Chaos Reigns

YIKES.  What a month.  Between my denominational conference in Chicago, a quick trip to Iowa, a family visit, and some goings on, it has been non-stop chaos.  All of the travel and visit were fine and fun, though they did kind of upset the routine of life.  Couple all of that with Ben's interview this week, some shenanigans at Church of the Holy Mother (LOL), and some medical issues, I'm ready for a respite.  Later this week, we have a two night hotel stay to celebrate my birthday, and there is a likely trip to a potential new location within the month.  There are goings on my child's life involving separation and eventual divorce, and family relocating to our area (just as we are looking at leaving).  Add all of this together, and is it any wonder that Ben and I are about to go 'round the bend?  Life is seldom dull here at Slumlord Heights, but can we at least slow the merry go round from warp drive to mach speed?  PLEASE!

Pissed Off

Why is it that clergy are open targets of both active and passive abuse, but seem to not be allowed to address the inappropriate, abusive behavior.  Do we wear targets?  Are we not human with feelings?  If I were to treat some people the way they feel led to treat me, I would be defrocked or at least fired from my post.  People think it's okay to leave churches with no explanation or to be critical or mean spirited, but they would be the first to criticize me for calling their bad behavior.  It happens in most churches and to most pastors at one time or another, but it really raises my hackles!  GRRR.  Think before you judge, criticize, or complain.  Clergy are people too, and we love to minister with you all, but we do not deserve abuse.

Welcome Back

Well, I see it has been a very long time since I have posted here, and much has happened over my absence.  There have been grand and good things like marriage, along with challenges like moving multiple times and managing pastoring a church through a crisis situation, and oh so much more.  However, I won't bore anyone with all the details in this post.

What brought me back here today is that this is a safe place for me to post thoughts and insights.  Right now I am sitting in the church office feeling a bit overwhelmed and almost to the point of not caring.  I was away for ten days and came back to broken relationships, discord, and confusion, along with the good stuff that continued in my absence.  The question that comes to my mind when considering all this with this interim pastorate is, "Are they ready to move forward?"  The question that comes forward for my is, "What more can I do with and for these people?"  I have between two and four months left here in which to help prepare these people for the exciting and challenging times ahead.  What can I do in that time?  What do they need?  Who will love and lead them when I am gone?

By now you are probably all wishing I had stayed gone, but here I am.  Hopefully, Facebook hasn't totally overshadowed the blogosphere.   See you all soon.