Faithful and Fractured: An Interview on the Clergy Health Crisis (Part I)
Book titles often interest me; few arrest me. Such was the case this past fall when Baker Academic’s catalog arrived at my home and I saw this title: Faithful and Fractured: Responding to the Clergy Health Crisis (Baker Academic, 2018). It was co-authored by a medical researcher and a pastor-theologian. I knew it was a book I had to get. Having read it, I now see that it is a book that not just pastors need to read, but it is one that...
Nursing Home Ministry: Getting Started
In my previous essay I provided a biblical rationale for the ministry of nursing home visitation. But what may such a ministry look like practically? Ministry is always contextual. Fulfilling this ministry will look different from place to place. However, despite where or who you may be, here are some suggestions for church members and leaders. Remember the Difficult Conversations People Are Having: Ministry requires teachers to equip...
Nursing Home Ministry: A Critical Need
Visiting widows with my mother is a vivid memory from childhood. My father and mother did much to help the elderly in our small community, but they especially cared for widows who were either childless or whose children didn’t live locally. For my mother, this ministry often meant preparing a pecan pie and taking me with her on a visit to someone’s home. I recall these visits well for two reasons. First, I remember trying to entertain...
Evil, Hope, and the End of the World: An Interview with Michael Zeigler
The Reverend Dr. Michael Zeigler is the pastor of Epiphany Lutheran Church in St. Louis and is an adjunct instructor of Systematic Theology at Concordia Seminary. Michael has become a good friend over the last few years. He is a great model of how one should wed sincere pastoral concern to significant theological reflection. He sat down with me recently to discuss the published form of his doctoral dissertation, Christian Hope Among...
Preaching and Teaching James: A Collaborative Effort
Last summer I was talking with fellow pastor Ken Simpson when he suggested that we should preach through a book concurrently in our respective churches. Simpson pastors a congregation near mine, so we discuss Scripture, ministry, and life on a regular basis. After some prayer and further discussion, we agreed to begin a series on James at the end of the summer when members are settled back in town after summer travel. Brother Simpson...
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