by Mark Tidsworth | Dec 3, 2015 | Opinion
A sense of helplessness, arising from the belief that the potential for change or progress is minimal, heightens the anxiety fueling clergy fear. Psychologist Martin Seligman and several colleagues were the first to begin using the phrase, “learned...
by Mark Tidsworth | Nov 18, 2015 | Opinion
This is a pivotal time to be clergy in North America. The trends of our times tell us the North American context for the Christian church is dramatically shifting. More than any time in our lifetimes, being clergy in 2015 and into the near future is a dramatically...
by Mark Tidsworth | Oct 23, 2015 | Opinion
The missional church movement is about refocusing us on God’s mission to reconcile and heal the world. As Rowan Williams, former Archbishop of Canterbury, explained, “It is not the church of God that has a mission, it is the God of mission that has a...
by Mark Tidsworth | Oct 12, 2015 | Opinion
I’ve enjoyed working with several high-energy invigorated churches this past spring and summer. Being around them, considering God’s calling for them and how to join God more fully on mission was delightful. Reflecting on these experiences, I find myself...
by Mark Tidsworth | Sep 28, 2015 | Opinion
One of the great joys of my work is the opportunity to worship with a great variety of faith communities from varying denominational traditions. Some are liturgically oriented, while others chafe at the mention of the word “liturgical.” Some rock out with...
