Tuesday, May 6, 2025

Pastor's Life - Lessons

A Lesson from a Mentor
by Rev. Lauren Gully

Earlier this year, an instrumental pastor of mine, Rev. Dr. Mike Landreth, passed away suddenly. Since his death, I have been reflecting on our conversations — from when I was a young teen to when he spoke at my very own service of ordination over a decade later. I have been cherishing his wise counsel as I remember him and our time together.

Throughout my decade in ministry as a pastor, I’ve often wondered what constitutes “enough.” How does a pastor know when they are done with work for the day? How far should pastors go in helping to remedy the relentless brokenness of the world?

Especially these days, when it is clear just how much work remains to be done, I find myself asking how I can do the most good possible each day. I also wonder how I will sustain myself for the long game of love and justice in the days and years to come.

Rev. Lauren Gully serves as the Pastor for Mission and Outreach at Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church in California, where she previously held the role of Pastor for Spiritual Formation. Her background includes creative writing, global service-learning, interfaith dialogue, young adult ministry, and a strong passion for sustainability. Currently, Lauren serves on the board of Hope Solutions, a local housing non-profit, and is completing her thesis, "How to be Angry at God," for her Doctorate of Ministry at Duke Divinity School.

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