Ministry Matters - The invisible cross | 5 themes for Ash Wednesday

What are we doing with the sign of the cross at Lent's beginning? The invisible cross by Adam Thomas   For many years, I became queasy at the thought of having ashes scraped across my forehead — not because they are a reminder of my own mortality, not because I dislike being called to repent, but because I couldn’t square the action with Jesus’ command in the Gospel for the day. Read here

How can we creatively share the themes of Ash Wednesday as Lent begins? 5 themes for Ash Wednesday by Lucy Lind Hogan   Every year on the Wednesday six and-a-half weeks before Easter Day, the church, the body of Christ, once again sets off on its Lenten journey. While we know that the cross, and ultimately resurrection, are our destination, we do not know what experiences and insights will meet us on our journey. Read here

What can we do about the isolations so common to ministry today? Solving the dilemma of clergy burnout - an empowered laity by Rebekah Simon-Peter   Clergy are the heartbeat of churches, yet they seem perpetually on the edge of burnout. That sets up a real dilemma. The church depends on them. And yet, maybe depends too much. This is why I’ve been looking at the factors that contribute to clergy burnout. So far, we have looked at two factors: the impact of a fixed mindset and the pace of leadership change within congregations. Read here

Preaching revival in Nineveh with your sermon this Sunday Bringing elements of courage, shelter, and calling in worship this Sunday

A resource for your preaching this week