The Daily Mustard

IV. Clergy speak a special language

A. Clergy tend to express themselves in theological terms.

Like every professional group, the clergy tend to speak and write in a highly technical shorthand. Even when communicating with laity, the clergy's talk and writing is filled with terms and referents not immediately understood by people who do not share their background. When communicating with those they know do not share their background, or in contexts where that background is not important, the clergy talk like everyone else; however, they are always sensitive to the meaning and use of terms from their backgrounds.( Collapse )

V. The struggles of the clergy

A. Isolation

In addition to the many professional demands placed upon the clergy, the clergy are also subject to an isolation that is characteristic of their calling. Some of this may be due to their personalities. Many are introverts (surprising to many who see them only with their public face on). Many are also "Lone Ranger" types in their work styles.( Collapse )

VI. Scouting as Ministry

A. BSA is a franchise operation.

Who "owns" Scouting? Well, BSA owns the program as it exists in the books. They've copyrighted it. If you want to do Scouting, you have to agree to follow their rules and procedures, and not do something else and call it "Scouting." This functions as quality control and as a safety feature for the youth.( Collapse )

to our sweet puppy Sassafras, who turned nine years old yesterday!