Skip to main content

Driving Ms. Saintly

 This morning I had a nice phone call with a friend from seminary.  Both of us are taking our ministries into the online world - he's a little farther ahead than I am.  We were both remarking on what ministry looks like when you're a priest and don't have a traditional call in a parish.

Traditionally that was the only option for a priest.  You went to seminary, got ordained, and went to work in a parish.  When it was time to move on, typically someone would move from a smaller parish to a larger one.  To seek out employment elsewhere was unthinkable - so much so that there's a rule for it in the disciplinary canons.

But here we are in the 21st Century, looking at a Church that has been contracting for decades.  Where once there was a parish with two on staff, now it only has one.  Full time parishes have contracted to part-time status.  This has made it more difficult to find gainful employment - something I need in order to provide for my family.

For years I've been driving Ms. Saintly in only one type of vehicle.  But it's time to examine other vehicles so I can still make a positive impact and contribute something of value to the Church.  I'm building Ministry Development so I can support my family and give something of value.

In a way, I'm grateful for this time.  I don't have to worry about budgets or vestry meetings or parochial reports, or any of the other administrative tasks of a parish.  Right now I have the time to do some deep thinking about what the Church needs, and challenge some ideas about storytelling and its place in the Church.

Just like I'm transitioning from one vehicle to another in terms of employment, the Church has the opportunity to embrace a new vehicle to attract newcomers.  When I was first discerning in 2000, the Church could grow through its beautiful liturgy and progressive reputation.  Now that's no longer the case, so we need something new.  I am convinced that nothing will impact the Church in the same way that extensive storytelling will.

I've been getting some great encouragement over these past few weeks as I launch this endeavor.  It looks like I'll have my first workshop scheduled for sometime in early Lent.  I'm grateful for everyone who is supporting me.

If you'd like to be a part of Team Storytellers, make sure you like and follow my Facebook Page.  The more people we get engaging this material the bigger the impact we can have.  Until then thank you for exploring this vehicle with me and be sure to tell your stories.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Setbacks, Disappointments, and New Opportunities

Yesterday I received a phone call I had been waiting anxiously for. It was about a job I had put in for - and I didn’t get it. The person delivering the news was kind, and even encouraged me to apply for another position that, in her opinion, was a better fit for me. It is a different kind of job, would require a decent commute, and I’m not sure I have it in me to enter another process right now.  This morning I got myself showered and dressed and put on my clericals. Even though I was home all day I wanted to shoot a video and hence the outfit. Somehow just dressing up had me feeling less dejected - like I still could do something I was proud of. I remember years ago when my dad was looking for work. Each day he put on a shirt and tie before filling out job applications.  After the video I scheduled some more content, opened up my notebook, and started working on my plan. The ideas began to flow, time seemed to flow by, and before I knew it I had a pretty great outline for a ...
1 comment
Read more

Advent Challenge - Luke Chapters 8 and 9

Weekends can be a busy thing around the holidays.  Ironically Advent invites us to slow down while the world around us is speeding up with decorating, parties, shopping, etc.  That's why a challenge like reading a chapter of Luke every day is important - it refocusses you. Chapter 8 starts out with a parable about a farmer sowing seeds.  Most of the seed ends up useless, while the seed that fell on good soil yielded a massive harvest.  When the disciples asked what the parable is about, Jesus described it in terms of the Word of God, often falling on hearts that are either unwilling or unready, and it doesn't take hold.  But for some, it lands on a heart that's willing and ready, and bears much fruit. This sets the stage for two miracles that come next - the calming of the sea and the healing of a demoniac.  Jesus and the disciples went out on a boat, and a big storm came upon them.  While everyone else was panicking, Jesus was fast asleep in the stern...
Post a Comment
Read more

Advent Challenge - Luke Chapters 1 and 2

It's been a long time since I published here - about 10 months.  My life has taken some twists and turns.  As I went along I reflected on last year's journey, and my plan to launch Parish Development Ministries.  When I look back at everything I intended to do, I do think I had a decent road map.  But I didn't do a lot of it.  As it turns out, my heart really is in parish ministry, and I'm really glad to be back in that role. Last summer I accepted a call to St. Mary's Church in Wayne, PA.  So we moved again, and I'm settling into this new and wonderful place.  Since it is a year of new things, I decided to launch an Advent Challenge for the new year.  Things worked out nicely.  There are 24 days of Advent this year, and it's Year C, when we'll be reading the Gospel of Luke.  Since Luke has 24 chapters, it just makes sense to read one chapter a day this month, and be prepared for Christmas. Luke is an interesting Gospel.  He has one...
Post a Comment
Read more