leadership in ministry
This is one of my favourite stories: There was once an old monastery which had lost its inspiration. The same routines were performed as they had always been, but there were no new novices and little enthusiasm for the rites of prayer. The Abbot saw all this and he grieved. At a loss as to Read More …
The Unlikely Evangelist has posted this list of values that a recent conference about the future of the URC came up with: The Core Values identified are: A Radical Welcome – welcome, fellowship, no one turned away from our churches. A Place to Think – questions, doubts, fears and a safe place to explore A Read More …
People on or perhaps of the margins of Church hold a special interest for me. Perhaps because I struggle to feel part of the traditional church and have drawn much of my inspiration for my own journey of faith from beyond the margins. That said I’ve never completely fallen off the end… yet, probably because Read More …
That’s the theme for this year’s World Day of Prayer service. I’ve been invited to preach at the service in Lesmahagow on Friday and I’m looking forward to it, although as yet I have no idea what to say! (this is becoming a recurrent theme!) The readings are from Ephesians 4: 1-16 and Genesis 18: Read More …
I don’t understand the ‘giving something up for Lent’ thing. Jesus went into the wilderness for 40 days and lived off what he could find. He did that with a purpose, a reason. He was about to begin his ministry and needed to know it was the right time. What has giving up chocolate or Read More …
Brother Lawrence, a monk who lived in the 17th Century, sums what he calls ‘Practicing the Presence of God’ in these words: ‘I have ceased all forms of devotion and set prayers except those which my state requires. I make it my priority to persevere in His holy presence, wherein I maintain a simple attention Read More …
I was giving a presentation last night about NEXUS to Glasgow Presbytery (Church of Scotland). It was great to see some people I haven’t seen for ages. The Moderator led a short act of worship to begin the meeting and used the story of Jesus walking on the water (Matthew 14: 22-36) as his text. Read More …