Figuring it all out one day at a time
I received a message last night that this blog had sent out upwards of 400 emails to everyone who subscribes to this blog via email. First, let me offer my sincerest apologies for blanketing your inbox with what must have seemed like a spam attack from Uranus. Even Wesleyan pastors make mistakes.
Secondly, I want to explain why this happened and [Read more…] about Even Wesleyan Pastors Make Mistakes
In the fall of 2002, my father-in-law passed away. I was responsible for the funeral and also for trying to comfort my wife and her family. Following the graveside service, I found myself standing beside my wife after delivering the benediction when I noticed her father’s family. They were still seated in front of the casket when I realized that normally the pastor usually gives some final encouragement at this time. It then occurred to me that I WAS the pastor and immediately went to them to offer more condolences and words of peace and comfort. It was hard pulling that double duty, but fulfilling.
My grandfather died the week after Thanksgiving in 2009. He had a stable church home and a wonderful pastor who ministered to him until the end. I was grateful to share in the service, but not in the same types of pastoral responsibilities that Rev. Honea did. I was able to [Read more…] about Pastor and Grandson Double Duty
This week, my wife, Karen, has been hard at work getting things ready for our church yard sale. I have done my fair share of yard sales for youth fundraisers. Some have done quite well and some…haven’t. There was one where I had to sit on a block of ice for 15 minutes because people put more money in my jar than the other pastor’s(this was of course rigged). I don’t think there’s anything wrong with youth fundraisers as long as it doesn’t take away from the ministry. If you’re doing a youth car wash every weekend then…you may want to re-think that.
In the last year, I’ve heard of 2 churches(both Wesleyan) having monthly yard/hot dog sales to pay the mortgage on their new buildings. Before I go off on a rant let me say that both of these buildings were built in better economic times. I’m sure the church leaders never foresaw having to use valuable church space to store yard sale stuff year round because they wouldn’t be able to keep up with the payments.
Now, church yard sales can a be a good thing because they get people on your campus in a non-churchy environment. It’s a great way to meet new people and for people to check out your church. On the other hand, [Read more…] about Why does your church have yard sales?
