Yes, I Was a Pastor

Write what you know best.

The problem with this advice is that the world I know best is a world with lots of baggage.

For over 30 years I've held almost every position possible in all sizes of Protestant congregations. I know this world inside and out; parts are beautiful and healthy, but a lot is deeply problematic. For the past few months on LinkedIn I've downplayed my background in the church. I needed to explore how to contribute from a different vantage point. That my Nonprofit Leader Newsletter is reaching 4,700 readers is encouraging. Thank you for supporting my writing about the issues around emerging leaders!

However, I want to bring my whole experience to the table. So please know that I'm going to reference and talk about my church experience going forward. Not all the time, but there are many points of contact with the issues I write about that I want to more fully explore in this newsletter.

If you're not a person familiar with the church world...

1. I will never talk down to you or exclude you. I will seek to explain and help you make the connections from the church world to yours.
2. There is never a shoe about to drop. One of the problems with the Evangelical complex has been a "bait and switch" approach to discussing issues. I hate that; I won't do it.

If you are someone familiar with the church world...

1. I will be respectful. People shaped by faith should be the most gracious and positive people on the planet. I will hold myself to that standard.
2. I will be honest about my experience. I write for emerging leaders and I have learned a lot about that the hard way; I don't want the next generation to have to attend that same school.

Yes, I was a pastor. It was an important and formative part of my experience. It informs how I approach issues and people. Thank you for continuing this journey together.