Non-Congregational Ministers… “What’s it like out there?”
This episode is a little different.
Rev. John is joined by two friends and colleagues, the Rev. Dr. Kristine O'Brien and the Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Crawford, for an honest conversation about what they're seeing as they spend their days alongside ministry leaders. The conversation wanders through clergy fatigue, church decline, grief, hope, camps, community, and the places where God still seems to be at work, often outside the places we expect.
There aren't tidy answers here. Just three people trying to make sense of this moment in the life of the church and reminding one another that faithful ministry has always involved paying attention to where the Spirit is already moving.
Quotables
"The people I meet are tired."
"I think we're having difficulty with actually naming... the challenge."
"Hope is not a strategy."
"The Spirit's going to do what the Spirit does. And last time I checked, it's pretty hard to keep under wraps."
"I think there's lots of hope. Congregations could do all kinds of amazing ministry, but I think the reality has to be faced first."
"There are lots of people out there that are hungry and longing for more."
About Rev. Dr. Kristine O’Brien, Executive Director of Crieff Hills Retreat Centre
Kristine O'Brien (she/her) began work at Crieff Hills in the fall of 2018. She is passionate about good food, practicing kindness, and the need for everyone to live a healthy rhythm of work and rest. After more than twenty years in ordained ministry with the Presbyterian Church in Canada, she completed a Doctor of Ministry Degree with a focus on justice, preaching and hospitality. She is an avid gardener and amateur forager who is also learning the art and skill of farming. Kristine preaches regularly in Ontario churches and is available for speaking and teaching engagements. She is active in the local community and is a member of the Puslinch Heritage Advisory Committee. When she's not working you can find her at home baking pie and fresh biscuits.
About Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Crawford, General Presbyter of the Presbytery of Waterloo-Wellington
Jeffrey is a minister of The Presbyterian Church in Canada and a Professional Coach. Over the last 20 years Jeffrey has served the church at all levels from congregational to presbytery, synod, national, and in camping and conferencing ministry. He currently serves in ministry as the General Presbyter for Waterloo-Wellington – supporting clergy, congregations, and the Presbytery as we seek to be church in this moment. Jeffrey’s partner Courtney is also a Presbyterian Minister, serving at Knox Waterloo, and together they are parents to Nathan and Hannah. Jeffrey looks forward to opportunities to connect, build relationships, and get to know you during the weeks ahead.
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Transcript
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