02Mar

Jesus and Fasting

March 2, 2022By Uncategorized0 comment

Jesus and Fasting The three great religious practices among the Jews were giving, praying, and fasting. Jesus’ own ministry began with an epic forty-day fast. Jesus begins, “Whenever you fast,” because he probably expected his followers would fast, though neither he nor any of the New Testament writers command it. Jesus offers no technical instructions on when or how to fast, only that fasting should not be for outward show. Apparently, many who fasted made a point of wearing tattered clothing, scrubbing their head with ashes, and stumbling about as though carrying a great burden. Jesus offers two instructions. First, when fasting, look normal—and cheerful! “… put oil…

READ MORE
05Dec

What is Interim Ministry and How Does It Work?

December 5, 2019By Uncategorized1 Comment

What is Interim Ministry and How Does It Work? People frequently ask me what is an interim minister and what do they do? Interim ministry is relatively new in the United Methodist Church and just started aa couple of decades ago.  In the past, in the United Methodist process of appointing pastors, often the successor arrived the very day the departing pastor moved out. Because there was no interval of time between pastors, no interim pastor was needed.  However, the General Conference of 1996 placed the term Interim Minister in the Book of Discipline. The Book of Discipline reads, Par. 338.3:  Interim appointments may be made to charges that…

READ MORE