Jul 26, 2018 | Weekly Words
Two years ago, I sat in a tense meeting concerning the future of my seminary and who would represent the faculty. I sensed the group consensus turning in my direction. I, the untenured junior colleague, mustered the courage to turn down the position. “We are all...
Jul 18, 2018 | Weekly Words
“I am going to the store and I will be right back.” These are the first words I remember my mother speaking to me. I do not remember songs or lullabies. I do not remember hugs or kisses or sweet-smelling pies. My first memory of my mother is her leaving me on the...
Jul 12, 2018 | Weekly Words
The week of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship General Assembly is always a joyful one for me. Growing up, this week meant family vacation–and an ever-growing collection of swag pens and Post-It note-pads. More recently, I attend as part of my own vocational...
Jun 28, 2018 | Weekly Words
“Our church has wanted a female ministry intern for a long time,” said my supervisor, a male pastor of a mid-size Baptist church in North Carolina. “But to be honest, I don’t know what to do with you. I can’t go running with you, I can’t get a drink with you, and my...
Jun 6, 2018 | Weekly Words
In my experience, senior pastors are not always the humblest human beings. I am a senior pastor, so I should know. My friend says it is because it takes a bit of ego to stand up in front of a congregation every week and claim to know something about God! Hopefully,...
May 30, 2018 | DEAR ADDIE, Weekly Words
Dear Addie, As I see the “dare to be brave” theme for the Baptist Women in Ministry annual gathering, I am wondering if bravery sometimes looks like advocating for yourself. For those of us who do ministry in non-traditional settings, speaking honestly about your...
