One of the benefits of being retired from ordained ministry is that I no longer have to worry about how my own personal thoughts and opinions affect the people I’m called to serve. If I offend, in other words, that’s solely on me and doesn’t compromise my effectiveness as a pastor. I don’t even have to worry about getting fired!
It’s also given me time to reflect more thoughtfully on what it has meant to be a Protestant (as opposed to some other kind of Christian).
Back when I was pursuing ordination, I had to write a paper that summarized my reasons for choosing ordination in the United Church of Christ (U.C.C.), including my understanding of its polity, i.e., its organizational structure.
Continue reading “Upon Further Inspection”