Three Minute Ministry Mentor

🕊️ What is Holy Week for you, ?

2026-03-30T07:00:26-04:00

Holy Week

Dear ,

What is Holy week for you? Will there be an hour somewhere this week to reflect on your own life? What does the presence of the holy look like in a week full of work, preaching, teaching, or spiritual care for a community? Where is there time for your own quiet breathing?

These questions do not hold any judgment. Or expectation. They should not be read as a burden. They are filled with mercy and compassion for your life. Whatever your soul looks and feels like right now.

God in Christ awaits. Even as you dance through in the flurry of preparation and carry the weight of leadership. There is presence for you. Love anticipates you. Grace is welling up to fill your heart.

This week of the church year holds every possible feeling and human experience. It is something of a looking glass. What do you see when you open yourself to it?

Blessings as you go through the deep waters this Holy week.

Peace,

Eileen

How has your Lenten journey prepared you for the coming Holy Week? We are grateful to have been walking along with you on the way this season.

I want to offer you a nested prayer this week. Each line opens up onto the next line, like nesting dolls. Yet changing slightly when words are added to each next line.

What is God saying?
What is God saying to me?
What is God saying to me this week?
What is God saying to me this week in silence?
What is God saying to me? This week in silence while we wait together.

Holy Week & Easter

Holy Week and Easter are here, and this week my friend Dr. Mary Foskett wrote a piece for The Conversation about the first witnesses to resurrection and the ongoing barriers for women who are called to preach.

For additional ideas about Easter preparation, take a look at these posts about practicing resurrection. Thank you for stewarding the mysteries of this season. Bless you on each step of your way this week.

Warmly,

Eileen

An Update from the
New State of Clergy Report

As promised, we are sharing milestones and news related to the new State of Clergy Report as it becomes available.

I want to remind you about the changes to women leading in full-time paid clergy work since 2020. The quick summary is big drop, slow rebound, and new high point in clergywomen's labor, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

My latest piece over at Good Faith Media details the numbers:

"This International Women’s Day, U.S. Clergywomen Can Celebrate Historic Rebound after Covid-era Decline"

International Women's Day coincided with significant news about changes for U.S. clergywomen. Following a major downturn to the numbers of clergywomen who left their work in 2020 and 2021, the number of women laboring in ministry has risen to a new all-time high point. You can read more about it in my article over at Good Faith Media.

I've interviewed clergywomen (pastors, ministers, chaplains) who departed their work in ministry in 2020 or 2021. I listened to people who returned to clergy work following the Covid-19 pandemic shutdowns, and also those who did not (changed ministry jobs, retired earlier or later than expected, or left without returning, etc.). Some of these clergywomen experienced challenges and/or stresses induced by the pandemic that contributed to their decision to depart ministry. I highlight some stories in this new analysis piece.

Read the Good Faith Media Article Here

If you want to know more about the revised and expanded State of Clergy Report that is currently under construction, please stop by and read more here:

What changes to ministry did you experience during the pandemic shutdowns? How has your work changed

in the last six years?

We welcome your input as we continue researching the next State of Clergy report. What would you like to share?

information
stories
data
books
articles
blogs
news reports
elections of bishops or other church leaders
conferences and events
people we should interview
questions you must have answered!

Contribute to the 2026 State of Clergy Report

All contributions will be independently verified before including them in the report.

Our question for you today:

Where am I paying attention to the holy this week?

Remember, , what you do and who you are matters! I believe in you, and I hope you will let me know how I can support you!

Eileen R. Campbell-Reed (she/hers)

Author | Researcher | Professor | Mentor | Coach

Founder & Host of 3MMM and the Writing Table
Co-Director, Learning Pastoral Imagination Project

⏳ How will you make sacred time today, ?

2026-03-23T07:00:34-04:00

This week our guest blog comes from Rev. Betsy Turner.

Dear ,

How will you make sacred time today? There are many ways to experience and prepare for sacred time each days. We can participate in the sacred by setting time apart and by being present to whatever happens.

This week Rev. Betsy Turner shares her experience as a pastor of the sacred time she's found at the Writing Table.

Sacred Time at the Writing Table

I found my way to the Writing Table in the early days, during the lockdown part of the pandemic. I was at home, pastoring my church remotely, recording worship with only my dear spouse for tech support. And I was shepherding my children through virtual third grade and kindergarten, with a toddler underfoot.

When I say that the Writing Table saved me in that season, I’m not exaggerating. The Writing Table was colleagues and community in the midst of intense isolation. It was grounding in the midst of deep overwhelm and exhaustion. And it was a structure for writing at a time when everything, especially creative work, felt daunting.

In that season, and across the time since, this hour set aside in the morning to gather, breathe, write, and share strategies together has become sacred time.

Supportive Community

During my years at the Writing Table, I’ve met university professors and seminary academics, scientists, book authors, bloggers, PhD candidates. I’ve watched people move through the stages of publication, from an idea to a draft to proposal to edits to publication. Some of those books my friends have written are on my shelves. Several have acknowledgments citing the Writing Table as a support that helped that book come into being. What an incredible gift to be some small part of supporting creative work like that!

Read Betsy's full essay here!

I started Three Minute Ministry Mentor because I wanted people in ministry to feel less alone. Many excellent directions have emerged out of my founding hope for 3MMM. One of the things that emerged is the Writing Table. Betsy is sharing how it helped to save her from isolation in the pandemic and how it continues to support her and inspire her every weekday!

