What should we DO with patriotic holidays in the church? Celebrate them? Mention the occasion in a pastoral prayer? Run for the hills? Bill and I talk about the challenges of patriotic holidays and offer healthy ways to approach them. Transcript of our conversation below!
It’s hot outside, and the church has left the building. How can we learn from the downsides of summer, and lean into the positives? Bill and I share how we make summer a productive season of the church year, starting with the big one: enjoy the breathing room.
Change is one of the great constants of the world – right up there with death, taxes, and the love of God. But even though it’s inevitable, we’re often reluctant to change, and get anxious when change happens. On this episode, Bill and I share strategies for how we’ve cultivated our own openness to change …
Where should you start when you move to a new ministry? Here are six strategies to help you settle in: People are #1. Get to know the landscape. Literally. Find out what’s normative. Seek out the sacred cows. Figure out what to do now – and what to postpone. Give yourself some grace.
We work harder than you think, calling doesn’t always look conventional, and other things your church leaders wish you knew. Throughout the past year of interviews, I asked people extra questions and this one drew the most passionate response by far: “What do you wish people knew about your job?”
Weekends can be really tricky for church workers. They’re busy for us, but often, that’s when our families and friends have time to spend together. Bill and I share how we’ve navigated the challenges—and opportunities—of working on the weekends.
I’ve been thinking a lot about “calling” lately. No surprise, since I started a podcast called “Called” and our first episode was about what “calling” could mean. Although I’ve come to identify with the term, I haven’t always felt this way.
Today I have some special for you – a guest post! It’s by Craig Harmann, who you may already know from his writing over at Church Music Makers. Craig has been in ministry for 18 years and while he’s felt “called” to ministry this whole time, what he believes “calling” IS has changed over the …
It’s that time of the year! On this episode of the Called podcast, Bill and I talk all things wrapping up the program year. Celebrating the good things, learning from what didn’t work so well, and thinking about where to go next. (Plus the important question, “When should the next program year begin?”)
Last summer, I was the new kid in town. I started my new position at a church in June, right after the program year ended and people scattered to their summer travels. But I wanted to get to know everyone involved in the music program, especially choir members and handbell ringers. And I didn’t want …
The Best Thing I Did At Church Last Summer (And Why I’m Doing It Again) Read More »