Hi Cathie,Your reflections on Steve Martin’s journey and finding joy in the ordinary really struck a chord—such a refreshing perspective on faith and life’s surprises. It made me think of the bigger battles our faith communities face, like the sobering warning “First the Saturday people, then the Sunday people,” which points to the threats against our Judeo-Christian roots. I just wrote this piece exploring why supporting Israel is vital to protecting these shared values. It’s a brief, compelling read. If it speaks to you, please consider subscribing for more!https://sleuthfox.substack.com/p/first-the-saturday-people-then-the
At 81, just starting preaching. Looking to the small church's without Clergy and seeking to provide a "greater" community for them through the established practices of other churchs. This, hopefully, would be with links from a common web page, and with more awareness of established community to share more activities. Your words are a help. LLMP (Licensed Lay Minister Preacher by the National Episcopal Church). Looking to serve my Diocese for starters. Thank you for your words and leadership. Your model can possibly fit several needs. And, there are other plans to compliment these activities.
I think Wesley’s view of the ministry in early North America was similar to what you are suggesting. The Wesleyan pastor wasn’t tied to place or building.
Did it work? The circuit rider pastor led to the most substantial period of the growth in Christianity in our history.
People were formed and nurtured by the class system. (Think social media etc) Shortly after the civil war the largest Methodist ruled that one could be a “member” of the denomination and not be in a class. Though large, the Methodist have been in decline ever since mostly sustaining their denominations through mergers. When the United Methodists were formed in the late 1950s it made the largest denomination in the US. They immediately began to decline.
Circuit Ryder - class system- community focused outreach became like the older denominations
Hi Cathie,Your reflections on Steve Martin’s journey and finding joy in the ordinary really struck a chord—such a refreshing perspective on faith and life’s surprises. It made me think of the bigger battles our faith communities face, like the sobering warning “First the Saturday people, then the Sunday people,” which points to the threats against our Judeo-Christian roots. I just wrote this piece exploring why supporting Israel is vital to protecting these shared values. It’s a brief, compelling read. If it speaks to you, please consider subscribing for more!https://sleuthfox.substack.com/p/first-the-saturday-people-then-the
thank you! i did :)
I love every bit of this, agree and am shifting my ministry strategy similarly!!!
Also, I too am inspired by and feel similarities to comedians, their craft and their approach to reach and evoke a response.
Nate Bargatze has created a community of his fans, making stadiums full feel like home.
I wrote about it here: https://open.substack.com/pub/theainc/p/whos-leading-you?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android&r=46z5tq
At 81, just starting preaching. Looking to the small church's without Clergy and seeking to provide a "greater" community for them through the established practices of other churchs. This, hopefully, would be with links from a common web page, and with more awareness of established community to share more activities. Your words are a help. LLMP (Licensed Lay Minister Preacher by the National Episcopal Church). Looking to serve my Diocese for starters. Thank you for your words and leadership. Your model can possibly fit several needs. And, there are other plans to compliment these activities.
I'm so glad you find it helpful!
I do think Substack is extremely helpful in this endeavor - it's already helping me meet people like you!
and stay tuned for 'Substack seminary', to help create the ministry you're called to!
I think Wesley’s view of the ministry in early North America was similar to what you are suggesting. The Wesleyan pastor wasn’t tied to place or building.
Did it work? The circuit rider pastor led to the most substantial period of the growth in Christianity in our history.
People were formed and nurtured by the class system. (Think social media etc) Shortly after the civil war the largest Methodist ruled that one could be a “member” of the denomination and not be in a class. Though large, the Methodist have been in decline ever since mostly sustaining their denominations through mergers. When the United Methodists were formed in the late 1950s it made the largest denomination in the US. They immediately began to decline.
Circuit Ryder - class system- community focused outreach became like the older denominations
Pastor-building-congregation-Sunday Schools-programs.
Keep preaching this sister 👍
If we always do what we have always done, we will always get what we have always gotten - decline! 😳
right! doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results ... does not work!
and thank you.
also, i like the circuit rider approach.
AND - what I imagine is much more than that.
It's not so clergy focused, but a network of spiritual support for lay ministry, bolstered by clergy.
and the riding is mostly virtual :)