Do you need a little more to your support system? Could you use some comrades as you do your daily work, including writing of many kinds? Find out more about the Writing Table by becoming a free member. Write with us on Fridays and decide if it is a spiritual practice and community that you need on a more regular basis.

Learn more about the Writing Table

Commission on the Status of Women

As I continue to process what I experienced at the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women, I remain grateful for collaboration with Good Faith Media. You can catch up with my recent travels to NYC from these one-minute updates on Instagram. In less than 10 minutes you can hear some of the powerful learning and questions that I encountered last week. Just click on the image below to watch the short reels.

Watch these daily one-minute updates from my time at the United Nations.

What is happening this week on your Lenten journey?

Through the season of Lent I've been sharing a series of breath prayers with you, including "the Jesus Prayer." It is a prayer that comes out of the story of Jesus healing Blind Bartimaeus (Mark 10:46-52).

Last week I asked: How do other stories from scripture give themselves to being prayed?

What has come to mind for you?

This week I talked with several ministers about their preaching and how to engage the scriptures during this long season of bad news, war, hostility, economic distress, and uncertainty. There is so much to hold while you are preparing to preach, teach, or lead anything. So here is a short prayer for you who must stand and lead in these challenging days.

God of all times and places, breathe into us the sacredness of your presence. Help us wait to act until we are clear. Open our hands to release the anxiety that assaults us from within and batters us from the headlines. Give us courage to be present and stay with our calling. Help us to rest each day and care for the small things so that we might be ready for following Christ on the Way of Love. Amyn.

Holy Week & Easter

Holy Week and Easter are fast approaching and this week my friend Dr. Mary Foskett wrote a piece for The Conversation about the first witnesses to resurrection and the ongoing barriers for women who are called to preach.

For additional ideas about Easter preparation, take a look at these posts about practicing resurrection. Ask yourself how you will be present and what people need through Holy Week and Easter. I know you are asking that already. My hope is that we can all resist the temptation to go through the motions, and summon the energy to respond to the season and meet the moment.

Warmly,

Eileen

An Update from the
New State of Clergy Report

As promised, we are sharing milestones and news related to the new State of Clergy Report as it becomes available.

This week I want to remind you about the changes to women leading in full-time paid clergy work since 2020. The quick summary is big drop, slow rebound, and new high point in clergywomen's labor, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

My latest piece over at Good Faith Media, details the numbers:

"This International Women’s Day, U.S. Clergywomen Can Celebrate Historic Rebound after Covid-era Decline"

Read the Good Faith Media Article Here

If you want to know more about the revised and expanded State of Clergy Report that is currently under construction, please stop by and read more here:

What changes to ministry did you experience during the pandemic shutdowns? How has your work changed

in the last six years?

We welcome your input as we continue researching the next State of Clergy report. What would you like to share?

information
stories
data
books
articles
blogs
news reports
elections of bishops or other church leaders
conferences and events
people we should interview
questions you must have answered!

Contribute to the 2026 State of Clergy Report

All contributions will be independently verified before including them in the report.

Our question for you today:

What is sacred about your time today?

Remember, , what you do and who you are matters! I believe in you, and I hope you will let me know how I can support you!

Eileen R. Campbell-Reed (she/hers)

Author | Researcher | Professor | Mentor | Coach

Founder & Host of 3MMM and the Writing Table
Co-Director, Learning Pastoral Imagination Project

🌍 Did you see these videos, ?!

2026-03-16T07:00:45-04:00

The Baptist Women in Ministry delegation to the United Nations (L to R) Allyson McKinney Timm, Andrea Corso Johnson, Eileen Campbell-Reed, Nikki Hardeman, Kendra Goodson Plating, and Brittany Stillwell in the chapel in the Church Center of the United Nations.

Dear ,

International Women's Day last week was a springboard into an entire week of gathering to learn and to advocate with women at the United Nations in New York City. I went with a delegation from Baptist Women in Ministry. And that group was under the umbrellas of the Baptist World Alliance Women and Ecumenical Women. We were attending the first of two weeks focused on the Commission on the Status of Women.

I'm still slightly overwhelmed by all that I learned and experienced. But I'm processing it and will share it with you soon. I am grateful for a collaboration with Good Faith Media to share daily updates on Instagram. In a matter of a few moments you can hear some of the powerful learning and questions that I encountered last week. Just click on the image below to watch the short reels.

Watch these daily one-minute updates from my time at the United Nations.

What is happening this week on your Lenten journey?

As we enter the last few weeks of Lent, I want to offer more ideas for trying out a breath prayer. We have been adding to Laura's plan to collect and send you supporting ideas your Lenten practice throughout the season. More below!

For today, here is another round of breath prayers.

Match words to your breath, then pray the prayer at any point through the day or night. Here are some new suggestions for breath prayers. I hope you will compose one that meets your spirit where you are today.

On your inhale, breathe in a name for God.

On your exhale, breathe out a plea for what you need.

Inhale... Exhale...

God of Compassion, Hear our cries

Spirit of Life, Guide my choices

Jesus Christ, Beloved One Have mercy on me

This third breath prayer is a variation of the "the Jesus Prayer." It is a prayer that comes out of the story of Jesus healing Blind Bartimaeus (Mark 10:46-52). How do other stories from scripture give themselves to being prayed?

