I started this blog a couple of years ago, mainly as a place to post my sermons. While in my parish internship, I began posting my monthly newsletter column here. And then at some point, I started actually blogging, writing for this invisible internet audience. This blog has never been …
Representatives of the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations met in Phoenix last week for our annual gathering, called General Assembly (G.A.). Unlike previous years, our gathering this year had a focus on learning about and participating in social justice work (particularly on immigration issues) in partnership with local activist groups. …
This wonderful seven-minute video is one of my favorites, a concise and easy-to-understand summary of Edwin Friedman’s theory of “differentiated” (also sometimes called “non-anxious”) leadership. This video is based on Friedman’s book A Failure of Nerve.
I visited Glide Memorial United Methodist Church this past Sunday. It is known as one of the largest, most diverse, and most dynamic churches in San Francisco. According to their website, 2000 people attend their Sunday “celebrations.” The congregation is actively involved in their local and urban community, offering programs …
As mentioned back in January, I’ve been in search for a congregation to serve. As a result, I’ve read about the challenges and ambitions of many of our congregations, spoken with congregations all over the country, and visited from coast to coast and in between. Along the way, I’ve been …
I’ve spent the last year reading the 68 books and documents on the required reading list for the Ministerial Fellowship Committee. This is the list of readings everyone preparing for the UU ministry must read before interviewing with the committee. Although the required readings have provided me a powerful grounding …
Now that I’m working as a hospital chaplain, I’m able to attend (rather than lead) worship on Sundays. My partner, Peter, and I have begun regularly attending church again. The experience has reminded me how hard it is for introverts to ease into church life. At the vast majority of …
The first time I attended Sunday worship at a Unitarian Universalist congregation was, I believe, in 1997. My partner and I went one time, for Easter Sunday I think, and nothing particularly special happened. I don’t recall being turned OFF in any meaningful way, but neither did I feel compelled …
This article from the Center for Congregational Health outlines the marks of a healthy faith community (with scriptural support, if you need it): Constructive conflict resolution Adaptation to change Authentic community (i.e., real relationships) Ministry that reaches out as well as in Good communication A balance between clergy authority and …
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