Shalom!
For many years I have subscribed to a monthly newsletter called "The Joyful Noiseletter," put out by Cal and Rose Samra in Michigan. The best features for me have been the cartoons and the jokes, and the marvelous thing about this newsletter is that subscribers can make use of much of the content in church newsletters, etc. This has been a wonderful gift to me, as I think humor is essential in our faith lives. For years my goal was to have at least two cartoons in each newsletter, and sometimes I'd use some in the weekly bulletins too, especially on Holy Humor Sunday, the Sunday after Easter.
I had only been vaguely aware of the story of this publication...until this evening, when the January 2010 issue arrived via email. (I use the electronic subscription; one can also receive a hard copy.) Cal has written a history of the last 25 years, and, since he put the history on the website, I can share it as a link:
www.joyfulnoiseletter.com/history.asp .
It's quite a story, with a lot of actors.
The annual subscription ($29, I think) is worth every penny, and you can get all that info and subscribe from the link above.
If you don't know about this grace, check it out! If your pastor isn't aware of it, check to see if she or he would appreciate a subscription. And for goodness sake, laugh!
Shalom!
dave
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Pastors: are calendars and clocks your friends or your foes?
Shalom!
Once again, the Alban Institute people offer very helpful material!
“Taking Control of Your Time: It's All About Priorities” by Bradford Agry
http://www.alban.org/conversation.aspx?id=8654
which concludes with:
Your calendar is a finite universe. Learn to prune activities that are less important to your job and your organization's mission. This may involve delegating or re-assigning tasks to others, sharing parts of the work, or perhaps making them a lower priority. If you and your colleagues are in agreement as to what the shifting set of priorities are, then all can plan accordingly. By explicitly making room and intentionally planning for the crucial items, you will begin to shift from being a purely reactive scheduler to a more proactive time manager.
“Ministers Managing Time” by Ronald D. Sisk
http://www.alban.org/conversation.aspx?id=8655
which includes
I contend that time management is best addressed sequentially, through a series of touch points that punctuate a minister's relationship with a congregation—times when mutual expectations and intentions can be shaped and spelled out. Those touch points include the negotiation of an initial contract; the establishment of a ministerial schedule; the observation of contractual vacations, holidays, and sabbaticals; the minister's daily self-management; and times of congregational change. For the most part, it is the skill with which we ministers address the issue at these critical points that determines our competence as time managers.
IMO there's much to be said for being proactive at times like appointment and annual evaluation regarding the best use of time!
Shalom!
dave
Once again, the Alban Institute people offer very helpful material!
“Taking Control of Your Time: It's All About Priorities” by Bradford Agry
http://www.alban.org/conversation.aspx?id=8654
which concludes with:
Your calendar is a finite universe. Learn to prune activities that are less important to your job and your organization's mission. This may involve delegating or re-assigning tasks to others, sharing parts of the work, or perhaps making them a lower priority. If you and your colleagues are in agreement as to what the shifting set of priorities are, then all can plan accordingly. By explicitly making room and intentionally planning for the crucial items, you will begin to shift from being a purely reactive scheduler to a more proactive time manager.
“Ministers Managing Time” by Ronald D. Sisk
http://www.alban.org/conversation.aspx?id=8655
which includes
I contend that time management is best addressed sequentially, through a series of touch points that punctuate a minister's relationship with a congregation—times when mutual expectations and intentions can be shaped and spelled out. Those touch points include the negotiation of an initial contract; the establishment of a ministerial schedule; the observation of contractual vacations, holidays, and sabbaticals; the minister's daily self-management; and times of congregational change. For the most part, it is the skill with which we ministers address the issue at these critical points that determines our competence as time managers.
IMO there's much to be said for being proactive at times like appointment and annual evaluation regarding the best use of time!
Shalom!
dave
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Mirror-gazing: Spiritual Reflection
Shalom!
The book is
ETERNAL LIFE: A NEW VISION--BEYOND RELIGION, BEYOND THEISM, BEYOND HEAVEN AND HELL by John Shelby Spong. HarperOne, 2009.
