Feb 28, 2014 | Being a Minister, Challenges in Calling
In preparation for leading a student disciple now weekend that dealt with how our faith sees us through the hard times, I sat down with some of my old journals for a little trip down memory lane. Yes, some of it made me cringe, some entries elicited giggles, and some...
Jan 23, 2014 | Challenges in Calling, DEAR ADDIE
Dear Addie, My seminary life is coming to an end, and I’m starting to interview for ministry jobs. What are clues to discovering the place where I need to be? Will I “just know” whether or not it is a fit? Almost, M.Div. Dear Almost, M.Div., Congratulations!...
Sep 30, 2013 | Challenges in Calling, Encouraging Words
As I prepared quesadillas, I was listening to a PGA game. The golfer who began the round as the clear leader missed several putts and now was falling far short of winning the game. As he prepared to putt the 18th hole, the commentator remarked, “Well, he got some...
Jul 13, 2013 | Being a Minister, Challenges in Calling
The doors opening onto dark, empty rooms told me, “We will not all persevere here.” Returning from winter break after my first semester of seminary, I was greeted by empty rooms on the hall where I lived. As my neighbors returned, we gathered in the hallway asking,...
Jun 4, 2013 | Being a Minister, Challenges in Calling
When I was in elementary school, I slept under a patchwork quilt sewn by my maternal grandmother. One day I was telling my mom how pretty the quilt was, and she said, “Oh honey, that’s a scrap quilt. All the pieces of fabric came from outgrown clothes or old curtains....
Mar 20, 2013 | Being a Minister, Challenges in Calling
Presented during the thirtieth anniversary celebration of Baptist Women in Ministry of North Carolina, March 16, 2013. In its second decade (1993-2003), as Baptist Women in Ministry of North Carolina transitioned from reacting to relating, the questions persisted. We...