Everyone Welcome?
Many congregations truly do believe they are open to everyone until someone different comes along making them feel uncomfortable. I meet people all the time…
Author
Gary A. Shockley
Gary Alan Shockley worked as a pastor in the Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church who became a certified grief counselor through the American Institute of Healthcare Professionals (AIHCP). He is also a member of Spiritual Directors International (SDI) as well as a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI). His books include The Meandering Way: Leading by Following the Spirit (Alban, 2007) and Imagining Church: Seeing Hope in a World of Change (Alban, 2009). He operates HopeSpring Creative Solutions.
Speaking the Truth in Love to a Longtime Member
During my third year as pastor of the Austin Church in north-central Pennsylvania, I faced a leadership crisis that threatened the effectiveness of my ministry…