I have just published my second book, entitled, Things I Never Learned in Seminary: From A to Z  (Okay, from Z to A). 

As much as I still value my seminary experience, and as much as it laid a strong foundation for my life in ministry, there were many things that just were not a part of the curriculum when I attended seminary.  Some of the topics that I have written about in this book may be things that are now taught in some seminaries, but I would venture to say that most of them are not taught in any formal way.  With some serious sharing, and humor mixed in at various points, I hope that readers will discover new insights for themselves, including offering lay persons a look into some of the challenges of ministry that accompany also great moments of joy.  The book is available at Amazon.com.  Here is an excerpt from the entry about "Making Coffee" - 

When I first arrived at my current church, one of the pleasures that I found was in drinking coffee, or in the winter opting for hot chocolate, during Bible study times with church members.  It somehow added to the experience for me, perhaps because I had never been much of a coffee drinker before.  In any case, it was easy enough in those days to put a kettle of water on the stove and to be able to offer something hot to whomever came to the time of study.  Doing this also suggested a feeling of welcome, togetherness, and friendship with those who were coming for the study or meeting. 

Then, at a certain point several years into my time at the church, we hired a new church office manager, and she too liked coffee.  I made a decision that I did not in any way want to lean toward what had been traditional roles of the past, and to ask her to make coffee for us.  So, instead, I simply began making a pot of coffee every day when she was in the office and offering her a cup.  It slowly became a new tradition, and something that she would joyfully mention to other visitors to the office.  Yes, it made her feel that I considered her important, which I of course did and do. 

ON READING THE BIBLE

I am currently leading a walk through the Gospel of Mark, inviting your own encounter with it, and your reflections about thoughts I will share and questions I will offer.

I invite you to journey along with me as I post a blog weekly.

ARTS IN THE CHURCH

A new post was entered on February 5.