WHAT CLERGY DON’T TALK ABOUT…

By Israel Galindo, Associate Dean for Lifelong Learning and Director of Online Education

Most pastors are good preachers, and some fine pulpiteers and wordsmiths. In their preaching and teaching ministry they need to cover a wide range of topics, issues, and subjects, from the Bible to contemporary complex social issues; from marriage to parenting to leadership. The image of addressing issues from cradle to grave, birth to death (or “womb to tomb”) is apt. There are, however, things clergy are not prone to talking about easily. Money issues, for example tend to be difficult for clergy, whether personal or church finances. Sexuality, race, politics can be difficult for some (though interestingly, not sports!). Personal struggles with depression, loneliness, feelings of incompetence, and crises of faith may be near the top of things clergy do not talk about—all to their detriment, and, to risk of spiritual and mental health.

The Center for Lifelong Learning will offer two opportunities for clergy and others to talk about two important things clergy don’t often talk about. The first is an opportunity to talk about money and ministry. The online course, “Money and Your Ministry” will provide an opportunity to read and talk about our relationships between money and ministry. The impetus for the dialog is my observation that churches that tend to have the greatest difficulties with budgets, money, and stewardship tend to be congregations whose pastoral leaders have not resolved their personal issues with money. Read more…