Jody R. Johnson, M.Div., LICSW In our hurry-up world, it’s tough to take time out, much less to intentionally do nothing. And for those in ministry, there are added pressures to be productive, ‘on’, and available. When the well runs dry, people may continue to do effective ministry for a time, but eventually problems will surface- perhaps in a sense of ‘dryness’, irritability or depression, physical ailments, or tension at home. Centering prayer can offer those in ministry an oasis of spiritual refreshment that overflows into service.

What skills do candidates for ministry already have and what are they lacking? Because these are future congregational leaders, we believe this information is critical for the work of seminaries and denominations in guiding their development. Our research at North Central Ministry Development Center sheds some light on this question.

Rev. Dr. Beth A. Donaldson United Church of Christ in New Brighton   CLERGY – Good People; Bad Friends!   GOOD PEOPLE ARE GOOD FRIENDS: PREACH IT! In my almost twenty years as a preacher and pastoral care giver as a local church minister I have proclaimed the good and salvific nature of community and right relationships regularly. I have shared story after story of how loving relationships, including friendships, matter in our world...