Conference lgp30::christian-perspective

Ron,

I would suggest that your first consideration be one of the amount of time
spent in each other's company.

I love my spouse.  But, I'm not so sure I could be gainfully employed with
her.  Home is sometimes a sanctuary from work, and, let's be honest, sometimes
vice versa.  What do you do when there is no "safe" place, no way to get some
distance from your responsibilities, problems or pressures?

I would also consider how often you "act as interpreter" for each other
or "rescue" each other in conversations with a third party or in groups.
I've noticed that in most couples, one usually has a greater tendency
to fall into these nasty habits.

Peace,
Richard

    We found out that in actual practice we were too competitive.  That is,
    we couldn't co-lead a small group (youth group, for example).  But once
    we learned that, we simply divided responsibilities: one took Sr. High,
    one took Jr. High, etc.  That way each of us could use our own
    leadership style freely, without any competition or "censorship"
    (whether intentional or otherwise) from the other.
    
    (Now that we're both into computer software, it's amusing to hear us
    sometimes try to "one-up-manship" each other on what's best...! :-) )
    
    
    

    Ron .0,
    
    Any new insights on shared ministry that you've gained from personal
    experience?
    
    Peace,
    Richard

    My spouse and I are preaching the two Sundays after Easter at the
    church in Cranston where we're members.  She is preaching April 26th
    and her sermon title is "Risk Taking".  She will be wearing my robe
    and I'll be assisting her as worship leader.
    
    I'm preaching the following Sunday, May 3rd and my sermon title is:
    "Who are you?".  This is a Communion Sunday (not using popcorn and soda
    this time :-) ), so the sermon will be a little shorter.
    
    We were asked to preach these two Sundays as our Interim Minister has
    resigned effective after Easter Sunday.
    
    My wife's sermon is finished except for events up to the moment that
    might get a late entry into the service.  My sermon is outlined and has
    been in process (reflection) for a few weeks.  We are both using the
    lectionary (year C) and would post the sermons for noters if you wish.
    
    There is other info regarding our UCC polity that has been going on for
    the past few months that has caused me many, many nights without any
    sleep at all.  I've thought about entering a base note on the subject
    but have been somewhat uneasy about it as it relates to ethics and
    polity within our denomination.  People might comment regarding how
    they view the situation but without a real understanding of UCC polity,
    comments may not be helpful.  Also, how other denominations handle the
    situation is not of real interest to me as I need to deal with my own.
    
    What it comes down to for me is that I have observed an unethical (in
    my opinion) behavior in which a pastor has taken unfair advantage of
    his position.  I can go the limit to bring this behavior before the
    Church & Ministry Committee and can be labeled as vindictive (as a
    possibility) or can "look the other way" as members of my own church
    are doing.
    
    BTW, other denominations which have less autonomy do not have this
    problem occur.
    
    	Shalom,
    
    	Ron
    

.4, Tough situation, Ron!

I think that if I were in a position to offer advice, I'd say that you
might ask yourself what you believe Jesus would have you do.  You might
also ask in prayer for the light of Divine guidance.  You might also
ask yourself what you could do that you'd be able to live with long
after the situation has passed.

I might add that it's frequently the option you makes you feel least
comfortable that needs most to be pursued.

Peace,
Richard