Clergy Shirt

 

ALPB has an interesting article on the clerical collar/clergy shirt or what my friend Chris calls “the goofy colar.”

http://www.lutheranforum.org/blogs/clergy-shirts-and-misinterpreted-symbols/

 

I am an Introvert! How does this play in being a pastor?

I admit it I am an introvert.

In Mike Breen and Walt Kallestad book “The Passionate Church” he says in Chapter 8 on Your Personal Style Of Rest pg 73-74:

Introverts process information internally. If you pass a new idea by a group of introverts, they will most likely need a day or two to think about it before they can really give you any kind of feedback. They are usually the quiet ones in the meetings or small groups as they sit and process what they hear. Introverts are often creative-writers, painters, composers-who come up with their best art in time spent alone. A restful weekend for an introvert might include pulling the blinds, renting a video or two, and selecting a good book to read.”

I can relate to this but because of my vocation I am pushing myself. I enjoy meeting people and gaining relationships but I like being alone and with my family as well. How many introvert pastors or people out there? I know a lot of extroverts.

 

Getting Personal

An old friend of mine and his wife are dealing with a baby with no heartbeat and this has stirred up some painful memories in my life. 

Several years ago, my wife lost our first child by miscarriage. This was a very painful experience for both of us. At the time we did not know how to deal with the loss and I believe that I did not go through the grieving process normally but tried to stay strong and keep my feelings inside. Feelings of not having done enough is always in the back of our minds and the thought of never having kids still haunt us.

Feelings of anger at God is normal in situations like this. My God My God why have you forsaken me seems real. Why did God allow this to happen? I don’t know and any contrived answers ring hollow like Job’s counselors, bad Hallmark cards, CCM songs, or Joel Osteen’s smiling face. I don’t know is all I can say. I can say I still believe in God even though I  do not like everything that is happening in the world or to my friends.

Somehow, Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s phrase; “Only a suffering God can help” comes through. Jesus life, death and resurrection is what I cling to.

 

 

changes, interviews and Trust

Well I was all psyched up by a possible call when the call from the Bishop’s office meant a possible change of plans. In other words, looking at a call at another church. After Graduation, I thought I would have a church by June but now it’s looking maybe July. Supply preaching is helping out a little. Thank God Shelia is still working.

The Text I’m preaching on this Sunday is all about Trust. Don’t worry but seek first the Kingdom. Today’s trouble is enough for today. That’s the truth! Amen.

 

I have finally got my MDIV

Another Journey begins….

 

Liturgy

Great article on Liturgy in Christianity Today

http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2008/may/36.38.html?start=1