What does “calling” mean? In the inaugural episode of Called – At the Intersection of Life and Ministry, Pastor Bill Smutz and I talk about what calling can mean in all areas of our lives. The call to ministry is an important one, but it’s not the only one.
Y’all, I am so excited to announce this new podcast! My colleague Bill Smutz and I have been working on a ministry related podcast since the winter and now it’s ready for the world! Here’s what the show is: practical advice for church workers, based on our experiences of over 50 (!) years. We’re talking …
One of my main goals as a choir director creating community in the choir. That might seem strange, since many of the choir members have known each other for decades, whereas I’m the new kid in town. But even though their social roots go deep, my actions still affect the sense of community.
Every Sunday morning when the sermon begins, I duck out of the sanctuary, walk down the hall to the nursery, and start singing.
I’m in a new-to-me place: a full-time ministry position with a reasonable expectation of being here for many years. Of course only God knows the future, but with past positions, I knew I would probably move for my husband’s job after a year or two. But with this job, there’s no move on the horizon, …
How to Develop a 5-Year Ministry Plan (And Why You Should) Read More »
I have a really hard time distinguishing between my professional and personal goals. That’s because my professional goals almost always spring from who I am as a person. Lucky me, for sure, but it’s not always a good thing to have overlapping goals.
Children and the church. Children in the church. It’s complicated, especially with music in the mix. Join Anita Smallin and me as we discuss how to welcome our littlest sisters and brothers in worship services.
Is your annual report due soon? Mine was due today, so I just spent some time thinking about the past months and summarizing the music ministry’s growth and direction for the congregation I serve. I also had an annual review a few months ago. Both my report and review were a bit different because I …
How to Use Your Annual Review and Report to Evaluate Your Ministry Program Read More »
Last week I did something for the first time: I cancelled an anthem because of the composer’s very public sin. In other words, I did not separate art from the artist—I made a choice affirming my belief that composers matter to our experience of the music they create. Then, I wrote about my reasons for canceling …
What’s the difference between ministry and a job when your income comes from a church but you’re not a pastor? What is your vocation and calling? In this week’s podcast episode, church musician Crawford Wiley and I discuss how our personal identities align with our ministry in the church. Neither of us is a pastor, …