Friday, June 6, 2025

Pastor's Life - Focus

Finding focus brings clarity — and joy —  to pastoral role
by Rev. Dr. John Cleghorn

Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. — James 3:4

How many times, as pastors, do we feel overwhelmed and rudderless?

Overwhelmed by the needs of our congregations. Outnumbered by the needs of our communities. Dismayed by the dysfunction of our democracy. Outwitted by the monumental — if not existential — questions facing the future for many churches. Outmatched by what may seem like the Sisyphean task of trying to be a 24 hour a day, 7 days a week, 365 days per year, volunteer coordinator-social worker-scholar-preacher-cheerleader-mop-up-specialist. 

And what about those we lead and care for in Christ? They, too, are so often overwhelmed by life and all that comes with it in these days of widespread uncertainty, fear and hard-heartedness.

Rev. John Cleghorn is pastor and head of staff at Caldwell Presbyterian Church, Charlotte, N.C. He is the author of Building Belonging: The Church‘s Call to Build Community and House Our Neighbors. Published by WJK Press in October, it looks at the growing movement of how congregations are building affordable housing on their property and finding new missional life in the doing. His first book, Resurrecting Church: Where Justice and Diversity Meet Radical Welcome and Healing Hope, published in 2021, looks at the resurrected life and ministries of some of the most diverse congregations in the PC(USA).

Featured Resources

Day of Learning: Storytelling, Stewardship, and Generosity

Join the Presbyterian Foundation for a FREE event on Thursday, June 26 for another informative Day of Learning, designed for churches, mid councils, and ministries to learn more about how to use the power of stewardship, planned giving, and generosity.

Church Financial Leadership Grant Program

The Presbyterian Foundation, through a Lilly Grant, offers pastors and worship leaders the opportunity to apply for grants to assist with the costs of attending Stewardship Kaleidoscope and the Executive Certificate in Religious Fundraising.

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