Ready, Set, Launch . . . and You’re Invited!
In August 2016, I wrote this article: “Is Self-Care Part of Your Paid Employment, and Should It Be?” A few
Books
Responding to the Clergy Health Crisis
I don’t think of myself as part of a clergy health crisis. Although my blood pressure usually tests high at
Lessons in Ministry from Mother Teresa
I’m a long way from the streets of Calcutta where Mother Teresa focused her ministry, but as I reflect on her life, I’m struck by three key lessons for me and for anyone in Christian service:
Beyond Superficial Definitions of Self-Care
Is self-care different from being selfish or self-indulgent? Is it the same as caring for your soul? And what does self-care look like in light of following Jesus, who called his followers to deny themselves?
Why Your Pastor Needs You to Pray
When you work for the church or other Christian organization, it’s most helpful to have a clear job description and contract, regular reviews, and other personnel policies and practices that are respectful of both employer and employee.
But beyond the legalities and policies that are part of the employer-employee relationship is the covenant community we share with one another as part of the body of Christ. We are not only employer and employee to one another, but brothers and sisters in the body of Christ.
One way we can live that out is by praying for one another.
How Do You Handle Self-Care?
I’m excited to share the fantastic news that I will be publishing another book with Herald Press, to be released next year!!
Normally I would post any writing news on my other blog, Writing and Other Acts of Faith, but it seems most appropriate to share the news here first.
Boundary Training that Moves Beyond Sexual-Misconduct Problems
In the context of Christian ministry, boundary training is often presented as training to prevent sexual misconduct. In my denomination for example, all new pastors take a Relationships with Integrity seminar, with a refresher course every six years. Given the seriousness of professional sexual misconduct and abuse, such training is essential.
At the same time, good boundaries can be more than a negative restriction to prevent sexual misconduct.
read more Boundary Training that Moves Beyond Sexual-Misconduct Problems
More on Mental Illness: Preventing Suicide
Two weeks ago I published Healthy Ministry and the Pastor with Mental Illness, which included an excerpt from Delight in Disorder and an interview with author Tony Roberts on his experience as a pastor living with bipolar disorder. In the next few weeks, I plan to share two more interviews on mental health in the workplace, and today I’m highlighting a handbook that helps to educate people on preventing suicide.
