Holy Days and Connections

We clergy speak of the most significant event in history: the life, death, and resurrection of Christ.  Why is it so hard to “put ourselves out there” when we carry such an incredible message?  Most of us are allergic to anything that feels like self-promotion.  But in this world of social media, streaming worship, and…

Rev. Jake Morrill is in his 18th year as Lead Minister of a thriving congregation in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. He’s also a non-profit executive director, a therapist, and a clergy coach, anchored in Bowen Family Systems Theory. He teaches systems thinking through the Bowen Theory Education Center and works with clients through the Bowen Center for…

Rev. Kerra English is a half-time pastor near Richmond, Virginia, and works hard to keep a personal connection to her congregation.  Sure, it’s easy to see how many people are watching your online services, but who are they, exactly? https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/cf49ia/Kerra_English_-_Stereo_Mix6fn4u.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download

In this conversation with Curtis Ramsey-Lucas, he shares he own experiences with leadership in online worship as well as his new book, #InThisTogether: Ministry in Times of Crisis, in which authors come together to offer observations about the triple crises we face today: a pandemic, the unveiling of systemic racism, and an electoral crisis.  Curtis…

Rev. Donna Claycomb Sokol is the pastor of Mount Vernon Place United Methodist Church in Washington, DC.  Prior to the pandemic, this church worked to include people from all walks of life in ministry.  The mission continues with new fervor and passion, but through its online presence, the circle is drawn much wider. https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/gf49jc/Donna.mp3Podcast: Play…

REPLAY: Perhaps that’s an overstatement, but Dylan Wilson of Bearden United Methodist Church in Knoxville, Tennessee, shares some of the challenges of doing online ministry with youth and young adults in this time of social distancing.  His creative work with video is bringing people into a place of participation in worship that he finds compelling. …