a search

The church we attend out here in NC is searching for an associate/youth minister right now. This weekend we had a candidate out for an interview weekend. What a frustrating process! And -- being that I'm not an elder -- I'm not even that involved in the process. The struggle for me is how high do standards need to be? Do I need to be blown away by the candidate, or is "adequate" enough? The problem is, I'm really hoping to be blown away. Honestly, it just reminds me of how I really think that not having full-time/paid/staff ministers is sometimes better. Of course I also realize the bigger the church, the more impractical that is. Our church is tiny, but I also realize that it's important to think with growth in mind...plan for the future. On the other hand, even in a big church is full-time/paid staff really necessary? It does take a restructuring in our whole thinking and framework of church organization, but I think it warrants some thought at least. My basic thoughts are that developing a strong eldership and a strong network of deacons and volunteers could take the place of a full-time minister (more people doing the job of one person makes a light load for everyone). Elders or other gifted teachers could take turns preaching, or a church could pay someone to just preach -- no other duties. Unfortunately, I don't know if the congregation we attend right now is ready for that kind of radical shift in thought.

this and that

We went to the Outer Banks this past weekend for a wedding; we had time to visit the Wright Brother's Museum, Jockey's Ridge ( huge, huge dunes), and the Bodie Island lighthouse. Plus we ate some amazing seafood at a restaraunt called Tale of the Whale. If you're ever up near Nags Head, NC, eat at Tale of the Whale and order a Pina Colada and something with scallops. (Mmmmm...so good).

This week I started a temporary telemarketing gig (only a few weeks...the event I'm calling for is the beginning of June). Since school's out right now for me, I had a little extra time, and this way I can make a little extra money too.

peace...