For additional ideas about Lenten practices, take a look at this post from last year with five Lenten practices for responding to this moment. Ask yourself these three questions as you consider your plans for Lent. Check out these ideas for children and grownups as your community navigates the season.

Warmly,

Eileen

An Update from the
New State of Clergy Report

As promised, we are sharing milestones and news related to the new State of Clergy Report as it becomes available.

My latest piece over at Good Faith Media, details the numbers:

"This International Women’s Day, U.S. Clergywomen Can Celebrate Historic Rebound after Covid-era Decline"

Read the Good Faith Media Article Here

If you want to know more about the revised and expanded State of Clergy Report that is currently under construction, please stop by and read more here:

What changes to ministry did you experience during the pandemic shutdowns? How has your work changed

in the last six years?

We welcome your input as we continue researching the next State of Clergy report. What would you like to share?

information
stories
data
books
articles
blogs
news reports
elections of bishops or other church leaders
conferences and events
people we should interview
questions you must have answered!

Contribute to the 2026 State of Clergy Report

All contributions will be independently verified before including them in the report.

Our questions for you today:

Where in my community, church, or state, are the

rights, equity, and access for girls and women still

in need of change and improvement?

Remember, , what you do and who you are matters! I believe in you, and I hope you will let me know how I can support you!

Eileen R. Campbell-Reed (she/hers)

Author | Researcher | Professor | Mentor | Coach

Founder & Host of 3MMM and the Writing Table
Co-Director, Learning Pastoral Imagination Project

🌟 Today, I have good news for you, !

2026-03-09T07:00:31-04:00

Dear ,

Happy International Women's Day! Although historically it is observed on March 8, a lot of people are marking the 115th IWD on this Monday. Join me today in starting or extending a bit of gratitude and celebration for more than a century of advocating for women's equality. This advocacy has happened all around the globe, and women's voting, laboring, and well-being have improved in many places. Still more to do!

And today IWD also coincides with significant news to report about changes for U.S. clergywomen. Following a major downturn to the numbers of clergywomen who left their work in 2020 and 2021, the number of women laboring in ministry has risen to a new all-time high point. You can read more about it in my article over at Good Faith Media.

"This International Women’s Day, U.S. Clergywomen Can Celebrate Historic Rebound

after Covid-era Decline"

Read the Good Faith Media Article Here

While I was interviewing over 100 ministers and lay leaders and writing my findings for the #PandemicPastoring Report (2022), I first noticed what seemed to me an unusually high number of clergywomen making job changes. I explored the topic of clergywomen's labor (2019-2024) more in depth last year at a conference at Smith College, and then I wrote a book chapter that is part of a project on women's religious leadership. It is currently under review with University of Illinois Press.

Last week I submitted the 8000-word chapter, "How Covid-19 Impacted Christian Clergywomen’s Labor in the U.S." In the chapter, I explore changes to clergywomen's labor during and after the Covid-19 pandemic. Did women leave ministry? Yes, in big numbers. Did they come back to working in ministry? Yes and no.

The news and analysis piece I'm sharing this week for IWD explores some of the complexity of the yes and no. All of this work is under the larger umbrella of the State of Clergywomen Report (more info on the report is below in this email).

How is your Lenten journey going?

As we continue the journey of Lent this week, I want to offer more ideas for trying out a breath prayer. I'm grateful for Laura's idea to collect and send you ideas to support your Lenten practice through the season. More of those ideas and inspiration are below!

For today, consider a crafting a breath prayer.

On your inhale, breathe in a name for God.

On your exhale, breathe out a plea for what you need.

Inhale... Exhale...

God Our Mother, Shelter me under your wings

Christ Our Brother, Walk beside me today

God Our Rock, Hold me steady

Abiding Presence, Give me courage

To pray this prayer throughout your day, let something be a signal to remind you to pay attention to your breath and pray throughout the day. You can let a stop sign, the sound of birds singing, or everytime you wash your hands become your signal to also breathe and pray intentionally this week.

Warmly,

Eileen

An Update from the
New State of Clergy Report

As promised, we are sharing milestones and news related to the new State of Clergy Report as it becomes available.

This week I want to tell you about growth and change for African American Baptist women in ministry. Our friends at Baptist Women in Ministry released a new "State of Women in Baptist Life" Report in December 2025. It includes findings about Baptist women pastors and clergy. One of the exciting parts of the report comes from the North Carolina General Baptist State Convention. This group is approximately the same size in terms of numbers of churches and ordained leaders as the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship.

In 2013 women were estimated to be less than 1% of the pastors in Black Baptist churches across multiple denominations. In 2025 the SWBL report says 33 women are serving as pastors and co-pastors of GBST-NC churches. That means they are pastoring 2.3% of the 1423 churches. This is just one state in one historic Black Baptist denomination. Such encouraging news!

If you want to know more about the revised and expanded State of Clergy Report that is currently under construction, please stop by and read more here:

What changes have you witnessed for women and

lgbtiq leaders in your denomination?

We welcome your input as we continue researching the next State of Clergy report. What would you like to share?

information
stories
data
books
articles
blogs
news reports
elections of bishops or other church leaders
conferences and events
people we should interview
questions you must have answered!

