In every parish (even the dream ones), there are going to be people whom it is hard to love. Like flies that get into the car when you take your garbage to the dump, their words and actions will continue annoying you long after you've left their physical presence. Sometimes it can get so bad that … [Read more...]
Living in the Rectory – some pros and cons
As a new priest, the first piece of advice many experienced priests have given me is to buy my own house. We live in the rectory and, while it does bring challenges, we have found it to be rewarding for the parish, my family, and my ministry. From the stories I have gathered, it seems that when … [Read more...]
Knowing God’s Will
by Fr. Stephen Freeman “What is God’s will for my life?” No question is either more poignant nor more misguided on the lips of a Christian. It cuts particularly deep because it is most often spoken by the young or by those who feel they have lost their way. It is misguided because it makes a large … [Read more...]
When Fire Strikes: some lessons learned
Two years ago, during the pre-dawn hours of the feast of St. Michael the Archangel, the parish of St. Michael in Woonsocket (UOC-USA) suffered from a terrible fire. It got up into the rafters and destroyed the roof. It was only due to the bravery and proficiency of the firefighters that it was kept … [Read more...]
Am I Called?
The Gospel reading for Matins this Sunday answers the question "Am I Called?" When you have understood this, you know what to do next. So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I … [Read more...]
10 Reasons Bivocational Ministry Matters
By Chuck Lawless “I didn’t come to seminary to be a bivocational minister, to have to get another kind of job,” my student told me. I may not have agreed with my student, but I did understand his thinking. Back then (almost 15 years ago), we weren’t talking much about bivocational … [Read more...]
Autopsy of a Burned-Out Pastor: 13 Lessons
Another short gem from Thom Rainer, this one based on his "autopsies" of pastors whose ministries - and persons - were rendered "mission incapable" by their inability to cope with the cumulative pressures of parish life. Please note that only two of the factors: serving dysfunctional parishes and … [Read more...]
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