Rev. Puddleglum: The Grumpy Shepherd

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An ex Pastor friend of mine wrote me wondering what to do when the grumps effect shepherding.  His self-evaluation of his previous ministry was that his effectiveness was hampered by his own mood swings.  He does not believe he should reenter the ministry until he deals with the grumps.

What is the Pastor/Elder to do when he wakes up on the wrong side of the bed?  What is the Pastor/Elder to do when he finds himself irrationally annoyed by Church members?  What is the Pastor/Elder to do when he is cynical and does not want to be around people?

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“but if it dies. . . ” #ResurrectionSeries14

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Long ago, in a holy land, the Son of God lifted His eyes and asked a dead man to walk out of his rank tomb. The dead man obliged (Jn. 11).

Many believed in Him that day.

Others ratted Him out.

His days seemed to shorten after that.

Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him. (Jn. 12:24-26)

 

In John 12:21, Greeks had said to Philip, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” Years later it would become popular to inscribe this request on pulpits. Fitting indeed.

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Somewhere between Loveland & Honeycreek by Evan Welcher #AdventSeries13

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My brother abides in the north. It takes an hour and a half to two hours to reach his dwelling: all dependent on construction and the amount of Pearl Jam I listen to. Three particular things I love among a menagerie more: Iowa, driving, and my brother. The drive through these sacred hills and hollows has always struck me as agreeable. 235 horses hitched to three open windows and a bed tagging along as caboose is the only way to fly. Curious, I know, but I am just a boy from Black Hawk County, and if one goes back far enough in my lineage it’s all dust and evictions from paradise, anyway.

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