Contribute to the 2026 State of Clergy Report

All contributions will be independently verified before including them in the report.

Our questions for you today:

How can I celebrate the new statistical milestone

for clergywomen in my life this week?

What part of equality is still missing?

Remember, , what you do and who you are matters! I believe in you, and I hope you will let me know how I can support you!

Eileen R. Campbell-Reed (she/hers)

Author | Researcher | Professor | Mentor | Coach

Founder & Host of 3MMM and the Writing Table
Co-Director, Learning Pastoral Imagination Project

✝️ Draft for Monday March 2, !

2026-03-02T07:00:35-05:00

Dear ,

Welcome to Women's History Month! I have some news to report about changes to U.S. clergywomen's history. To make the news public, I am writing an article to share on International Women's Day (observed on March 9).

To give texture to the new numbers, I need help from a couple of clergywomen (pastors, ministers, chaplains) who departed their work in ministry in 2020 or 2021. Is that you, ?

I want to interview people who returned to clergy work following the Covid-19 pandemic shutdowns, and also those who did not (changed ministry jobs, retired earlier or later than expected, or left without returning, etc.). I'm especially interested in talking to you if you experienced challenges and/or stresses induced by the pandemic that contributed to your decision to depart ministry.

And I'm also interested in knowing if any of you in our 3MMM community found yourself called to ministry - for the first time or in a renewed way - by the events of Covid-19, the shut-down, or the related social inequities that revealed themselves in the pandemic season?

Do any of these scenarios ring a bell for you? I invite you to answer just a few questions at this link.

Clergywomen's Labor during and after Covid-19 - Should I interview you?

I've already had a strong response to these questions at the link, on social media. That response made me eager to ask our 3MMM community about your experience(s).

While I was interviewing over 100 ministers and lay leaders, and writing my findings for the #PandemicPastoring Report (2022), I first noticed what seemed to me an unusually high number of clergywomen making job changes. I explored the topic of clergywomen's labor (2019-2024) more in depth last year.

Last week I submitted an 8000-word chapter, "How Covid-19 Impacted Christian Clergywomen’s Labor in the U.S." for a book on women's religious leadership. In the chapter I explore changes to clergywomen's labor during and after the Covid-19 pandemic. Did women leave ministry? Yes, in big numbers. Did they come back to working in ministry? Yes and no.

The news and analysis piece I'm writing this week for IWD will share some of the complexity of the yes and no. All of this work is under the larger umbrella of the State of Clergywomen Report (more info on the report is below in this email).

Thank you for your support, prayers, notes, and messages to me in this season of grief. I am so grateful for the 3MMM team for taking care of many things while I've been away. I am now making my way back to work and tasks left behind or set aside in 2026. Thank you for your patience, and if I have missed something important from you, let's reconnect soon!

For today, consider a crafting a breath prayer.

Match words to your breath, then pray the prayer at any point through the day or night.

On your inhale, breathe in a name for God.

On your exhale, breathe out a plea for what you need.

Inhale... Exhale...

Good Shepherd, Lead me

Christ Light, Show us the Way

Sophia/Wisdom, Guide my life

Amma/Abba, Nourish your children

Holy One Grant us peace

Make a combination of addressing God and asking for what you desire or need that suits your theology and current situation. Write it down (a post-it note will work). Then pray the prayer, matching it to your breath throughout the day.

Warmly,

Eileen

An Update from the
New State of Clergy Report

As promised, we are sharing milestones and news related to the new State of Clergy Report as it becomes available.

If you want to know more about the revised and expanded State of Clergy Report that is currently under construction, please stop by and read more here:

What changes have you witnessed for women and

lgbtiq leaders in your denomination?

We welcome your input as we continue researching the next State of Clergy report. What would you like to share?

information
stories
data
books
articles
blogs
news reports
elections of bishops or other church leaders
conferences and events
people we should interview
questions you must have answered!

Contribute to the 2026 State of Clergy Report

All contributions will be independently verified before including them in the report.

Our question for you today:

How am I coping with the world's rapid and volatile changes? What gifts of prayer, breath, and community

can sustain me?

Remember, , what you do and who you are matters! I believe in you, and I hope you will let me know how I can support you!

Eileen R. Campbell-Reed (she/hers)

Author | Researcher | Professor | Mentor | Coach

Founder & Host of 3MMM and the Writing Table
Co-Director, Learning Pastoral Imagination Project

✝️ A breath prayer for Lent, !

2026-02-23T08:38:13-05:00

Dear ,

Thank you for your support, prayers, notes, and messages to me in this season of grief. I am so grateful for the 3MMM team for taking care of many things while I've been away. I am slowly making my way back to work and tasks left behind or set aside in 2026. Thank you for your patience and if I have missed something important from you, let's reconnect soon!

As we continue the journey of Lent this week, I want to offer a simple prayer practice. I've been teaching breath prayers for so long, I've forgotten where I first learned them, but I think it was from friends at the Upper Room. I'm grateful for Laura's idea last week to collect and send you ways support for your Lenten practice through the season. More of those ideas and inspiration are below!

For today, consider a breath prayer.

Match words to your breath, then pray the prayer at any point through the day or night.

On your inhale breath, address God with a few words.

For example: Loving Creator; God Our Father and Mother; Jesus Christ; Spirit of mercy; or Light of the World.

