by Jessica Rivera Before we get to Jess’s lovely poem about the joys and incongruities of being a young clergy woman… Next month we will start a new feature in Christ and Creativity, an intermittent series of interviews with YCW’s who also practice art, writing or other creative pursuits. We want to hear what drives [...]
Clergy Women and Infertility–Breaking the Silence
Name Withheld If I have to read the story of Abraham and Sarah’s miraculous conception of Isaac one more time, I will run screaming out of the pulpit. Because I know what it’s like to want a child. I know what it’s like to try everything under the sun to create one – frankly, if [...]
Trinitarian Formula
by Erica Schemper It was bound to happen sooner or later: a baptism fight in the pastor’s meeting. “Fight” might be too strong a word. I’m blessed to serve on a pastoral staff with a healthy sense of friendship and collegiality. We might grumble a bit, but there’s good give and take, and things tend [...]
My Double Life on Facebook
by Diana Carroll I was a relative latecomer to the Facebook phenomenon. Many of my friends joined in college or not long after, but right up until the middle of seminary, I remained vehemently opposed to the idea. I thought that it was a senseless waste of time, and that if I joined, I would [...]
The Other L-Word
by Stacey Midge If you're single, most people you encounter will assume you are, but if you admit it, they will likely become uncomfortable. It's an unmentionable for clergy, a confession that might hurt or puzzle your congregation, or encourage them in inappropriate matchmaking attempts. The very nature of it leads you to believe that you are isolated, [...]
Theologically Lost
by Sarah Kinney Gaventa and Elsa A. Peters This month, the Jesus Review is pleased to bring you a conversation between two of our favorite TV junkies. Excuse me. They would like you to know that they only watch intelligent TV. This conversation wasn’t an exchange the tinkling of coffee mugs in a coffee shop [...]
There *is* such a thing as part-time ministry
by MaryAnn McKibben Dana I’ve been working part-time for more than a year, and with three young children and a small writing vocation on the side, it has been the perfect schedule for this stage of my life. For many pastors, part-time ministry can provide untold benefits: more space for parenting, attending school, or pursuing [...]