Three is a Magic Number

“Kelly, you really need to write about some of this.”   When I've found myself in conversation sharing the joys and challenges of institutional church planting, people have often encouraged me to write about it.  I don’t know… maybe I've just sounded really fragmented and they’re hoping the writing process would get me put back together.  Or maybe I've spoken with a lot of intensity and they've wanted to hear it on paper.  (Me, speaking with intensity?  Nooo... sarcasm intended.)   Honestly, I need to get some distance before I can do any real writing.  I do have things to say which I hope could help other denominational or post-denominational church planters and developers.  I've learned a lot.  Those ideas need some more simmering though.  For now, I just have the brainstormed list in the white box.  If I ever write a book, I think it's going to be called something like...  Post-Mainline: If...

I’m what’s called bi-vocational.  In addition to my ministry work, I also teach in the School Counseling, School Psychology, and Special Education Department at public university in Wisconsin.  Sometimes I disclose to my students I’m a professor by day and a pastor by night (and weekend).  It makes for interesting pre and post-lecture fodder. Sometimes students are interested in the effects of religiosity on social-emotional development, asking about the topic in class or bringing up the topic during student presentations.  I love the intersection of mental health and spirituality, so if it fits the course content, I let the class discussion linger around the topic for a bit.  Beyond an opportunity to examine research, the topic also provides the perfect opportunity for students practice what we call ‘checking their values.’     The course textbook for my class Emotional and Behavioral Problems of Children and Adolescents has a s...