Five Faces of Ministry

A collection of reflections written by a mainline pastor for mainline pastors, aimed at strengthening the spiritual health of clergy. The author characterizes this as a Book of Life for Working Pastors'. From the Author: Jesus said to his followers: "Walk with me and work with me Learn the unforced rhythms of grace." (Matthew 11:29--Eugene Peterson, The Message.) Ministry in these times can be hugely perplexing. It can be frustrating and exhausting. It can wound and it can heal. It requires deep roots and an agile gate. It is grounded in Benedictine stability, and airborne on the wings of the Spirit. It moves to the unforced rhythms of grace. The book includes 3-5 page reflections on aspects of ministry, ranging from fueling oneself to working through a great variety of situations. The author has about 25 topics/themes listed out. Each reflection starts with a passage of Scripture and conclude with a short prayer. Many include other references to poetry, literature and art. The book could be read start-to-finish, or picked up and put down at random. The author sees this as a gift to fellow clergy--something of beauty that would strengthen, encourage, and inspire, through tough times, lulls and dry periods, as well as daily "food for the journey," and sparks of light and Spirit to prod into new life and new directions. FROM THE INTRODUCTION: Pilgrimage is the best metaphor I can conjure for the lived experience of the practice of ministry over time. As a pastor, I have mentored many who are walking the path. I have come to cherish this role of mentor and guide, teacher and companion, fellow traveler. Among the fascinating developments in religious life in these early years of the 21st century is the renewed popularity of the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela in northeastern Spain. Each year, tens of thousands join in this ancient spiritual practice. Since the Middle Ages, Christians have walked one of the many routes across France and Spain to arrive at the Cathedral of St. James in the grand plaza, joining thousands of others arriving daily for the Pilgrim's Mass. Some have started half-way around the world and have walked the complete route. Others have started at various points along the way, or combined walking with bus and train interludes. There is no one way to do the pilgrimage. There is no timeline, no prescribed season. There is no language requirement, no age limit, no required credential. There is a network of routes etched into the earth by thousands and thousands of feet for over nineteen centuries. There is a company of travelers, fellow pilgrims, each wearing or carrying the scallop shell, numerous along the Galician coastline, sign of baptism, sign of St. James. There is the shared journey, be it for adventure, for healing, for health, for insight, for testing, for encouragement, for wisdom, for love.