On your exhale breath, ask for what you need.

For example: Have mercy on me; Protect your children; Walk with us; Lead my heart; or Shine your love.

Make a combination of addressing God and asking for what you desire or need that suits your theology and current situation. Write it down (a post-it note will do.) Then pray the prayer matching it to your breath throughout the day.

If want additional ideas for Lenten practices, we have resources for you. Here’s a post from last year with five Lenten practices for responding to this moment. Ask yourself these three questions as you consider your plans for Lent. Check out these ideas for children and grownups as we all navigate the season.

Warmly,

Eileen

Do you need a connection for

your Lenten practice?

It is not too late to join us. You can start today.

Join us weekdays in Lent and write your prayers and reflections in community. Meditate briefly each day. Use the daily writing prompts. Or write whatever you are called to write. Time in silent companionship. All as part of our amazing Writing Table community. You are not alone.

The year-round Writing Table meets LIVE daily
9a ET // 8a CT // 7a MT // 6a PT

Lent @ WT meets LIVE daily

10:30a ET // 9:30a CT // 8:30a MT // 7:30a PT

Cost: $50 and a 50% discount for current Writing Table members.
Check your email for the code if you are a current WT member.

Join us for Lent @ the Writing Table

February 2, 2026

This morning I’m sharing a quick list of what I’m learning about spiritual care by taking care of my mama this year and especially in the past month.

, I have been teaching pastoral and spiritual care for many years. I try always to ground it in my experiences of giving and receiving care. And I try to teach it experientially and ask students to pay attention to the full experience of care that is embodied, relational, emotional, and integrated. Both the positive and the negative experiences from my life and stories in the books and articles I share, inform my teaching. Experiential learning and practice are essential for spiritual care. What we do can be taught, but it can't be reduced to rules. Each new situation calls for its own pace, attention, and response.

The past month I’ve been absorbed in giving care to my mom in the hospital and in hospice care, and this weekend a list started rolling around in my head. It is not a list of rules, but experiences that stand out in this long holy moment of my life and hers. It's kind of a 'notes to self' and 'remember this later' kind of list.

Here is what I'm learning about spiritual care through the experience of caring for my mama.

Prioritize the person receiving care. It is so easy for everything else practical and emotional, medical and financial to jockey for the driver’s seat of attention, yet it is about the person – return to the person. Talk to them and ask them what they need. Prioritize their well-being.
There is no end to cleaning.
Be kind to healthcare workers, and they are much more likely to return the kindness. A note of thanks with bagels and pastries once in a while is good, too.
Brush your teeth and go to bed early if you can – self care is very challenging to maintain. Prioritizing your own care is essential if you want to be able to prioritize the beloved person in your care. No either/or decisions here.
Crises come in pairs and triplets and quads. It’s rarely ever just one thing. See also: hospice care + ice storm x 8 days without power at home = exhaustion. Grateful for my spouse and partner Lynn who literally kept the home fires burning, kept the cats alive, and then got the third generator going.
Talk about expectations with your fellow caregivers. Assuming gets everyone into trouble eventually. Just talk, even if it’s uncomfortable.
Soup goes down easy; and when made with love and care maybe even easier.
Hold hands. A lot. It seems to help with the unwinding.
Go to the gym, walk outside, eat something green, put on some lip gloss, or get your nails done – the little routines and habits that keep you feeling like yourself.
Praying takes a lot of forms ... changing a bed, sweeping the floor, doing the laundry, trimming fingernails, sending text updates, refilling the water cup, streaming soft guitar music, watching a movie together, asking questions then listening, waiting for the responses, gentle hugs every time you come and go.

Bless you in all of your caregiving, . And I know some of you out there are learning the hard way what it is to receive care. May all the spiritual care in your life be mutual and a source of support and learning in practice. We are transformed into creatures of love when we practice giving and receiving love. May you know without any shadow of doubt that you are beloved. For when all else fails and life comes to a close, love remains. God’s love is here with us all along. Beginning to end. Let yourself know it all the way down.

Let us continue to hold the Christ-light for each other.

Peace,

Eileen

An Update from the
New State of Clergy Report

As promised, we are sharing milestones and news related to the new State of Clergy Report as it becomes available.

If you want to know more about the revised and expanded State of Clergy Report that is currently under construction, please stop by and read more here:

What changes have you witnessed for women and

lgbtiq leaders in your denomination?

We welcome your input as we continue researching the next State of Clergy report. What would you like to share?

information
stories
data
books
articles
blogs
news reports
elections of bishops or other church leaders
conferences and events
people we should interview
questions you must have answered!

Contribute to the 2026 State of Clergy Report

All contributions will be independently verified before including them in the report.

Our question for you today:

How am I praying today? Through the season of Lent?

Remember, , what you do and who you are matters! I believe in you, and I hope you will let me know how I can support you!

Eileen R. Campbell-Reed (she/hers)

Author | Researcher | Professor | Mentor | Coach

Founder & Host of 3MMM and the Writing Table
Co-Director, Learning Pastoral Imagination Project

💟 Tomorrow we start Lent @ the Writing Table, !

2026-02-17T23:30:12-05:00

Hello, -

Are you ready to write? Maybe you will begin with reflections on Ash Wednesday? Here is one of mine about love, Alabama Shakes, and wholeheartedness.