I’ve begun what Bishop Spong thinks might be his last book (or maybe not). Because it looked interesting, and because I often read newspapers and books from the last page toward the front, I read the last chapter first. Next, the Preface (and the page of dedications), and now the first chapter. Among other things, I’m discovering pithy statements, a lot of reflection on his experience with the benefit of his mature perspective, and some statements that could just as well be mine, though to be sure, no one would pay to read my observations!
He writes in his very personal first chapter of his experience as a pastor helping families at times of grief. Spong understands now that many people viewed him as one of the professionals who are assigned the task of handling the matter of talking about death. (The three professional groups he identifies are undertakers, doctors, and pastors.) He writes:
I do not mean to demean a pastor’s attentiveness to task or what such a person might mean in her/his presence, words, or works with a dying person or a grieving family. But I do understand in my spirit that the pastoral importance is likely to be valued because the pastor is a flesh-and-blood symbol or stand-in for the presence of Christ.
“What a friend we have in Jesus” is comforting, in part, because this is a friend who is identified with God, and in those crisis times, we want all the symbols of God’s care that we can gather to us! I recall being a stand-in for a stand-in in a place where I served. I was covering for a pastor of another denomination, and one of his parishioners died. The family dutifully called the pastor who was covering for their beloved young pastor. They really didn’t know me; I surely didn’t know them. Yet they expressed gratitude for my being with them that day as they “said their good-byes,” made the necessary calls, and tried to decide what to do next. It wasn’t MY presence they valued—they didn’t really know much about me, but I think it was the presence of God/Christ that I stood for that mattered. For my part, it was moving to watch a grandchild sit on the bed next to the body of her grandpa and say what she wanted to share. We really do need to talk about death!
So I continue now from the beginning, moving toward new beginnings. I know I’ll like this book. Bishop Spong mentions Bret Favre on p. 218.
Shalom!
dave
The book is
ETERNAL LIFE: A NEW VISION--BEYOND RELIGION, BEYOND THEISM, BEYOND HEAVEN AND HELL by John Shelby Spong. HarperOne, 2009.
I’ve begun what Bishop Spong thinks might be his last book (or maybe not). Because it looked interesting, and because I often read newspapers and books from the last page toward the front, I read the last chapter first. Next, the Preface (and the page of dedications), and now the first chapter. Among other things, I’m discovering pithy statements, a lot of reflection on his experience with the benefit of his mature perspective, and some statements that could just as well be mine, though to be sure, no one would pay to read my observations!
He writes in his very personal first chapter of his experience as a pastor helping families at times of grief. Spong understands now that many people viewed him as one of the professionals who are assigned the task of handling the matter of talking about death. (The three professional groups he identifies are undertakers, doctors, and pastors.) He writes:
I learned in that process that what [the grieving] perceived that I represented was far more important than anything I said, or did, and even more important than who I was or what I thought. It was humbling to learn that my ministry was deeply symbolic and not really about either my being or my doing. (p. 7)Yup. Been there. Did that. Got an honorarium.
I do not mean to demean a pastor’s attentiveness to task or what such a person might mean in her/his presence, words, or works with a dying person or a grieving family. But I do understand in my spirit that the pastoral importance is likely to be valued because the pastor is a flesh-and-blood symbol or stand-in for the presence of Christ.
“What a friend we have in Jesus” is comforting, in part, because this is a friend who is identified with God, and in those crisis times, we want all the symbols of God’s care that we can gather to us! I recall being a stand-in for a stand-in in a place where I served. I was covering for a pastor of another denomination, and one of his parishioners died. The family dutifully called the pastor who was covering for their beloved young pastor. They really didn’t know me; I surely didn’t know them. Yet they expressed gratitude for my being with them that day as they “said their good-byes,” made the necessary calls, and tried to decide what to do next. It wasn’t MY presence they valued—they didn’t really know much about me, but I think it was the presence of God/Christ that I stood for that mattered. For my part, it was moving to watch a grandchild sit on the bed next to the body of her grandpa and say what she wanted to share. We really do need to talk about death!
