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"Life in the Garden"
Resources and Reflections
for Clergy Wellness
July 2005
In this issue
- WWJD - "What would Jesus do?"
- YOUR TURN - WWYD - "What would YOU do?"
- Resources for Effective Ministry
Welcome to this issue of "Life in the Garden".
Each monthly issue focuses upon a particular topic or issue that relates to the challenges and adventures of parish ministry, and provides information and support to live and lead from the "Garden" - that place in our hearts and souls where there is wisdom, wonder, grace and abundance.
Remember those wristbands that were popular a few years ago?
I must confess that I didn't embrace them with much enthusiasm at that time because they seemed to simplify and reduce Jesus' teachings to a very superficial level. Yet, it is this phrase that comes to mind as I think about how to deal with the many demands and expectations that we and others place upon ourselves in parish ministry.
As I talk with priests all over the country, I hear the chronic complaints of the drains of:
- paperwork and administrative tasks
- Vestry meetings
- pastoral calls
- leaks in the roof
- staff issues
- stewardship challenges
- lack of effective outreach
- and the list goes on and on . . .
Can you picture Jesus sitting behind a desk or running a vestry meeting? WWJD?
My answer is yes, I can picture him leading a faith community today, with all its challenges and opportunities. And, I believe he would utilize two key ingredients that are a part of any healthy Episcopal church: pot luck suppers, and ice cream!
- Potluck Suppers. What makes those meals successful
is that it is the effort and input of many people. Jesus did NOT do
his ministry all by himself. That's why he had at least 12 disciples
around him (and probably had just as many women with him). Can you imagine
how much easier and more effective your ministry would be if you had
12 or more people around you at all times, to help you do your work?
- Ice cream. There is a great motto of Ben and Jerry - the ice cream duo: "If it's not fun, why do it?" I believe Jesus LOVED what he did - whether it was healing the sick, arguing with the Pharisees, wandering in the wilderness, having fellowship with the disciples, teaching the multitudes, or facing Pilate.
Jesus knew why he was here. He was clear about his mission, and everything he did was connected to that larger vision.
Too many of us become overly responsible and burdened, and lose sight of why we are here and what support we need.
YOUR TURN - WWYD - "What would YOU do?"
- How's your cooking! Are you doing all the cooking
yourself? Do you feel responsible for everything that happens at the
church - from soup to nuts?
Are there others on the vestry or in the church that have the gift/talent to take some things off your plate, and allow you to better utilize the gifts that you have? Do you have 12 or 24 people around you that support you in your ministry? You can start with 3 or 4, and build from there. - What's your favorite ice cream flavor? When you get that support, and take some things off your plate - you get to identify where your passion and joy are. What brings you the most joy and fun? What feeds you most in your ministry?
When you are doing what brings you alive, that is a powerful way to feed others.
"Don't ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it, because what the world needs is people who have come alive!" - Howard Thurman, Theologian and Author
Resources for Effective Ministry
- Individual Coaching. Are your tired of working so
hard, and still feeling that you are not fully living into the ministry
that you know is within you.
It doesn't have to be that hard!
Call for a FREE consultation to see how the power and structure of coaching can implement the changes that will make your life less stressful and more fulfilled.
I know the demands and challenges of parish ministry, and have developed a powerful, step-by- step program that works!
- Group coaching Are you tired of being the lone ranger,
and want the support and collective wisdom of your colleagues?
Starting in late September, a 6-month Clergy Reflection/Action group is being offered to provide the support and accountability to dramatically improve your effectiveness and reduce your stress.
It's affordable, flexible, and focuses on the specific demands and challenges of parish ministry! Look for details in the August newsletter, or call for more information.
Contact Information
Will Thompson - The Clergy Coach
Web: http://www.theclergycoach.com
Email: coachwill@charter.net
Phone: 864-609-9068
16 Bernwood Drive
Taylors, SC 29687
Reprinted With Permission
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