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A few months ago, I wrote a blog post and followed it with a podcast episode with suggestions for preachers on how to leave a congregation. I discussed several ways that I’d done it, which were not the best. I saw progression as I moved a few more times. Here are links to those presentations:…
Do You Think About Ministry? A better ministry? An Interim Ministry? A new Ministry?Whether you’re a veteran preacher, a deacon wondering about your next step, a retiring professional ready to serve in a new capacity, or someone in your first year of ministry, if you’ve thought about it, you need to come to this workshop!…
[This post is from a previous Jenkins Institute magazine, Hope and Expectation. Used by permission.] I begin by saying I’ve had few people who aggravated me constantly. I’ll discuss some people who brought pain for a time and how I dealt with each. As a young preacher, a man came by the church building each Saturday…
Thank you to hundreds of friends who have read drafts, proofread, encouraged, asked, “When will your book be ready,” sent emails, and commented about how Gail’s story has affected you. You can now purchase Fleecy Clouds on Amazon!!! Decide which format you want, and click on the links below to get your copy. Fleecy Clouds, Kindle Buy…
What do you plan to do for the rest of your life? How will you use the wisdom you gained through study and experience as a preacher? Gail and I have enjoyed interim ministry in ten congregations for fifteen years. We’ve continued to learn and grow. We’ve been encouraged by brethren in all these places….
It’s time to appoint elders. Is a man qualified? Does he have believing children? How many? If he’s been married more than once, does he have two (three, four) wives? These are important and should be addressed. In preparing the sermon for Sunday on the qualifications of elders, it jumped out at me: five of…
Front Row, Left to Right: Marilyn Whitson, Melissa Cooper, Ginger Spurlin, Jerrie Barber, Jeanne Simpson, Linda Hammond, Elizabeth Guinn, Elizabeth Michael, Rachel Harrub, Becky EllisBack Row, Left to Right: John Cooper, Jere Spurlin, Gail Barber, Alan Watkins, Tim Simpson, Keith Hammond, Robert Guinn, Cody Michael, Will Harrub, Jeff Ellis The New Shepherds Orientation Workshop was…
I have projects I need to complete and places I plan to go during the next few weeks. I plan to return with more posts in the middle of February. Let me share with you two books I read last week. Rocky Times: a life of struggle, family & faith, by Ellen Claiborne. Ellen, Lucien,…
We moved back to Nashville from Sikeston, Missouri, last week. We are unpacking and finding new things every day. I don’t plan to post to New Shepherds Orientation during September and October. I may have an announcement or two. We are in an interim between interims. My plans are to start with a new congregation on…
I recommend that elders, deacons, preachers, teachers, and other leaders have a “No Suicide Contract” Read: Preventing Leadership Suicide The sudden departure of a leader is shocking and hurtful. When it’s accompanied by anger and recruiting others to quit or leave, it’s devastating. It’s not only shocking and hurtful, but it may also be dishonest. Jacob…