I was glad to have our friend Ed Stetzer join us and provide some insight and clarity for the decision that many people in the church (Rectors, Bishops, and members of the Vestry) are going to have to make. The video replay is here (on The Evergreen Project Youtube Channel). It should be watched and replayed for all Vestry members [...]
For reasons that only the Google gods know, the blog post I wrote last year on preaching a Mother’s Day sermon was a hit. However, it was written before the days of the new "abnormal," and now needs to be updated. But the question is still valid. “Should you preach a Mother’s Day sermon?” In a word, yes. This year, [...]
The decision about reopening churches for public worship is not an easy one. There are so many things to pray through and discuss with leaders and members. As the country begins to open up, what are the things that leaders and congregations should consider? How can we balance the desire to return to worship life as we knew it with [...]
It is easy to see why some would worry today about the durability of the Church in these days of coronavirus. Most every church is living through a perfect storm of problems, obstacles, and fear. First, the members of our congregations are besieged by bad news on the economic front. Twenty-two million (and more) people have been laid off in [...]
Each week, the Evergreen Project Team is publishing a Resource Roundup for Ministry in a Pandemic. Earlier this week, in our Resource Roundup we included a number of Holy Week & Easter Resources—articles, websites, and other resources. Today, we want to focus specifically on Good Friday resources. It seems like Good Friday is actually more well-suited to digital experiences than [...]
Earlier this week, the Evergreen Project hosted a panel of Rectors from Anglican churches in the US and Canada to talk about how they are navigating online worship and plans for this coming Holy Week & Easter. The webinar began with greetings from Archbishop Foley Beach who prayed for our Rectors and joined us for the entire presentation. He even [...]
My role as curator and guide for The Evergreen Project compels me to write a few thoughts and ideas for the benefit of all of our leaders in the Anglican Church in North America. Whether or not these ideas and suggestions, and the thinking behind them, make their way beyond our newly formed denomination, I cannot tell. But my perceived [...]
It took about three months to finish this one phone call. When I was done, I had a book called The Rector and the Vestry. It is now available on Amazon. In November of 2019, I was speaking with a friend and colleague in ministry. He is the Rector of a small but growing church that he planted about seven [...]
It is upon us. Both the COVID-19 coronavirus and the fear of it have descended upon the world—and upon our nation. The unprecedented decisions to limit travel into the United States will send shock waves all over the globe. At the time of this writing, tens of thousands of people are symptomatic and several thousand have died. It is a [...]
Over the last few decades, everyone has been aiming at 2020. So many churches and organizations looking to clarify their goals and objectives set a 2020 (20/20) Vision. Organizations set goals to plant a certain number of churches by 2020 or raise up a certain number of leaders. Individual churches looked ahead to 2020 as the year by which they [...]
It is upon us. Both the COVID-19 coronavirus and the fear of it have descended upon the world—and soon upon our nation. The unprecedented decisions to limit travel into the United States will send shock waves all over the globe. At the time of this writing, tens of thousands of people are symptomatic and several thousand have died. It is [...]
I met Herb at breakfast in 1992. He and I were newly elected members of a national board and met for the first time the day before. At breakfast the next morning, I walked right by Herb carrying my plate filled with bacon, eggs, and my morning coffee. “David, join me!” Herb called out to me as I walked by [...]
Epiphany is January 6th. And as the kings discovered Jesus as King, so others have and others will. Lord Jesus may your light shine our way, as once it guided the steps of the magi: that we too may be led into your presence and worship you, the Child of Mary, the Word of the Father, the King of nations, the Saviour [...]
I have been having fun writing about some gift ideas for Rectors and their Spouses. I served as a Rector for over 30 years and spend a lot of time now with Rectors and their families. I know that many laypeople want to get the Rector and their Spouse a gift for Christmas to show their love and appreciation. I [...]
Earlier, I wrote a post about What Your Rector Wants For Christmas. I love Rectors and have the good fortune to spend time with, teach, coach, and encourage lots of Rectors around the Anglican Church in North America. But I don’t just love Rectors. I also love their families! The role of a Rector is unique. So is the role [...]
Dear Readers, At the end of this amazing year, I want to thank our Managing Editor, the Rev. Joshua Steele, for a terrific ministry overseeing the day-to-day work of Anglican Pastor. He has helped our blog "step up" to the tremendous opportunity that we have to speak words of clarity and charity about the Gospel faith and The Great Tradition. [...]
I have a unique position in the church today. I used to be a Rector of a large church in North Dallas. (Christ Church in Plano, TX). But I am no longer a Rector. Instead, I have the good fortune to hang out, teach, coach, and encourage a lot of Rectors. For example, I spent three hours in the last [...]
I do not remember exactly what I was saying on Saturday when the picture above was taken, but I was clearly animated! (Please no caption contests!) In any event, I had a great time speaking at the Anglican Diocese of the South Mission Matters 2019 Conference and Synod this past weekend. I spoke with numerous Rectors who are using The [...]
I know of a very talented ordained priest and colleague of mine who left his ministry; he was removed from the ordained ministry altogether. His bishop removed him. There was something he did to which he confessed, and he is no longer a priest. I do not know the details. I don't need to know. My heart breaks for him, [...]
I live on the flight path for DFW. The planes are a few miles above my home as they make their final approach and landing. Sometimes, at dusk, on a cool fall evening, when the mist is gone and the fading sunset is just right, I can see up to seven planes at once. The sun has set for me, [...]
As the Evergreen Project continues to create, collect, and curate the best resources for a thriving church, the issue of clergy compensation is unavoidable. About a year ago, I wrote an article about this topic as part of a series on Awkward Church Questions. Who should have access to the giving records? How much should we pay the pastor? Should [...]
Can you walk on water? Well, now you can! Introducing the “Jesus Shoe,” which sell for over $3,000! These shoes are regular Nike brand shoes (Air Max 97’s) whose soles have been injected with certified ‘blessed-by-a-priest’ water from the Jordan River! These Holy Water sneakers give the wearer the sensation of walking on well, air pockets that have been filled [...]
As the Evergreen Project continues to create, collect, and curate the best resources for a thriving church, the issue of pledge cards comes quickly to the front of the line. Recently, we addressed the base level question of whether congregations should use an annual pledge card system as a best practice for regular giving. We looked at some of the [...]
This post is part of an ongoing conversation about generosity and stewardship in conjunction with The Evergreen Project's fall campaign, "The Joy of Giving Up." As the Evergreen Project continues to create, collect, and curate the best resources for a thriving church, the issue of pledge cards comes quickly to the front of the line. Should a congregation of faithful [...]
