In this essay, Thom Rainer describes a parish phenomenon that is all too common among pastors: the three year tenure. I grew up in a tradition - Methodism - that had institutionalized a four year rotational schedule for its ministers. While short tenures have some benefits, they do not allow for … [Read more...]
Priests, you don’t have to like your parish either
In my post, “You Don’t Have to Like Your Priest”, I built on Brother Patrick’s essay to describe some of the reasons that people don’t like their Orthodox priests, making the general point that all of his foibles pale in comparison to the One Thing Needful which He serves and shares. Another dynamic … [Read more...]
You Don’t Have to Like Your Priest
A reader recommended Brother Patrick Mary Briscoe's article "You Don't have to Like Your priest" (published on March 7, 2014 at Dominicana) It is an excellent article and I recommend it, too. Imitation is the highest form of flattery. The following is patterned on Brother Patrick's essay. Why … [Read more...]
Some Good Advice on (NOT) Taking Offense
If you aren't following Dn. Michael Hyatt (blog, Twitter, podcast, Facebook), then you have a wealth of practical wisdom waiting for you! In this episode of his podcast, he takes on a critical skill: avoiding taking offense. Let's face it: clergy have plenty of opportunity to get upset: they hear … [Read more...]
On the Priesthood, Book 4 – On the Danger of Unworthy Ordination (St. John Chrysostom)
Treatise on the Priesthood.Saint John Chrysostom(source: www.ccel.org/fathers) Book IV. On the Dangers of Unworthy Ordination Basil heard this, and after a little pause thus replied: If you were ambitious of obtaining this office on your own, then your fear would have been reasonable; for in … [Read more...]
Prayer as an Antidote and Cure for Burn-out
One of the topics that has drawn the most comments to this and other pastoral blogs is that of clergy burn-out. I have met well-meaning and venerable pastors who claim that burn-out can only happen to those who have not completely given their lives over to Christ. They believe that kenosis and the … [Read more...]
On the Priesthood, Book 3 – On the Power and Temptations of the Priesthood (St. John Chrysostom)
Treatise on the Priesthood. Saint John Chrysostom (source: www.ccel.org/fathers) Book III. The Power and Temptations of the Priesthood 1. Chrysostom: As regards the insult to those who have done me honor, what I have already said might be sufficient to prove that in avoiding this office I had … [Read more...]
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