Good morning, !

I want to talk with you this week about teaching pastoral imagination. As we launch a new year of theological education in the US, I am hearing again: “pastors and ministers are not fully prepared for their work.”  

Is ministry preparation inadequate?

More troubling, however, are the solutions offered by those studies, which are also inadequate. On first look, the remedies for ministry gaps seem obvious and helpful. But I believe it is worth taking a deeper look to explore how better responses might be possible.

One solution I recommend is to teach and foster the embodied, relational, emotional, spiritual, and integrative capacity called pastoral imagination. 

Have a look at this video, about incorparating the concept and the research about pastoral imagination into your teaching:

AWAB Annual Lecture?  

We have been delighted to travel the Rainbow Road with the Association of Welcoming and Affirming Baptists (AWAB) this summer. 
 

The final stop on this year's road trip will be the Annual AWAB lecture featuring Dr. Brandon Crowley. If you are near Boston, we urge you to go. Thanks AWAB for taking us on the road to many fabulous events this year!
 

Teaching and Learning Season

 September is here! Join us for a month.

Join us next month? October Writing Table Retreat registration is open.

I am so excited about the in-person retreat at Kirkridge in October. 

It's not too early to make your plans for Fall. 

I would love to see you and work with. you there!

Enjoy the beauty of Kirkridge in the autumn and ample structured and unstructured time to inspire a rhythm of writing and rest. We invite you to bring a writing project with you or dream up a new one at this retreat. Registration is open now! 
 

Finding Our Way Study

People who have bought the Finding Our Way Study are diving in to conversations about how we are finding our way and dealing with multiple changes - to the world, to our lives, and to the church. Erin Robinson Hall wrote this study guide to help you lead important conversations as you navigate a new era of ministry. Could your group use a new study for Fall?

We need to acknowledge the changes, ask good questions, listen, make space for grief, and start to tell new future stories. The “Finding Our Way” Study Guide can help you do all this and more.

Have you followed us on Pinterest!

📌 Would you do us a favor? Take a moment and follow us on Pinterest! Head over and look for Three Minute Ministry Mentor, and share or pin some of our favorite quotes and blessings. Find inspiration for your practice of ministry!

We believe that your work matters, . May you find peace, inspiration, and renewed pastoral imagination this week!