Academy of Parish Clergy

It's not a new organization. In fact, it's been around since at least the 1960s. The Academy of Parish Clergy is an interfaith clergy association that encourages clergy health and continuing education is going through a period of transformation. If you are a member of the clergy, this organization could provide the foundation for creating a clergy support network. For many of us in the pastorate, finding that support network is difficult. So check it out.

And while you're doing that, order up a copy of Sharing the Practice, the journal of the Academy. I must confess, I'm the new editor, and I'm looking for people who would like to write congregation based articles that would benefit/encourage fellow clergy. So, check it out and join up.

Blessings,

Bob Cornwall
First Christian Church, Lompoc
Editor, Sharing the Practice

Practices and Pilgrims

I have been reading From Nomads to Pilgrims, a book edited by Diana Butler Bass and Joseph Stewart-Sicking. This is a series of essays that look at twelve practices, which have been the foundation for congregational transformation among Mainline Churches. This volume follows upon Diana's earlier book: The Practicing Congregation, a book that is rooted in even earlier effort led by Dorothy Bass, which is found detailed in a series of essays under the title: Practicing our Faith, (Jossey Bass, 1997).

I make comments on two blog posts at my own blog, which you might like to look at.

Bob Cornwall
First Christian Church