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Hello, !

It's been a long trip, and a very good one. I'm headed home as I write to you. And I am so grateful for each and everyone of you who prayed for me - whether you told me or didn't tell me. I am grateful for a chance to ask, and for many kind responses.

In the last three weeks I had so many opportunities to present, teach, lecture, and lead conversations about pastoral imagination. I presented to Baptist theological educators in Manchester at their annual gathering from across the UK. And the next week at the Ecclesiology and Ethnography conference in Durham, I had the joy of presenting about pastoral imagination alongside my research partner Chris Scharen and our friends and colleagues Tone Stangeland Kaufman and Jonas Idelström. They shared about their research with Scandinavian pastors, which focuses on "pastoral assembling."

In the third week of my travels through the UK, I presented to doctoral students in the DThM program at St. John's College in Durham. I shared stories and findings from the LPI Project. And I also had a chance to tell them about some of what I've learned as a researcher in the last 16 years of following ministers to witness how they learn in practice. 

There is so much to say about my adventures, and about where we are in the project, including plans for our next book. But for now, I can just offer thanks and gratitude for many connections with students, colleagues, and friends old and new. 

If you are new around here, to Three Minute Ministry Mentor, and you want to know more about the Learning Pastoral Imagination Project, you can explore some of the articles and publications we have written HERE. And you can take a look at my book Pastoral Imagination: Bringing the Practice of Ministry to Life. 

In the Teaching Gallery at my website, you'll find a full bibliography and direct links to a number of resources from the LPI Project. The human and holy capacity for pastoral imagination is a perennial and evergreen topic for ministers and pastors. No matter how topsy-turvy the world goes, the capacity for learning and living our call will endure. Learn more by clicking on the image here. 

Wherever the Spirit leads you this week, I hope and pray for you a sustained sense of love, wonder, and sacred presence in everything you do, . No matter what the world or your own community of faith tosses your way, I hope you can meet it with grace and belief that you are held by God.

Blessings and peace,

Eileen

New Podcast Episode: 
"How to Pray"

Listen in to part 3 of my interview with 
Rev. Dr. Cláudio Carvalhaes!

How do you pray? Head bowed and eyes closed? Hands open while gazing at the sky? Do you use words or does silence feel more inviting? When do you find it easier or more difficult to pray?

In this week's podcast, I continue my interview with Rev. Dr. Cláudio Carvalhaes. We discuss his experiences in compiling the book, Liturgies from Below. The book is a collection of prayers from people living on the margins in places around the world. Cláudio shares what it was like to pray with those who are oppressed and marginalized, to listen to their honest pleas to God, to join together in reflection and conversation around faith. 

New State of Clergy Report

Exciting things are happening this fall! Here is my news:

NASHVILLE, TN – Dr. Eileen Campbell-Reed has won two grants to revise and expand “The State of Women and LGBTIQ Clergy in the U.S.” Data collection begins August 1, as Campbell-Reed takes a new one-year position with Vanderbilt Divinity School. She expects to release a newly revised report in late 2026. 

All of you reading this are welcome to tell me about: 

• 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! 

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

My questions for you this Monday morning: 

What in your work or life needs

your pastoral imagination and engaged leadership? 

The retreat includes: 
* short teaching sessions each day about writing craft and habits
* daily time for writing in community

* evening sessions for sharing brief excerpts of your work
* individual coaching with Eileen is available (discounted fee)  

Q: Did this event meet your hopes and expectations? 

"More than! Such a deep rich weekend that I think will 

be a gamechanger for my project. So grateful!" 
-retreat participant 2024 WT Retreat

Q: What did you value the most about it?

"Eileen's guidance, the hospitality of Kirkridge - 

so comfortable and welcoming!"
-retreat participant 2024 WT Retreat

I hope you might consider joining us this fall!

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!

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