Each of your daily WT hosts is ready to welcome you to Lent @ the Writing Table! See who will be hosting you daily below.

We have some prompts for the season ready for you. This year they are all inspired by lectionary texts for the season of Lent.

Each weekday when we gather for Lent @ the Writing Table, we will share the prompt. Can't make it one day? All your prompts are here at this link.

Daily Prompts for Lent @ The Writing Table

As you prepare for this Lenten season, you may want to explore a few resources below to help you nourish and grow your writing habits. Before you begin:

* Refresh yourself on Robert Boice's rules for writing. Find all 10 Rules in this short video. Enjoy. Save. Share! 📚

* Plan Your Schedule ⏰
Weekdays (M-F)

Ash Wednesday to Good Friday

February 18 to April 3
10:30a ET // 9:30a CT // 8:30a MT // 7:30a PT

* Go ahead and put the days and times on your calendar. Even on days when you can't join, you'll be reminded of your commitment to the spiritual practice of writing. ✍️

* Your Zoom link for each weekday is below. 💻

* We will send weekly reminders and share a full list of writing prompts before our start date of Ash Wednesday // February 18. 🕯️

* You are also invited to join us on any #FreeWrite Friday for an extended period of writing. That zoom link is also below. 🔗

I'm looking forward to sharing this time during Lent with you!

Warmly,
Eileen

This one-minute video recaps psychologist and researcher Robert Boice's Rules for writing with constancy and moderation.

In this video and blog, you'll find 3 questions about Lenten spiritual practices. I hope they will help you focus in on your writing practice this season.

1) Is it calling to you?

2) Is it sustainable?

3) Do you have a community of support?

Coaching and Writing Table Options

Perhaps you need to add a new or extend your existing Writing Table membership? See the links below for Writing Table and coaching rates. You can make or grow your commitment to your writing today.

The Writing Table has many options from monthly and annual membership to personalized coaching for your writing projects.

1. Basic Coaching: Individual sessions to help you with planning and carrying out your writing projects.

2. Developmental Coaching: Individual sessions of coaching for your writing habits and also reading and feedback on your current project.

3. Writing Table: We meet daily (9a ET | 8a CT | 7a MT | 6a PT). You can learn about becoming a member for a year or join by the month. It's your choice (44% savings when you join for a year).

4. FreeWrite Fridays: Keep coming to the Writing Table on Fridays for no cost - you are already signed up for weekly reminders by signing up for Lent@WT!

5. For graduate student discounts - please email us for a special code. If funding is keeping you from the Writing Table, please ask me about scholarships.

🕯️ 2026 Lent @ The Writing Table Link 🕯️
February 18 - April 3

Eileen Campbell-Reed is inviting you to a

scheduled Zoom meeting
10:30 AM Eastern Time
9:30 AM Central Time
8:30 AM Mountain Time
7:30 AM Pacific Time

Lent @ The Writing Table ZOOM LINK

Join Zoom Meeting (for Lent @ WT only)

https://us02web.zoom.us/s/83150354048

Meeting ID: 831 5035 4048

Passcode: 027446

#FreeWrite Fridays

9a ET | 8a CT | 7a MT | 6a PT

Every Friday all are welcome at the Writing Table for no charge whatsoever. Invite a friend. Keep your habit going, and simply enjoy the support and energy of other writers.

The link for #FreeWrite Fridays is here:

#FreeWrite Friday Zoom Link

Join Zoom Meeting for #FreeWrite Fridays:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83190318872?pwd=tFet9Wtzmn0Zds3WPx2k1CNhdBe9cS.1

Meeting ID: 831 9031 8872

Passcode: 560639

See you soon at Lent @ The Writing Table !

Eileen R. Campbell-Reed (she/hers)

Author | Researcher | Professor | Mentor | Coach
Founder & Host of 3MMM
Co-Director, Learning Pastoral Imagination Project

Add us to your address book.

🕊️ Join today! 4 reasons to write with us thru Lent, !

2026-02-17T07:00:20-05:00

...

Leading your fai

Hello ,

Ash Wednesday is tomorrow! This will mark the third year of Lent at the Writing Table. We are incredibly grateful to have this space again to spend time writing with you - our community! What is it you are hoping for this Lenten season?

Over the past week I've shared some of the reasons why this season is so important and what it means to devote intentional time to spiritual practice. If you are asking yourself why should I write in community during Lent?, I hope this short list can inspire you to join us this season!

Why should you join us at the Writing Table this Lent?

To engage Lent is not a solo endeavor. The season of Lent calls for focus on how our spiritual lives are deeply interwoven with social well-being. Surrounding yourself with a community who also chose the commitment to their practice for seven weeks of spiritual companionship can be wonderful and inspiring. You never know how much your presence means to someone else. Or how much theirs will mean to you.
To resist dangers to our collective freedoms. Staying grounded during difficult times by saying no and using your words to oppose injustice is vital in preserving and protecting our communities. Love of God and love of neighbors cannot be separated. Perhaps you want to write to your elected officials, develop action plans to aid your neighbors, or implore others to do the same? These are only some of the possibilities. Writing itself is a form of resistance and way to push back against oppression.
To practice a spiritual discipline - This season is a time to honor your intentions and set the time aside for your practice. During Lent at the Writing Table you'll have two POMs each weekday fully dedicated to writing alongside others who have made the same commitment. Discipline doesn't just have to be about how many words you write each day... sometimes, it means showing up for yourself and others, even when it's hard.
To understand writing as prayer - We often sell short the power of the written word and physically putting our thoughts down. Our conversations with God can take on a different power when we choose to put pen to paper (or words to a blank document!). Explore how your prayers take on a powerful and illuminating form through writing. We'll even have daily questions and prompts to guide you if you're looking for inspiration.

