Good morning, –

Think with me about collaboration and ministry. Collaboration is a timely word. In this moment, when violence and division are the watchwords, and we are living through an unprecedented season of social and political division in the US and beyond, we need more energy and effort going into collaboration and understanding. 

Are you one of the people reading this newsletter who is leading a community defined as “purple” based on the political divisions inside the congregation? I offered a word for you as a leader and your congregation recently. I tried to show that making connections at the human level -- by naming and honoring loss and grief -- is one way to build community amid divisions. It’s a way to start new collaborations – even when people hold vastly different beliefs. A recent experiment run by Citizen Solutions project, and reported on NPR, showed how listening and consensus building can lead to collaboration that does not dismiss differences. 

Even if you are leading a congregation or work setting where values are deeply shared, the work of collaboration can still be challenging. Here are some questions to help you consider how you can make more space and time for collaboration in your ministry. They all come from the Pastoral Imagination study. 

If you teach seminary students, I think these are also good reflection questions for your classroom. When students complain to me about group projects, I remind them, "So much ministry happens collaboratively. Now is a good time to practice and expand one’s skills in this area!" 

Speaking of collaboration, I’m grateful for my peers who write book reviews and teach the Pastoral Imagination book in their classrooms. Here is what theological field educator, Dr. Marcus Hong says in his review: “the book settles into a meditative rhythm. Each chapter begins with a theme-setting quote, fleshes out that theme with a story, summarizes a resource for further investigation, and closes with a series of reflective questions.” 

Hong continues, “Each page is suffused with wisdom that Campbell-Reed herself has gained from her years in ministry and in walking alongside those preparing for ministry. This personal touch is a feature, not a bug, not only of this book but also of her research. Sustaining wisdom is gained and maintained through reflection on shared experiences and the mutual vulnerability that comes through that sharing.” 

Mutual vulnerability, indeed. That is one of the keys to collaboration in the work of ministry. Watch our video about the theme of “collaboration” in learning the practice of ministry.

You can also subscribe to the 3MMM podcast and listen to the entire first season – in three minute segments, followed by more interviews and stories in seasons 3, 4, and 5.  

Bless you , for being a faith leader in these challenging, demanding, even impossible times! I think what you do matters, and I’m grateful for you and your efforts at collaboration, mutuality, learning, and growth. Let us know how we can support you!

Warmly,

Eileen

Mini Writing Retreats

July 19 & August 15

Some possible ways you might make the most out of the virtual Writing Retreat?

• to plan for fall teaching, preaching, or programming
• to work on your book, article, or blog
• to edit, revise, or polish a project
• to get ahead on your writing so you can vacation in peace

What do you get when you sign up for a retreat? 

• Time to write
• Planning ideas & document 
• Accountability
• Better writing habits 
• Focus on process 
• Breathing and intention setting
• Camaraderie 
• Encouraging and supportive coaching 
   

Sign up for July and August 

And get a free bonus download!

Sign up for both retreats (July 19 and August 15), and we have a bonus for you! We will send a digital download of 15 Writing Strategies + 15 Writing Prompts to help you jumpstart your writing and hone your habits any time. 🙌

October Writing Table Retreat

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!

Join us at the Writing Table in person. 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! 
 

Book Giveaway
We have one more copy of From Weary to Wholehearted 

to give away in July. Tell your friends know us by signing up for our newsletter. If you are receiving this newsletter, 

you are already in the drawing!

Finding Our Way Study

We are all still 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.

Find us on Pinterest!

📌 You can now 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!

Let's look for ways to foster collaboration this week, !