Glimpses of the New Creation: Worship and the Formative Power of the Arts
W. David O. Taylor Eerdmans, 312 pages Reviewed by Kristin Stroble As a solo pastor of a traditional congregation, I spend a..
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Endings and beginnings
After nearly seven years of being a pastor, I thought I had experienced or endured most of the “firsts” of ministry. I..
The Elder Preaching Institute
Eastminster Presbytery’s interim general presbyter, Nancy Kahaian, had just started her service with the presbytery and was meeting with each pastor individually. ..
“The Bible tells me so”
My most beloved possession in early elementary school was not a stuffed animal, or a security blanket, or a favorite toy. It..
Writing as prayer
As a companion to our spring book issue, we asked our bloggers about their experiences of writing as a spiritual practice. Here..
Faith calls me to see hope: An Advent reflection
“Nostalgia is memory filtered through disproportionate emotion. Faith is memory filtered through appropriate gratitude” (David Bartlett, “Feasting on the Word Year A”)...
Use seminary to grow
This week we asked our bloggers to share three things they would have liked to tell themselves before starting seminary. Here are..
The gift of small churches
“I just wish we would grow.” “We don’t have enough young people.” “There’s not enough money.” “We are too small …..
The gift of Sabbath
Like many pastors, I have a difficult time taking time off and truly disconnecting. I take all of my vacation time..
Why I need mentors
There’s an ongoing list in my journal titled “things they didn’t teach me in seminary.” I know from conversations with colleagues that..
Finding grace
Her name was Grace. She was homebound when I started at my church. Actually she hadn’t been out of her house..
I am my own worst critic
This week we asked our bloggers to reflect on criticism they have received. I’ll admit that I have a love for personality..
Lessons from the Middle East
Last month I went with a delegation from my presbytery to Lebanon, at the invitation of the National Evangelical Synod of Syria..
Experiencing the Holy: Creative worship
What do you think of when you hear the term creative worship? Do you think of screens, a praise band and a..
Star words: A spiritual practice for Epiphany
On the Sunday we celebrate Epiphany at the church I serve, it has become a tradition to pass out “star words.” Perhaps..
Joy in the Journey: Finding Abundance in the Shadow of Death
by Steve & Sharol Hayner InterVarsity Press, Downers Grove, Ill. 159 pages REVIEWED BY KRISTIN STROBLE In life and in death we..
It’s wedding season
Guest Outpost blog by Kristin Stroble It’s wedding season. After a whirlwind adventure of officiating four weddings in five weekends I’m finally..