We are looking forward to another great season of Lent at the Writing Table. More details about this year's Lent @ WT schedule and offerings are below.** We hope to see you tomorrow, !

Join Us! - Lent @WT 2026

Lent @ The Writing Table 2026

Ash Wednesday to Good Friday
February 18 to April 3, 2026

Weekdays
10:30–11:45a ET // 9:30–10:45a CT
8:30–9:45a MT // 7:30–8:45a PT

Choose the spiritual discipline of writing

(any writing that needs your focus)

WHAT YOU RECEIVE WHEN YOU JOIN
LENT @ THE WRITING TABLE
for $50**

33 WEEKDAYS of group gathering online on Zoom.
WEEKLY EMAIL REMINDERS sent to your inbox.
75 MINUTES of WRITING AND SHARING TIME
10:30–11:45a ET // 9:30–10:45a CT
8:30–9:45a MT // 7:30–8:45a PT
STRUCTURED GATHERING TIME Each day begins with a brief meditation/breathing exercise (2 min). Writers will have two Poms (25 min each) plus a break (3 min). Time at the end (15 min) will allow for sharing very brief reflections with those gathered.
33 WRITING PROMPTS available (if needed) each day.
SPACE FOR WRITING of your choosing. You can write anything – work-related, special projects, sermons, a purely Lenten discipline of spiritual journaling, or a combination of writing intentions or tasks. It is your choice!
WRITING COMPANIONS THROUGH LENT
FRIENDLY COACHING & SUPPORT Look forward to guidance from Eileen Campbell-Reed (Mondays), Betsy Turner (Tuesdays), Ruth Everhart (Wednesdays), Elizabeth-Anne Lovell (Thursdays), and Kate Hanch (Fridays). Our hosts are looking forward to writing and sharing the magic of the Writing Table with you.

Reserve your space now!

_____________

** REMINDER: If you are a current member at the Writing Table please refer to your email for your exclusive discount code.

However you decide to spend your time, I am hoping and praying for you a meaningful Lenten season, !

Warmly,

Eileen

Eileen R. Campbell-Reed (she/hers)

Author | Researcher | Professor | Mentor | Coach

Founder & Host of 3MMM and the Writing Table
Co-Director, Learning Pastoral Imagination Project

💟 Start your Lenten journey now, !

2026-02-16T19:00:19-05:00

Leading your fai

Hello, -

I'm sending a personal note this evening. I want to share with you that I've been consumed by caring for my mother through hospital and hospice care over the last six weeks. She took her last breaths on February 4 and we had her funeral and burial this weekend. It has been a necessary and beautiful season. And I'm exhausted. Yet I've also been carried and cared for by many communities. One of those communities is the Writing Table community.

We are fast approaching Lent. And I'm reaching out to you because you have been part of the WT community of writers during Lent in the past two years. I want to invite you to spend this forty days of sacred time engaged in the spiritual practice of writing with me once again.

I need this Lenten season for daily writing in community. I'll be trying to meet my recently re-scheduled deadlines. And I'll be processing some of my own grief and re-assessing my new season of life without my mother.

What do you need this Lenten season? What spiritual practice of writing or reflection is on your horizon? What will the season hold for you? I would love to welcome you once again to the Writing Table community for Lent. Seven weeks of writing and spiritual companionship, !

Please let me know if you have questions? I'd be happy to help you decide. Just hit reply to this email.

Join Us Again! - Lent @WT 2026

Wishing you a beautiful and supported Lenten season, !

Warmly,

Eileen

Lent @ The Writing Table 2026

Ash Wednesday to Good Friday
February 18 to April 3, 2026

Weekdays
10:30–11:45a ET // 9:30–10:45a CT
8:30–9:45a MT // 7:30–8:45a PT

Choose the spiritual discipline of writing

(any writing that needs your focus)

WHAT YOU RECEIVE WHEN YOU JOIN
LENT @ THE WRITING TABLE
for $50**

33 WEEKDAYS of group gathering online on Zoom
WEEKLY EMAIL REMINDERS sent to your inbox
75 MINUTES of WRITING AND SHARING TIME
10:30–11:45a ET // 9:30–10:45a CT
8:30–9:45a MT // 7:30–8:45a PT
STRUCTURED GATHERING TIME Each day begins with a brief meditation/breathing exercise (2 min). Writers will have two Poms (25 min each) plus a break (3 min). Time at the end (15 min) will allow for sharing very brief reflections with those gathered.
33 WRITING PROMPTS available (if needed) each day.
SPACE FOR WRITING of your choosing. You can write anything – work-related, special projects, sermons, a purely Lenten discipline of spiritual journaling, or a combination of writing intentions or tasks. It is your choice!
WRITING COMPANIONS THROUGH LENT
FRIENDLY COACHING & SUPPORT Look forward to guidance from Eileen Campbell-Reed (Mondays), Betsy Turner (Tuesdays), Ruth Everhart (Wednesdays), Elizabeth-Anne Lovell (Thursdays), and Kate Hanch (Fridays). Our hosts are looking forward to writing and sharing the magic of the Writing Table with you.

