Rebekah Simon-Peter

Jan 16, 2024 | ministrymatters.com | 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. But those aren’t the only two factors at play in clergy burnout.

Nov 29, 2023 | ministrymatters.com | Rebekah Simon-Peter

Clergy are entrusted with the spiritual guidance and support of their communities. Ironically, with increased demands at the holidays your own well-being and family can get left out. The pressure to meet the needs of the congregation, prepare special services, provide emotional support, and make the season feel spiritually significant is overwhelming. This leads to fatigue, stress, and even burnout.

Jun 27, 2023 | ministrymatters.com | Rebekah Simon-Peter |Jake Owensby |William McDonald |William Mcdonald

As I worshiped on a recent Sunday morning, I couldn’t help but ponder the question of whether this church, which I’d been attending for over a decade, was ready for rebuilding. I genuinely appreciate this church. It boasts an excellent downtown location and is filled with wonderful people. However, it has experienced numerous changes: the dismissal of long-time musicians, a well-liked pastor with a hidden addiction, frequent pastoral appointment changes, and the pandemic.

Jun 27, 2023 | ministrymatters.com | Jake Owensby |Rebekah Simon-Peter |William McDonald |William Mcdonald

Mack McCarter envisions a world where “every single child, no matter their age, can be safe and loved.”[1] That vision led him in 1994 to leave traditional congregational ministry in Texas and to found Community Renewal International in his hometown of Shreveport, Louisiana. Two decades of church work had convinced him that cities and towns are essentially a web of relationships. When the relationships fray, those communities begin to decline.

Jun 6, 2023 | ministrymatters.com | William McDonald |William Mcdonald |Michael Beck |Rebekah Simon-Peter

This article is the ninth in a series we're calling "A Good and Joyful Thing: A series on liturgical spirituality." We hope this series takes you on an imaginative “travelogue” at various worship services in a local United Methodist church where the liturgy is treasured.