Overview

"Seminary is the perfect training ground for busyness: full course loads, looming deadlines, too-long-to-read assignments, practical internships, community involvement. Trained to be busy, clergy bring an ""above and beyond"" attitude of overworking to ministry settings that are also anxious to go (and grow) ""above and beyond"" to stay relevant. Break the cycle and--as author Liz Miller has done--learn to practice laziness as a spiritual gift."

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9780829800272

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Reviews

"""I have long thought that someone should write a book that combines a high respect for the community of the faithful (aka the congregation) with a strong theology of pastoral absence. Liz Miller has done just that. Not absence in the sense of abandonment, but absence such as creates deep open space for active ministry and leadership. Absence that empowers and invites creativity. Absence that is a powerful form of presence. And absence that simultaneously creates a wondering, faithful pondering by the pastoral leader about the best and highest uses of their gifts. Wonderful!"" --Davida Foy Crabtree, Retired (mostly) United Church of Christ minister and leader ""Liz Miller had me at ""only work Sundays."" Miller's warm, funny, and practical guide is a welcome antidote to the burnout, depression, compassion, and vision fatigue that ails many veteran pastors and tired lay leaders these days. It's not so much about how to work ""smarter-not-harder"" as it is about surrendering the ego, shame, false pride, fear, and resentment that hold our churches back from being healthy, relaxed communities where the work and play are truly shared."" --Molly Baskette, Author of How to Begin When Your World Is Ending and Real Good Church ""Reverend Liz Miller has given us a sobering caution to the uber-ambitious work-ethic that drives us in ministry but depletes us in tandem. The author's own pastoral experience is testimony as to why ""laid back ministry"" is even more engaging than a ministry steeped in co-dependency with the pastor. This book will help you relax, breathe, and better appreciate your particular function in the grand scheme of church life."" --Kenneth L. Samuel, Pastor of Victory for the World Church"

Author Information

Liz Miller is a storyteller, quilter, weaver, middle-of-the-pack triathlete, and church pastor serving Edgewood United Church UCC in East Lansing, Michigan. She hoards two days off each week to spend time with her wife, dog, and two cats.

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