So I continue now from the beginning, moving toward new beginnings. I know I’ll like this book. Bishop Spong mentions Bret Favre on p. 218.
Shalom!
dave
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Leadership is not a solo performance!
Shalom!
While for much of my life and ministry, I have practiced the fumbling art of the lone ranger, I'm beginning to see the light! Recently too, I've been trying to read Dan Dick's blog regularly. Here's a quote from a recent entry:
Leadership in the church, by its very definition, must be a collaborative concept. With very few exceptions, we simply don’t have individuals with all the skills and gifts needed to effectively lead a congregation. And if we are truly serious about this disciple-making stuff, we are equipping all people to use their gifts and talents for the greater good — we are training, nurturing, and equipping people to share in leadership. All of ministry should be “with.”
http://doroteos2.wordpress.com/2009/09/17/to-for-or-with/#more-1922
ISTM that our congregations could be stronger and happier and more fruitful if we practiced collaboration in leadership!
Shalom!
dave
While for much of my life and ministry, I have practiced the fumbling art of the lone ranger, I'm beginning to see the light! Recently too, I've been trying to read Dan Dick's blog regularly. Here's a quote from a recent entry:
Leadership in the church, by its very definition, must be a collaborative concept. With very few exceptions, we simply don’t have individuals with all the skills and gifts needed to effectively lead a congregation. And if we are truly serious about this disciple-making stuff, we are equipping all people to use their gifts and talents for the greater good — we are training, nurturing, and equipping people to share in leadership. All of ministry should be “with.”
http://doroteos2.wordpress.com/2009/09/17/to-for-or-with/#more-1922
ISTM that our congregations could be stronger and happier and more fruitful if we practiced collaboration in leadership!
Shalom!
dave
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
More on criticism of the pastor
Shalom!
In the UM REPORTER, Mary Jacobs interviews some folks about how a pastor might handle or cope with criticism.
http://www.umportal.org/main/article.asp?id=5732
Again, I think this article offers some helpful advice!
Shalom!
dave
In the UM REPORTER, Mary Jacobs interviews some folks about how a pastor might handle or cope with criticism.
http://www.umportal.org/main/article.asp?id=5732
Again, I think this article offers some helpful advice!
Shalom!
dave
Monday, July 6, 2009
Lifelong learning
Shalom!
The Alban Institute kindly shares this link with us: http://http://www.alban.org/conversation.aspx?id=8112 , and for what my opinion is worth, I highly recommend it!
The author shares his ten lessons about being a learning-centered teacher. All the ideas revolve around learning as a lifelong process which is cooperative between teacher and learner.
Good stuff!
Shalom!
dave
The Alban Institute kindly shares this link with us: http://http://www.alban.org/conversation.aspx?id=8112 , and for what my opinion is worth, I highly recommend it!
The author shares his ten lessons about being a learning-centered teacher. All the ideas revolve around learning as a lifelong process which is cooperative between teacher and learner.
Good stuff!
Shalom!
dave
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Wandering in the Pastoral Fields of Praise and Otherwise
Shalom!
“Slings and arrows” is an article by Martin B. Copenhaver in the June 16, 2009 CHRISTIAN CENTURY, pp.20-24. I offer three paragraphs and a comment or two particularly for pastors...and maybe for parishioners as we think about the possibilities and perils of praise and criticism.
I have become convinced that in the ministry it is important not to take either the criticism or the praise too seriously. In fact, that may be the only way to survive. If you take the criticism too seriously, you can feel as if you are being “nibbled to death by ducks,” as one person has put it. Or you will be only as happy as your most unhappy parishioner. Or you will avoid speaking the truth. Or you will try to please everyone, which is impossible.
