As we’ve explored AI’s potential for enhancing ministry, we must also clearly acknowledge its limitations. Certain aspects of pastoral ministry remain irreducibly human and spiritual, beyond any algorithm’s capability. Understanding these boundaries isn’t about fearing technology but about preserving what makes ministry truly transformational—the mysterious intersection of human relationship and divine grace. The incarnation—God becoming […]
Friends, it’s good to be back with you after an intense and transformative couple of weeks at the General Conference in Charlotte, NC. Our United Methodist Church has made significant decisions that will shape our future. Amid these changes, I remember Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 13. In a world that often feels driven by […]
What is an appropriate way to remember someone online after they have died? You find http://1000memories.com to be a useful tool to recommend to others. Here is a bit from their website: 1000Memories is a new way to remember the life of someone you love. We help you build a space to share photos, record stories, […]
Simple Life: Time, Relationships, Money, God by Thom S. and Art Rainer is a follow up to Simple Church: Returning to God’s Process for Making Disciples with the focus shifting from church to one’s personal life. Rainer and Rainer suggest moving through action steps of clarity, movement, alignment and focus in the areas of time, […]
While I believe that it is important to get ministry done right the first time, I am increasingly becoming a fan of iteration (or repetition) and learning by doing. I recognize that some genius idea that I have may certainly turn out to only be genius in my head and not actually be helpful in […]
A great idea, waiting for an instigator – Flash Mobs Hail to the Artists – recognizing the Wesleys Excuse the language, but this is fantastic – The lifestyle business bull**** 7 Ways to Fail on the Web – Helps me think about future online ventures Join “The Quiet Revolution” MB – Needs always met, hopes […]
The final quote from Bishop Jones for this week is striking in its simplicity and profundity. United Methodist clergy live in their conference. I have heard this many times from Bishop Jones and each time he makes sure that the audience takes time to let it sink in. It has implications for ministry, relationships with […]
I want to build on the myth of avoiding relationship in the Annual Conference because of a potential supervisory role in the future. I have heard it said that it is not possible to form deep relationships with other members of the annual conference. This is untrue and damages the connection. I reassert that it […]
This morning I am headed with the team of senior staff at Resurrection to a retreat center in Missouri about 90 minutes away. I love to get away with other members of the staff to spend time together and dream about the future of the church. According to the last email update, here is the […]
Email Received: I’m still trying to deal with the fact that I am a divorced man. Life has been strange. I am dating someone who was a friend of mine for many years. It started out as a mutual enjoyment of an activity. We would take part in the activity. In between we would discuss […]
Rev. Andrew Conard 