As Summer Begins...

Rev. Josh Patty

Regional Minister & President

The first planned annual General Assembly will be held online July 10-11. I hope you and others in your congregation will participate. This is a sincere effort to build a gathering, using technology online, to allow more people across the church to participate in a large gathering without significant financial costs and requiring people to commit almost a week to travel and attend.

I will host a region-wide online information session about the upcoming General Assembly on Wednesday, June 10 at 6:30pm. (Ministers are welcome to attend a special Clergy Chat on this topic that afternoon at 1pm.) I know there are many questions. My guess is that this will be a learning experience. I also anticipate there will be valuable connections.  

AI

I suspect that artificial intelligence will greatly impact our lives more in the next 10 years. I’m seeking out more thoughtful information and conversations about AI and how it will impact ministry. Still, I was surprised by recent research indicating ministers have significantly less trust in AI than other people of faith. Is this a quirk in the polling based on wording of questions?  Or do pastors have a different attitude about AI?  A recent article suggests one reason to be wary (see Disruption 3). AI creates easy connections that could substitute for valued and messy relationships. This undercuts the types of relationships we value and cultivate.

Clergy fatigue and burnout

Too often, I hear about – or speak with – ministry colleagues who are worn out. Ministry is often a life-giving thing, but to some people it seems much harder in recent years. For Disciples ministers, the increasing tribalism of our culture cuts against the very types of communities we strive to lead with varied perspectives valuing shared goals and identity as followers of Jesus. Recent articles suggest other factors too, such as moral fatigue felt by leaders of all sorts, and how aggressive tribalism may be encouraging more loneliness for ministers.

Our region’s new Pastor 2 Pastor program seeks to support our clergy. Our regional Commission on Ministry has assembled a dozen ministers who will invite one-on-one conversations with colleagues at least 4 times a year. I hope all of our ministers will welcome these conversations and that this will strengthen our collective ministry.

Other Reading

The most recent report from Hartford about congregations shows improving connection and participation data in most congregations, including an increase in average onsite worship attendance – the first upswing in years. Most of this, however, is not experienced in mainline congregations.

Storm Damage?

We are in the heart of storm season in the Upper Midwest. Remember, if your congregation or any participant has significant property damage or loss due to weather, Week of Compassion can help. Michael Shepherd now is our primary contact, serving as the new Disaster Response Manager. You can contact him directly with needs at 317-586-2360.