If you take the praise too seriously, you may find yourself doing more of whatever brings you praise, whether or not it is what you need to do to be a faithful and effective pastor. Praise may be a fitting reward, but it is a misleading motivator. And if you take praise too seriously, you put yourself in danger of forgetting that ministry is not about you.
Not taking criticism or praise too seriously reflects a certain paradox of ministry. The ministry requires that one care deeply about God’s people, including what they think. Otherwise why would one go into this work? At the same time, the ministry requires that one not care too much about God’s people, particularly about what they think. Otherwise how could one survive in this work? (p. 24)
Some suggestions offered by the author about how to deal with criticism include
+ the criticism isn't always ABOUT you, though it may be directed AT you;
+ if you think the criticism may have merit, ask "Would I seek out this person's opinion?" If your answer is "No," then perhaps you will want to disregard the criticism;
+ ignore anonymous criticism; and
+ understand that some times are better than others for receiving criticism!
Some words of advice about how to deal with praise include
+ beware of the pastor who needs too much praise;
+ keep a folder for notes and letters of encouragement;
+ become aware of your pastoral gifts and have confidence in them; and
+ understand that faithfulness in ministry is more important than seeking praise.
I like a lot of Copenhaver's ideas and phrases, one of which is the pastoral paradox of caring deeply but not too much for the people you are serving. It's a balancing act to be sure, but a necessary one. One test is when one moves or retires: can you let go of the deep attachments one forms in the pastoral role?
Another excellent short piece of advice: "Praise may be a fitting reward, but it is a misleading motivator." In my mind, this is paired quite well with his good point that ministry is not about the pastor, but it is about God. Our worship and our ministry point to God, not Pastor Soandsuch.
Shalom!
dave
“Slings and arrows” is an article by Martin B. Copenhaver in the June 16, 2009 CHRISTIAN CENTURY, pp.20-24. I offer three paragraphs and a comment or two particularly for pastors...and maybe for parishioners as we think about the possibilities and perils of praise and criticism.
I have become convinced that in the ministry it is important not to take either the criticism or the praise too seriously. In fact, that may be the only way to survive. If you take the criticism too seriously, you can feel as if you are being “nibbled to death by ducks,” as one person has put it. Or you will be only as happy as your most unhappy parishioner. Or you will avoid speaking the truth. Or you will try to please everyone, which is impossible.
If you take the praise too seriously, you may find yourself doing more of whatever brings you praise, whether or not it is what you need to do to be a faithful and effective pastor. Praise may be a fitting reward, but it is a misleading motivator. And if you take praise too seriously, you put yourself in danger of forgetting that ministry is not about you.
Not taking criticism or praise too seriously reflects a certain paradox of ministry. The ministry requires that one care deeply about God’s people, including what they think. Otherwise why would one go into this work? At the same time, the ministry requires that one not care too much about God’s people, particularly about what they think. Otherwise how could one survive in this work? (p. 24)
Some suggestions offered by the author about how to deal with criticism include
+ the criticism isn't always ABOUT you, though it may be directed AT you;
+ if you think the criticism may have merit, ask "Would I seek out this person's opinion?" If your answer is "No," then perhaps you will want to disregard the criticism;
+ ignore anonymous criticism; and
+ understand that some times are better than others for receiving criticism!
Some words of advice about how to deal with praise include
+ beware of the pastor who needs too much praise;
+ keep a folder for notes and letters of encouragement;
+ become aware of your pastoral gifts and have confidence in them; and
+ understand that faithfulness in ministry is more important than seeking praise.
I like a lot of Copenhaver's ideas and phrases, one of which is the pastoral paradox of caring deeply but not too much for the people you are serving. It's a balancing act to be sure, but a necessary one. One test is when one moves or retires: can you let go of the deep attachments one forms in the pastoral role?
Another excellent short piece of advice: "Praise may be a fitting reward, but it is a misleading motivator." In my mind, this is paired quite well with his good point that ministry is not about the pastor, but it is about God. Our worship and our ministry point to God, not Pastor Soandsuch.
Shalom!
dave
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
