Hello, !

I hope you are finding new life this spring! And that Eastertide is bringing you renewal and hope. I am bringing you a question this morning. It's is a reflective one. "How have my experiences so far changed how I understand and practice ministry?" 

Life is full of experiences. Ministry is a new experience every week and every day. All of that experience accumulates with time like layers of paper stacking up into the book of life. And each experience can impact how we understand and practice ministry. 

So I invite you to take a moment and think of the recent experiences of life that have been piling up. . . How are they impacting your self-understanding? Your work? Your ministry? I hope you might allow yourself time to journal about this question or to chat with a friend.

If you want to think more about "ministry as a practice." Start with this. Ministry is more than a calling, gifts or identity. It includes all of that and so much more. Ministry is a spiritual practice learned not just in seminary classrooms, but with time and experience. 

When you are ready to dive deeper, I invite you to try out the Three Minute Ministry Mentor podcast. Or watch the episodes in short video format. Start with this one!

If you start with episode 1, you will find 50 of these 3-minute episodes that are all story based. In each one I create an opportunity for you to explore with me the powerful and amazing stories and insights of the Learning Pastoral Imagination Project. Each episode includes: 1) a topic related to learning in practice, 2) a story from our research (and sometimes my ministry life), 3) a resource for going deeper, and 4) questions for reflection like the one above.

, I care so much about you and your practice of ministry. I think what you do matters. You are part of the reason I do my research and share it as widely as possible. I hope you will let me know how the 3MMM team can support you!

Blessings and peace, 
Eileen  

PS - you'll find today's question in chapter 1 of Pastoral Imagination: Bringing the Practice of Ministry to Life.

How will you explore this new era of ministry? 

“Finding Our Way” is a three-session guide to help you lead urgent conversations with your Sunday School class, weekly small group, or next leadership retreat. 

The purchase of “Finding Our Way” includes the digital study guide with three full lessons, links to short video clips for teaching, a presentation slide deck, and cards delivered to you by mail.

Is a part of your ministry calling to write?

Are you interested in taking the journaling exercise I suggested for today beyond your personal journal? Perhaps you are feeling called to write for publication? Whatever you are writing - sermons, books, curriculum, essays, poetry - we would be happy to welcome you take a seat at the Writing Table! Monthly and annual memberships are available. And every week on #FreeWrite Friday, anyone can join us at no cost! For a solid hour of getting your writing done! 

Save the date and join us on May 3 for a Mini Writing Retreat! 

Blessings and peace to you, . So glad to be on this journey of ministry and life with you.