{The following post is the text of a letter I wrote to a man in his early fifties shortly after his father died.} Dear F., There is an ache and strangeness that comes when our parents die. I don't think it really matters a lot how old we or they are when that happens. I … Continue reading Pastor Note #26 — After His Dad Died
Tag: ministry
Pastor Note #25 — Words of “Wisdom” from One of the Old Guys
Today, I received an e-mail from my seminary alma mater, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. It was sent out to all of their alumni, inviting them to share some "words of wisdom" for those who will be graduating in about a month. Since that sounded like a lot more fun than what I was supposed to be … Continue reading Pastor Note #25 — Words of “Wisdom” from One of the Old Guys
Pastor Note #24 — Getting in the Habit of God
Some things you must understand in order to do them. Surgery is one example of that principle that comes to mind. Conversely, some things you must do in order to understand them. Fasting is a prime example of this latter principle. From an intellectual perspective fasting is hard to understand. All sorts of plausible reasons … Continue reading Pastor Note #24 — Getting in the Habit of God
Prayer Note #16 — A Pastor’s Sunday Morning Prayer
Lord, I know less than usual what to expect during worship today. Help me to trust you more than usual. Pour your Spirit out in fullness on our worship. Quiet the fears the people may have at your Spirit's coming upon us, and instead open us to receive him in all power, grace, … Continue reading Prayer Note #16 — A Pastor’s Sunday Morning Prayer
Prayer Notes #10 — Knowing and Doing
A Prayer about Knowing and Doing Father of my life, Shepherd of my soul, you have made me, and you know the purposes you have for me in this troubled life. Raise me above the troubles and struggles, so that I may see the purpose you have for me. I won't pretend that it is … Continue reading Prayer Notes #10 — Knowing and Doing
Pastor#14
“Believing and Belonging – Belonging and Believing” Those terms are often used to name two elements – the two elements? – that are involved when a person becomes part of the community of God’s people. What we might mean by “believing” is probably pretty simple and straightforward. But maybe not quite so simple and straightforward … Continue reading Pastor#14
Pastor Notes #12 — The Ministry of Meaning
One of the most important things pastors can do is to help people understand the meaning of their actions and the circumstances of their lives. Many philosophers and theologians have asserted that the ability to find meaning in the events of their lives and in the things that they do is one of the essential … Continue reading Pastor Notes #12 — The Ministry of Meaning
Pastor Notes #11: A Desperate Act by One of the Least of These
[From my journal while pastoring a church in downtown Columbus:] It was a sad and difficult situation. We have a locked wooden box bolted to the back wall of the church. It has a slot in the top for receiving gifts that visitors (and members) might drop into it for the maintenance of our old … Continue reading Pastor Notes #11: A Desperate Act by One of the Least of These
Pastor Notes #8 (9/11/2001) — Presence as Ministry
[The following is from several entries into my journal about the events of the evening of September 11, 2001. I was at that time the pastor of Central Presbyterian Church in the heart of downtown Columbus, Ohio. There are several large, high-end hotels in the immediate vicinity of the church.] Tuesday, September 11, 2001 7:30 … Continue reading Pastor Notes #8 (9/11/2001) — Presence as Ministry
Pastor Notes #6
A pastoral note to an early, middle-aged widow who had just announce her engagement to be remarried, names and certain other details have been changed to protect confidentiality: I'm sorry I didn't respond as soon as I received you letter. I intended to, but it has been an unexpectly hectic week or so. I really … Continue reading Pastor Notes #6
Gary Chorpenning's Notebooks 