Staff Trax

"I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
— John 13:34-35

I have served about 18 months as interim pastor for Salem Lutheran Church. I was excited when I began to be working with a staff of four! I was…

For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it.
Mark 8:35 (NRSV)

In the interims I have served I have used the resource “Taking Faith Home” from Milestone Ministries. After we used the Advent and Christmas cards and they were well-received, I thought this might be a helpful…

When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy.
Matthew 2:10

As I sit down to write this Staff Trax, it is January 6, 2021, the Epiphany of Our Lord. I know that some of you use the devotional book “The Word in Season.” Today’s devotion focuses on wisdom. When you hear the word wisdom, what comes into your mind and heart? When I…

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

For many of us these days it may be challenging to practice joy, but I think it is necessary for our own mental health. So how can we do this? Here are some helpful suggestions:

• Discover…

One of the first things I learned when I began doing interim pastor ministry was that our first job is to listen.

• Listen to the history of the congregation
• Listen to the leaders of the congregation
• Listen to those you visit in their homes, coffee shop, wherever you can hear their voices
• Listen carefully, because during an interim people want to be heard