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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.

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