Callie Swanlund‘s new book is part of a beautiful and growing effort by writers addressing ministers and church leaders, reminding us, you are not alone! From Weary to Wholehearted is Callie’s love letter to remind you and me of many…
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Callie Swanlund‘s new book is part of a beautiful and growing effort by writers addressing ministers and church leaders, reminding us, you are not alone! From Weary to Wholehearted is Callie’s love letter to remind you and me of many…
Read MoreIt’s hard to believe that an hour of writing with support each weekday is enough to really accomplish anything. And one of my Vanderbilt professors used to say, If you are going to be a successful scholar and publish enough…
Read MoreThe last seven weeks of my life have been like no other, and they have included unearthing treasure among other things. On Good Friday we began the process of taking over finances, legalities, and material stuff to support my parents…
Read MoreThis week we are back with Rev. Callie Swanlund and talking about what it means to live into a sustainable and wholehearted ministry. Tomorrow May 7 is a big day for Callie and her new book From Weary to Wholehearted: A…
Read MoreThe end of March often arrives, and I realize that I didn’t mark the anniversary or celebrate my ordination. This year I’m celebrating on March 19. It is the day I was ordained. And I’m happy to share a few…
Read MoreImagine advocating for a place where women and lgbtiqa+ people preach and lead most Sundays. A place where seminary students seek to learn from wise pastors. Where every age person from youngest to eldest has a place and a role…
Read MoreHappy New Year’s Eve! This is not a post that will scream about the last minute, or rush you to give, buy, do, support, or show up somewhere. Instead it is a post that looks back a little and forward…
Read More#PandemicPastoring Report (2022) Download + News | Learn about the Author | Watch the Webinar ++++++++++ Pre-order the #PandemicPastoring Study Guide The #PandemicPastoring STUDY GUIDE is available NOW! We are living in a new era of ministry. We need to…
Read MoreWelcome to the Pastoral Imagination book page. You can observe and imagine doing ministry. Yet until you enter it with your whole self, alongside people in everyday situations, you cannot know fully how a calling comes to life. ~Eileen Campbell-ReedPastoral…
Read MoreThanks for stopping by to learn more about the #MeTooReckoning Workshop. We believe there is a reckoning underway, and we want this new self-paced workshop to help you navigate it. Access for the #MeTooReckoning Workshop NOW Available The course is…
Read MoreGratitude is rightly our focus during clergy appreciation month, yet as part of our acknowledgement of clergy today, let’s also attend to the reality of vocational grief. While it can be hard to name and process, and typically remains out…
Read MoreFacing Brick Walls “Nobody ever liked Eileen anyway.” Ouch. “Eileen, I’m really hoping that you will be our next pastor.” Oooof. These words, and many variations on them, polarized the congregation when I left it over 20 years ago. What…
Read MoreThis weekend I spent time renewing and making new connections with Baptist friends. As an extrovert I found this mostly energizing. I know it’s not everyone’s idea of fun. And maybe you would rather make connections with one person over…
Read MoreFor women in ministry and lgbtiqa+ ministers*, everyday ministry puzzles are an unavoidable part of living into one’s calling and work. When I listen to the ministers I study, seminary students, friends, and colleagues in ministry, I hear stories about…
Read MoreBlessed are you who are called by God to serve the church… Then along comes someone saying surely you misheard. Or that you don’t know what you are doing. They practically shout, wrong number! They are the ones who are…
Read MoreWhat back to school wisdom would you offer someone who is beginning seminary? This season is back-to-the-routine and back-to-school time for many of us. So this week we invited pastors, professors and recent seminary graduates to share some words of…
Read MoreEditor’s Note: This week we welcome Elizabeth-Anne’s SBC Story about calling and ministry. Elizabeth-Anne Lovell is part of the 3MMM Team, teaches Jesus in the Gospel and Film at Belmont University, and is a brand new mom. It’s Not You,…
Read MoreThis week I am focusing on rural ministry gifts and challenges related to time, place, and power. The reason for this focus is that I will meet with a group of pastors and congregational leaders later this week. In anticipation…
Read Morea poem for lost things (behind the desk edition) prescription eyeglasses photo book of grandchildren heart stickers rolodex original watercolor painting (unframed, 4 x 6) paper clips bugs (dead and alive) receipts cosmetics, lots of cosmetics (two entire boxes) bic…
Read MoreEDITORIAL NOTE: We are offering a summer series of “My Favorite Things” this year. And this week, 3MMM Team Member Adam DJ Brett is on the blog. Adam holds a Ph.D. in religion from Syracuse University, where he studied religion,…
Read MoreLast week I began answering the question of how women thrive in ministry. My inspiration for responding to this question came from Baptist Women in Ministry (BWIM) Executive Director, Rev. Dr. Meredith Stone. She asked recently: If we imagine…
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