A personal reflection on pastoral ministry, loneliness, and burnout
Pastoral ministry is a burdensome and joyful journey. How might we build stronger connections and share the load to prevent burnout?…
Are migrant churches bad news?
Pastoring a migrant church is hard, but rewarding. The challenge isn’t just culture, but sin. However, the gospel proclaimed with sensitivity, diversity, partnership could be the beginning of a genuine multicultural church where all nations worship God.…
Culture shock: why don’t you understand?
I’m an Australian-born Cambodian-Chinese (aka ABC). I have thick, black hair; dark brown eyes; and a fairly tanned skin tone. No, this isn’t a dating advert, but it’s a pretty standard description for most South-East Asians. It’s almost a month since my family and I moved…
Culture shock: the early days
Well, it’s Day 4 of our new journey in Taiwan. We arrived safely last Wednesday and we were warmly welcomed by a fellow co-worker. To date, there are daily communications in the form of personal visits, phone calls, and messages from one or more of our new co-workers here…
Maturing from Milk
There is much more we would like to say about this, but it is difficult to explain, especially since you are spiritually dull and don’t seem to listen. You have been believers so long now that you ought to be teaching others. Instead, you need someone to teach you…
TM Prayer Consultation
What happens when you bring a group of people from different backgrounds together with the desire of seeing God’s kingdom come?? What happens when these people join together in worship of one God? What happens when these people sit around a table to openly discuss the critical importance of…
Friends and the Flock
Many of you who know me well will be quick to understand what this entry will be about. How does one’s relationship with people change when they enter or change into a new profession, particularly one which carries with it authority? In my case, my entry into ministry in…
Serious business...
Over the following month as I prepare for various ministry opportunities, I’m forced to take a step back and, once again, evaluate the depth of responsibility which my role entails. I recently had a friend ask me about my future direction and my parents’ response. I recalled a particular…