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...]
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...]
12 Reasons Why It Is Good To Be A Church Bully
Being a priest is a blessing, but it's not always easy. Rev. Erik Parker addresses one of the challenges of ministry: dealing with people who assert their fallen wills in unhealthy ways. I have no doubt there are such people in our parishes; the question is how to deal with it. They cannot be … [Read more...]
Something to understand about the priesthood…
Abbot Tryphon says at the end of his essay;"I'm sharing all of this with you because I know your priest will not." He's right; I'm reluctant to post it myself. I've never countenanced whining, especially when it seems to cheapen the "One thing Needful." But it's a good essay and worth sharing for … [Read more...]
Signs in a Congregation That a Leader Has Covert Narcissistic Personality Disorder
Having experienced leaders like this in parishes like this, and grown them anyway, I believe this describes too many Orthodox parishes in North America today. Read and learn. Let the pastor beware. Taking steps to solve these pernicious and destructive issues has gotten me bounced from more than one … [Read more...]
On The Duties Of Clergy: No Idle Words
by St. Ambrose of Milan Silence should not remain unbroken, nor should it arise from idleness. How heart and mouth must be guarded against inordinate affections. 9. What then? Ought we to be dumb? Certainly not. For: "there is a time to keep silence and a time to speak." [Eccles. 3:7] If, … [Read more...]
Two Things Great Leaders Must Do in Turbulent Times
by Dcn. Michael Hyatt From November 2008! Thankfully, the election is over. We now have clarity about who is going to lead our country for the next four years. I have never personally witnessed such excitement and hopefulness following an election (though I acknowledge that not everyone shared … [Read more...]
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