pastoral ministry

The longtime Lilly Endowment vice president’s impact is felt in the hospitable spaces he cultivated, the disciplined reflection he nurtured, and the ripple effects of a life well lived. 

I had to make room for conversations of thanks, forgiveness, love, and good-bye.

Prayer is ministry, and ministry is prayer.

A visit to three congregations around Austin, Texas

Helping people think differently in changing times

A good pastor looks for the sacred within the ordinary.

Peterson never delivered a formula for success. He just wrote about pastoral work and how to live it.

The ministry of abiding, even in the face of decline, is an offering to God.

The preacher maintains a sacred conversation between God and the congregation.

"Sam," the voice on the phone said, simply. I was transported back 25 years.

A story about a search committee and a candidate

The ailing young man wanted to be face to face with God. I opened my shoebox.

Being a pastor is like jumping into a river. You have to let the current take you.

In the wake of violence, pastors have to lead people out of hell. Jesus has been there.

Even the most mechanical routines can transform our inner lives.

Now that 60 is the new 50, creative models are emerging for ministry transitions.

We gave our readers a one-word writing prompt: "power."

In our current political climate, the preacher struggles to say something both unifying and prophetic.

Denominational meetings can be difficult. My Sunday school class reminds me what's at stake.