I think the earth-crushing Meadville Lombard ad (and its vague prospectus) and the “brown bag controversy” concerning Starr King are going to be eclipsed by proposed phase-out of direct funding to these seminaries. As someone who didn’t go to either — with good reasons — I think the time for student-following funding is long overdue. […]
At my seminary, nobody asked your zodiac sign, but did inquire if you were a trespasser or a debtor: a reference to which version of the Lord’s Prayer one commonly uses.
I think most Universalists and Unitarians historically were trespassers but almost any seminarian leaving school today will be a debtor too. Really, anyone seeking higher […]
Gutter newspaper and television has made some hay about Jim McGreevey — former New Jersey governor and “gay American” — being received into the Episcopal Church, being accepted to study at General Theological Seminary and pursuing holy orders. It’s been a busy week for him: good luck. I won’t wonder what happened if he’s not […]
While I don’t believe that Free Church ministers (including Unitarian Universalists and United Church Christians) attain an ontological state through their ordination that fundamentally distinguishes them from the laity — made priests forever — neither do I really feel “that Pastor Jones is Mr. Jones on the train between his calls” as the old chestnut […]
There’s no secret and no shame in saying I’m out of work. Have been since late August when a financial crunch at Day Job led to layoffs. Looking for work means I’ve been blogging less; thanks to James Estes for referring me to a good job search counselor. Say a little prayer for me please; […]
The title says it all. Since I’m gay, ordained and out, I thought I should bring up the subject.
This is an open post for ordained gay men and lesbians. What are your challenges? What could help you in your ministry? What has been offered to help that doesn’t help? What advice would you give a […]
Chutney (Making Chutney) has a little rant about ministerial ordination and education where he throws a big wet blanket on the conventional mainline ministerial formation process. I read it in context of some of the tight-sphinctered replies at the infamous post at PeaceBang’s Beauty Tips for Ministers. For the record, he and I both have […]
I watched a 2004 National Geographic Special on PBS tonight: Arlington: Field of Honor (WGBH Boston page). It is obviously on as a lead-up to Memorial Day and follows a day of funerals at Arlington National Cemetery, and outlines its history. Chances are you can still watch it if you get PBS, and it is […]
Hubby brought this New York Times article to my attention. Thought y’all’d be interested.
Students Flock to Seminaries, but Fewer See Pulpit in Future
Jim Estes (Peregrinato) has begun writing about ministerial formation at his blog, which has otherwise been quiet for a time. Do read.
Uplifting our Own: The Formation of Ministers
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