Category Archives: Pastoral Ministry

Case Study: A Pastoral Conversation

By Chaplain Mike Occasionally, I would like for us to consider case studies, so that we can discuss actual life situations rather than just theological ideas or religious issues. As iMonk readers know, I am deeply concerned about the state of pastoral ministry (especially pastoral care) in our churches. Today’s study is a snapshot fromContinue reading “Case Study: A Pastoral Conversation”

James MacDonald Needs a Business Meeting

By Chaplain Mike James MacDonald and I both graduated from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in 1988. He went on to become a successful pastor, author, and radio teacher. I went on to . . . well, let’s just say, a less illustrious career. So, I will leave it to you as to who has moreContinue reading “James MacDonald Needs a Business Meeting”

Guest Post: A Mere Lump of Humanity?

Today’s Post is by Adam McHugh Note from Chaplain Mike: Back in March, we reviewed Adam McHugh’s fine book, Introverts in the Church. Adam is not only a writer, but also a hospice chaplain. I wrote him and asked if he would contribute a hospice story because I thought it might be helpful for ourContinue reading “Guest Post: A Mere Lump of Humanity?”

Another Look: Pastoral Care of the Dying, Part Two

By Chaplain Mike Here is the second part of Michael Spencer’s November 17, 2009 interview with me about “Evangelicals and Pastoral Care of the Dying.” (If you are coming to this discussion late, see the introduction to yesterday’s post.) INTERVIEW, PART TWO 4. At what point is it appropriate for a minister to talk aboutContinue reading “Another Look: Pastoral Care of the Dying, Part Two”

Another Look: Pastoral Care of the Dying

By Chaplain Mike Back on November 17, 2009, I wrote my first post for Internet Monk. Actually, it was an interview that Michael Spencer did with me called,“Chaplain Mike Mercer: Evangelicals And The Pastoral Care of the Dying: The IM Interview.” Lately, as I have solicited questions for the “Ask Chaplain Mike” posts, several readersContinue reading “Another Look: Pastoral Care of the Dying”

A Conference I Recommend

By Chaplain Mike “…his reply has been, “My grace is enough for you: for where there is weakness, my power is shown the more completely.” Therefore, I have cheerfully made up my mind to be proud of my weaknesses, because they mean a deeper experience of the power of Christ. I can even enjoy weaknesses,Continue reading “A Conference I Recommend”

IM Book Review–The Pastor: A Memoir

By Chaplain Mike “The way is made by walking” (Antonio Machado) Eugene Peterson’s career as a pastor has been a living tortoise and hare fable. In an age of emphasis on church growth, Peterson was “the contemplative pastor.” As the calling of minister morphed into the job of CEO, whose main task is to “runContinue reading “IM Book Review–The Pastor: A Memoir”

Let Me Restate That…A Rant Clarified

By Chaplain Mike Yesterday, a spirited discussion ensued regarding my “Rant as a Loser of the Worship Wars.” I think many of the comments missed the point of the post. So I thought I’d post a clarification. I hope this makes the most important aspects of what I was trying to say clear. When IContinue reading “Let Me Restate That…A Rant Clarified”

iMonk Classic: Those Magnificent Young Men in Their Pastoring Machines (4)

Part Four (conclusion) of a series on pastoral ministry, featuring a classic Michael Spencer post. I’ve Got A Question Are pastors called to be church growth “entrepreneurs?” The contemporary pastorate seems to be all about church growth, not Christian growth. Evangelism has even been eclipsed by church growth. Worship is now about church growth. TheContinue reading “iMonk Classic: Those Magnificent Young Men in Their Pastoring Machines (4)”