We can strengthen our ministry when we take the time to surface these perspectives so that we can refine and use them intentionally.
All by Gabriel Fisher
More Than Our Memory
I want to encourage us with the conviction that we as ministers, theologians, and Christian leaders have something important to add to the conversation.
To the Discouraged Minister
The church minister occupies a unique space. It is a difficult space inhabited by critique and pressure both from within the community and from without.
Pastoral Portraits
We do not lead with advice, guidance, or correction. Instead, we pay careful attention to the emotional and spiritual location of the person to whom we minister.
Confident Insecurity: Embracing Vocational Marginality
Frustration and insecurity are difficult vocational experiences. However, invaluable growth can result from embracing insecurity, uncovering paths to deeper ministry and mission.
A Witness of Integrity: Mission and Pastoral Care
As Christians grounded in an integrity that is developed in Christ, there is healing power and witness in bringing that presence to those who are searching, hurting, disenchanted, or wounded from spiritual abuse.
Creativity and Theology
I love talking with people who are genuinely passionate about an art form. The comments and energy that surface come from a place deeper than productivity or even functionality.
Pastoral Epistemology
I’m used to hearing epistemology used as a joke, but with all the conversations about truth, opinions versus justified beliefs, and general questions about what we know, epistemology seems suddenly and surprisingly relevant.
What Then Should We Do?
Where does John the Baptist fit among Bing Crosby on the radio, children on a stage, and Charlie Brown memories?
Prayerful Brush Strokes
This prayer of examen represented a shift from brushing the day with the paint strokes of heavy drudgery, to realizing that there was room for gratitude.
To Those in the Gap
Caregivers are arguably one of the most overlooked segments of the population, which I believe was true even before the challenges of the pandemic.
Reflecting On “Heart-Shaped Pickles”
As church leaders, parents, and invested adults, I know we all see this need for supporting children through times of grief. I want to share a little perspective and some resources that I pray you find helpful.
A Time to Speak, Part 2: Hiddenness
How do we respond to abandonment as ministers and Christian leaders? I don’t like talking about abandonment, and my first instinct is to find excuses.
A Time to Speak, Part 1: Guilt
Many of the necessary components in addressing guilt are implicit in Christian community. Acceptance, forgiveness, compassion, and perspective are all necessary companions for this topic.
An Extra Candle
Special days and seasons tend to have a polarizing effect on our emotions and spiritual lives. Do you feel this every year too?
The Dementia Dilemma: A Pastoral Response
I want to offer some concrete suggestions on how to provide spiritual care and support to members of your communities whose loved ones are affected by dementias/cognitive impairments and/or in living facilities during this time of heightened precautions.
The Capacity to Laugh
What happens when we lose the capacity for an emotional expression? What happens when we lose laughter over a period of time as a pattern?
The Theological School of My Living Room
My articulate and intellectual preparedness is challenged the moment my kids ask a pointed question like, “Do cats like to swim?”
Pastoral Navigation
The most pressing question for me is, how are we supposed to navigate the challenge of pastoral care?
The Theological School of Dirty Mop Water
My engagement with my work led to more questions, which brought me back to more reflection. The ever-pressing question was, “Where is God in work?”