By Laura Stephens-Reed Churches are sacred places because they help us feel closer to God. Our spirits are buoyed by the music coming from the choir loft. Sitting in the seats that are just uncomfortable enough to keep us alert, we have heard God’s word proclaimed. We have walked up the steps of the baptistry, … Continue reading
By Laura Stephens-Reed I recently interviewed several pastors about their experiences leading congregations during the pandemic. Specifically, I wanted to know how they handled the initial turn to online worship and the million mini-ministry pivots they’ve had to make in the two years since. Unsurprisingly, all these pastors are exhausted. But not all are discouraged. … Continue reading
Rev. Laura Stephens-Reed Many pastors go into ministry because they love people. They consider your willingness to trust them with your stories a privilege. They want to hold your hand when you have gotten bad news. They celebrate alongside you at milestone moments. Pastoral care is not just part of ministers’ job descriptions. It is … Continue reading
by Andrew Nash It is always hard to take on a new role as a senior pastor in your 20s, but there is an added degree of difficulty when doing so during a global pandemic. There’s even more of a challenge doing so in Flint, Mich., site of a water crisis that has had lasting … Continue reading
Since 1985, the Network on Ministry in Specialized Settings (“COMISS”) has observed the last week of October as Spiritual Care Week – a time when we celebrate the sacred work of chaplains and pastoral counselors. This year’s Spiritual Care Week theme is “Collaborative Healthcare: Chaplains Complete the Picture.” Sometimes a picture is more informative and revealing than words. Often … 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
Ministers, deacons and congregational care-givers are facing a surge in the need for pastoral care—yet many of the ways we have offered care in the past are no longer possible. How do we address our anxiety over having to adapt to new ways of doing things; navigating physical danger; financial struggles; and other things we … Continue reading
By Andy Hale Over the past two decades, the use of antidepressants has skyrocketed. One in six Americans now takes an antidepressant medication. Nearly 40% of Americans reported in 2018 that they were more anxious than in the years past. Almost 18% of the American population has an anxiety disorder. Three out of four Americans … Continue reading
Each year the COMISS Network promotes Spiritual Care Week. It is an occasion to recognize the different disciplines who offer spiritual care to persons. The theme for 2019 is Cultivating Space. Throughout this week you will hear from CBF endorsed chaplains and pastoral counselors as they focus on this theme. Below is Part 4. Learn more about … Continue reading
This article is the first in a series written by members of a generation that has been defined by the events of September 11, 2001. Current leadership team member Michael Lee shares this first-hand account. Michael serves as youth director of Calvary Baptist Church, Asheville, NC. On the morning of September 11th, 2001, I worked … Continue reading