Haunted is an unusual word to use to begin a blog dedicated to the following thesis: “A rector (Episcopal church terminology for the senior pastor) is more effective when modeling a leadership identity that embraces collaboration grounded in humility.”  On a practical level, this thesis statement guides my work as a Doctor of Ministry candidate at the Virginia Theological Seminary.  On a personal level, I am probing what could have been done during the call process 18 years ago that led me to accept my first position as a rector that could have exposed the problems that caused so much pain during my last year at the parish. In other words, I feel “haunted” by that experience and hope that readers of this blog will collaborate with me in exploring approaches that might mitigate the pain both a pastor and congregation can feel when things don’t work out.

If you are willing to share in the project, then I ask you to read the admission essay I wrote to VTS (click here to be linked to the PDF). This will give you an idea of my journey. You will learn of the healing that occurred in my second parish and the challenge I anticipated after the first year of serving my current parish. I would be grateful for your comments on your own experiences in ministry.

I invite you to collaborate with me because I need concerned respondents who will challenge me and hold me accountable. I will share more of the thesis project as I become more comfortable with blogging.

I would also appreciate any comments you migth have after visiting my website: www.deepchurch.net.

Thanks!

Bill