A Time of Reflection and Discernment

One of the great opportunities of not being in a pastoral call right now is that it is a time for reflection and discernment. This has been a time of Sabbatical for me in a way — at least unofficially. And I’ve really needed it.

As a pastor, we’re often thrust into the thick of congregational and institutional life — deep into these things and usually we don’t realize how deep into it we actually are. It’s no different that other folks who are deep into their businesses and industries.

I remember working on Capitol Hill in DC — it was similar: you lived it and breathed it all the time. There was no escape from the politics. It was my life. Legislation always ends up relating to electability and fundraising — always. Understand those two points and you understand 90% of how DC thinks at any given moment. That’s a slight exaggeration of course, but not much.

It wasn’t until I stepped away from all of that that I was able to have a different relationship with politics.

And here I am now as a pastor who has had time to step away from congregational and institutional life. I’ve had the opportunity to have no liturgical responsibilities during one of the busiest times of the church year — Christmas. I’ve traveled throughout Advent and the Christmas seasons, visiting different churches. My intent has been two-fold: 1. To experience different types of worship within the liturgical tradition (primarily ELCA) and 2. to be a support to colleagues by just showing up where they are…