By Laura Stephens-Reed As recently as mid-March, I cocooned myself in my office and coached clients and cranked out blog posts and workshop outlines with such focus that I felt, well, productive. Then the bus would drop my son off after school, and I’d switch gears, trying my best to be present to his needs … Continue reading
By Laura Stephens-Reed For many pastors September is the month when they begin looking toward Advent. The program year is underway, the stewardship team has begun its work, and the music director is requesting seasonal themes in order to select appropriate pieces and prepare the choir to sing them. That means there’s space and impetus … Continue reading
By Laura Stephens-Reed I vividly remember (20 years ago now!) walking from the parking deck to my seminary classroom building when I saw an undergrad, talking on her phone, stride boldly into a crosswalk. An oncoming car screeched to a stop to avoid hitting her. The student never turned her head. I began to notice … Continue reading
By Laura Stephens-Reed Recently a member of one of CBF’s peer learning group reached out to his fellow members to share his appreciation for community that PLG offers. Below is an excerpt from that email, shared with permission. Hi my peer learning group friends! How are you doing? I miss you. I miss your laughter. I … Continue reading
By Laura Stephens-Reed Two-plus months into doing all the things at home—working, parenting, recreating—every part of me is weary. As an introvert, I need regular time inside a bubble that popped long ago. I know that extroverts are struggling in different ways, unable to be in places and around people that give them energy. If … Continue reading
By Laura Stephens-Reed By now you have not only become acquainted with and even proficient at Zoom, you are likely Zoomed out. That is understandable. Still, online meetings are the best way to build and maintain relationships during this season of social distancing. That includes your peer learning group connections, which is likely more vital … Continue reading
By Laura Stephens-Reed At the transfiguration, a recent lectionary text, Jesus invites Peter, James, and John – his executive committee – on a hike. A team-building exercise. A bit of continuing education. We don’t know if this committee has been briefed about what they’re going to witness at the peak. And even if they’ve gotten … Continue reading
Earlier this month the peer learning group regional directors (Steve Graham, Layne Smith, Fran Patterson, and Laura Stephens-Reed) met with CBF staff Ruth Perkins Lee and Dihanne Moore to discuss how best to support and encourage our PLGs. Here is what groups and conveners can expect in the coming months: A beefed-up resource list. We … Continue reading
By Laura Stephens-Reed Recently a peer learning group convener contacted me with a dilemma. He facilitates a long-standing, close-knit group, but over time some of the members have moved away to take new ministerial positions. His PLG members have been eager to add to their diminishing ranks, and they invited a local clergyperson to join … Continue reading
By Laura Stephens-Reed For many pastors, the season for conferences and classes has come to a close for 2019. (After all, it’s time to buckle down for Advent planning.) Even so, now is a good time to have continuing education on the brain because: It’s budget season! If you need an increase in your continuing … Continue reading
