2022 Virtual Summit on Abuse
The 2022 Virtual Summit on Abuse will take place on November 13.
Unfortunately, most churches do not address abuse at all.
This year’s Summit will be closed captioned in Spanish and French.
You Need a Mentor
Don't give up and don't go at this alone.
Here's a red flag.
Some Adventists have an issue paying a fair rate (or any at all) for mentorship.
Clergy Echo Chambers: A Conversation with Pastor Lenworth Sealey
I've been trying to operate on a 9 to 5 kind of schedule, doing a little bit more to erect boundaries.
And maybe my desire is not to come between them and God, but that's what a lack of boundaries teaches them. So the first person they turn to is the pastor.
I see it as more of my calling to affix people to Jesus and not the institution. That doesn't mean that I don't want them to be a part of the global community.
Writing Topics for this Newsletter
If you have something you know is worth sharing then share it.
We’ve included an upcoming topic schedule.
Writers are paid for their words.
Staying Adventist After San Antonio
A chaplain colleague who was attending the symposia with me strongly recommended that I attend a session on "moral injury."
How do you remain part of the same church as those who interpret their Adventism very differently than you?
For my spiritual well-being I needed to clarify where I stood morally with my church.
Pour Out. Pour In.
As I pour out, how am I creating space for someone to pour into me?
Figuring out how we get filled is difficult for many, if not most, of us.
When I know I need a friend or time or space I take it.
Unpacking the Pandemic: the Bad Days
I don’t remember any bad days.
It seems I’ve packed away the bad days into old metal chests.
Grace, the unmerited holding of our hearts by a Divine hand.
Gifts for the Kids
Author Reggie Joiner posits there are 936 weeks between birth and graduation, and encourages us to not waste any of them.
Decide today what grace will look like in your home, how forgiveness will be experienced after disagreements, how justice and mercy will be expressed by you and those under your roof.
Take time with Jesus together.
Reflecting on Arena Worship at CALLED
Just over two months ago, pastors from across the North American Division and beyond gathered with their families at CALLED, joining thousands of our sisters and brothers in Christ to fellowship, dream, learn, celebrate, and worship together. Members of the worship ensemble were asked to reflect on how the experience inspired, affirmed, and encouraged them in their local ministry and leadership. Hopefully, you will resonate with what they shared.
Liturgy in a Changing World
“Rather than trying to unwind the clock, it seems we’d be wise to ask which of our inherited practices are worth preserving and adapting, allowing us to appreciate the past, look to the future with hope, but embrace the present reality.”
Upgrading Worship Technology: An Interview with Todd Stout from Church of the Advent Hope
“I think the key in worship gatherings is that technology supports the interaction and contribution of all participants in one way or another, which facilitates the experience of communion with God and community with one another.”
Unpacking the Pandemic: The Good Days
Things were new. Creativity flowed. God showed off.
The summer dress code was “Wear what you won’t faint in”.
And everything was fine because the main point was being able to worship God together.
Best Practices Book Club Explores the Book 1922
-The Best Practices Book Club is back.
-Learn about the Adventist engagement during the Fundamentalist-Modernist conflict.
-A panel of pastors will engage in this discussion on September 6.
Made to Move 5K
Join runners, walkers, and movers from across North America in a virtual 5K.
This is the second year of the virtual 5K.
Learn more and register soon at Made to Move 5K
Excuse Me…May I Have a Word?
To the parent of young children, owning the dual, full-time callings of parent and pastor.
To the recently graduated Theo major.
To the pastor who doesn't know if they are carrying too much.
When It’s Time to Rebuild
I arrived when a lot of blame was being thrown in any direction it would stick.
When COVID hit, it was almost an answer to prayer in regard to the school.
Don't try to sell an unrealistic dream. It's easy to talk, but difficult to execute.
ACF: What About It?
What if I told you that if we just cared for those young adults' basic needs, they would have an open ear to receiving our support and the love of Jesus?
Focus on the relationship; the numbers will explode.
Focus your attention on building trust. Whatever you start, be consistent with it.