The Ministry of Showing Up: Why Presence Matters More Than Perfection
What People Remember I have spent most of my adult life in church communities. I’ve seen services that were beautifully choreographed and others that went off the rails. I’ve seen budgets balanced to the penny and others that kept us up at night. I’ve worked on events, programs, and plans that looked perfect on paper […]
Rituals, Routines, and the Soul of a Community
The Small Things That Hold Us Together Church life is full of meaningful moments. Baptisms, weddings, funerals, and holiday services come to mind right away. These events are big, emotional, and often deeply moving. But if I’m honest, what sticks with me just as much, maybe even more, are the everyday rhythms that happen week […]
Passing It On: Mentorship, Ministry, and the Quiet Legacy of Everyday Leaders
The Ones Who Showed Me the Way When I think back over the course of my life—school, work, marriage, parenting, church life—certain people stand out. Not because they had fancy titles or public recognition, but because they took the time to invest in me. They listened. They taught. They offered quiet encouragement when I needed […]
From Pews to Programs: What Church Operations Can Learn from Liberal Arts Thinking
Where It All Began Back when I was a student at Skidmore College, majoring in American Studies, I had no idea I would one day be overseeing church operations. I was drawn to the liberal arts because I liked asking questions, making connections, and learning how people and ideas shape one another. At the time, […]
The Golf Course as a Sanctuary: Life Lessons from the Fairway
Why I Keep Coming Back If you’ve ever played a round of golf with me, you know I’m not out there chasing a perfect scorecard. Sure, I like to hit a clean drive and sink the occasional long putt — who doesn’t? But for me, golf has always been about more than just the game. […]
From Campus to Calling: How a Liberal Arts Education Shapes Lifelong Leadership
Starting Out With Big Questions When I arrived at Skidmore College in the fall of 1984, I didn’t have a crystal-clear career plan. I wasn’t chasing a specific job title or a fast track to Wall Street. What I did have was curiosity — about people, history, culture, and how we make sense of the […]