie with me that invites a conversation. Today, …
I thought I was going to miss out on National Running Day. On Monday, I was taking the pups for a long run when Waylon decided that he was going to say hey to a security guard on the trail. He crossed in front of me (a big no no, for leash training) and I …
Last week on ThinkingOutLoud, Elisabeth and I talked about our work space (no not Office Space). I realized that I had more of an abstract working place than a set work space. Because I have been in school for the last three years and working on top of that commitment, work has been squeezed in …
I immediately went to my room when I came in. I had already seen so many pastors who knew lots of people and I was alone. Sure, there are other seminarians here, but we are a different class. We attend Newcomer’s Breakfasts and How To seminars. See, we aren’t there yet. We aren’t full-time ministers or pastors …
I just counted. I’ve been an intern 9 times. 6 of those without pay. 3 of those for more than 40 hours a week. In college because I was an elementary education major, internships or practicums were part of the requirement. As I rushed between classes and fulfilling the 20 hour practicum requirement, I was …
It was advice I got from a friend who had traveled the path before and honestly I was shocked. When I explained I was called to preach and I was sure that I was and that I had been for a long time, I heard, “Don’t go to seminary.” Don’t go to seminary? Don’t answer …
As we started a weeklong celebration of preachers coming together to learn and grow together, we read and sang songs that were surprisingly masculine. And what I mean by that is that the liturgy all referred to God in terms of “He.” While this is very much a part of many traditions, I have become …
I am overwhelmed by the number of famous preachers I’ve seen. It really is a surreal experience to be listening and seeing in person these preachers I’ve read. It is also surreal to be in a room full of pastors and ministers who preach on a consistent basis. It makes the struggling and fighting and …