Join Us for the season of Lent!

_____________

** REMINDER: If you are a current member at the Writing Table please refer to your email for your exclusive discount code.

Eileen R. Campbell-Reed (she/hers)

Author | Researcher | Professor | Mentor | Coach

Founder & Host of 3MMM and the Writing Table
Co-Director, Learning Pastoral Imagination Project

✝️ Plan your Lenten journey today, !

2026-02-16T07:00:20-05:00

Dear ,

We continue to hold space for Eileen and her family as they grieve the death of Eileen's mother, Juanita Campbell. The past month and year have been a journey of providing care and support, and Eileen describes some of what she's learned during that time. Read her list of experiences and reflections below.

We're also thinking about the beginning of Lent this week. Has it snuck up on you, too? We are offering a community of support for your Lenten practice throughout this season, and if that is what you are looking for, read more about that below!

This beautiful season of reflection and confession is here again. Lent invites us to give up practices or habits that hinder and distract us. It also invites us to take on practices that change our perspectives, call us to more intentional thoughts and actions, and are life-giving for ourselves and others.

If you’d like some ideas for Lenten practices, we have resources for you. Here’s a post from last year with five Lenten practices for responding to this moment. Ask yourself these three questions as you consider your plans for Lent. Check out these ideas for children and grownups as we all navigate the season.

Lent can feel heavy and even bleak. After all, it begins with the Ash Wednesday reminder that “Dust you are, and to dust you shall return.” While that ashen reminder is true, it is not the only truth. I like to borrow the blessing from a friend of mine: “You are dust, and to dust you shall return, loved the whole way through.” Yes, this season in the church calendar and this season in the world in which we live IS heavy and sometimes feels bleak. AND we don’t journey through any of it alone. We are loved. Period. So this Lent I wonder, where do you see love in action? What brings you joy? How have you experienced grace?

May our practices this season help us put love in action, share joy generously, and offer grace to ourselves and others.

Grace and peace,

Laura Edgar

Minister of Support, 3MMM

Do you need a connection for

your Lenten practice?

We start this week on Ash Wednesday!

The year-round Writing Table meets LIVE daily
9a ET // 8a CT // 7a MT // 6a PT

Lent @ WT meets LIVE daily

10:30a ET // 9:30a CT // 8:30a MT // 7:30a PT

Cost: $50 and a 50% discount for current Writing Table members.
Check your email for the code if you are a current WT member.

Join us for Lent @ the Writing Table

February 2, 2026

This morning I’m sharing a quick list of what I’m learning about spiritual care by taking care of my mama this year and especially in the past month.

Here is what I'm learning about spiritual care through the experience of caring for my mama.

Prioritize the person receiving care. It is so easy for everything else practical and emotional, medical and financial to jockey for the driver’s seat of attention, yet it is about the person – return to the person. Talk to them and ask them what they need. Prioritize their well-being.
There is no end to cleaning.
Be kind to healthcare workers, and they are much more likely to return the kindness. A note of thanks with bagels and pastries once in a while is good, too.
Brush your teeth and go to bed early if you can – self care is very challenging to maintain. Prioritizing your own care is essential if you want to be able to prioritize the beloved person in your care. No either/or decisions here.
Crises come in pairs and triplets and quads. It’s rarely ever just one thing. See also: hospice care + ice storm x 8 days without power at home = exhaustion. Grateful for my spouse and partner Lynn who literally kept the home fires burning, kept the cats alive, and then got the third generator going.
Talk about expectations with your fellow caregivers. Assuming gets everyone into trouble eventually. Just talk, even if it’s uncomfortable.
Soup goes down easy; and when made with love and care maybe even easier.
Hold hands. A lot. It seems to help with the unwinding.
Go to the gym, walk outside, eat something green, put on some lip gloss, or get your nails done – the little routines and habits that keep you feeling like yourself.
Praying takes a lot of forms ... changing a bed, sweeping the floor, doing the laundry, trimming fingernails, sending text updates, refilling the water cup, streaming soft guitar music, watching a movie together, asking questions then listening, waiting for the responses, gentle hugs every time you come and go.

Let us continue to hold the Christ-light for each other.

Peace,

Eileen

An Update from the
New State of Clergy Report

As promised, we are sharing milestones and news related to the new State of Clergy Report as it becomes available.

If you want to know more about the revised and expanded State of Clergy Report that is currently under construction, please stop by and read more here:

What changes have you witnessed for women and

lgbtiq leaders in your denomination?

We welcome your input as we continue researching the next State of Clergy report. What would you like to share?

information
stories
data
books
articles
blogs
news reports
elections of bishops or other church leaders
conferences and events
people we should interview
questions you must have answered!

Contribute to the 2026 State of Clergy Report

All contributions will be independently verified before including them in the report.

Our questions for you today:

How are you anticipating the season of Lent?

What practices are calling to you this season?

Remember, , what you do and who you are matters! I believe in you, and I hope you will let me know how I can support you!

Eileen R. Campbell-Reed (she/hers)

Author | Researcher | Professor | Mentor | Coach

Founder & Host of 3MMM and the Writing Table
Co-Director, Learning Pastoral Imagination Project