Carol Howard Merritt

You're not alone in your ministry. And you don't have to suffer in silence. Ministry is a stressful vocation, with unspoken expectations, projected anxieties, and conflicting demands. After the pandemic caused a sudden shift to online worship and factions fighting over when and how to return to in-person worship, pastors have been leaving congregational ministry at even higher rates than usual. The emotional fallout of burnout and abuse at the hands of parishioners is something pastors carry for years, whether they stay or leave the congregation. Seasoned pastor Carol Howard Merritt and psychotherapist and former pastor James Fenimore join their expertise to offer validation, support, and guidance for pastors who have been hurt by the church. With wisdom that can come only from experience, they describe and define aspects of struggle and pain readers may have difficulty articulating or claiming for themselves, and they offer compassionate, informed guidance on how to find healing. A systems approach to conflict sheds light on the dynamics of church conflict and how clergy can tend their own well-being amid leadership challenges. The final chapter helps readers consider their overall vocational path based on what they've experienced and decide whether they can remain in congregational ministry or need to pursue a different line of work. Free downloadable resources available for pastors and church members Visit www.wjkbooks.com/WoundedPastors to download a personal inventory for pastors that can be printed out or used as an interactive, digital journal; a list of seven ways that church members can support pastors; and social media images that can be shared.

"Enrich each day with wisdom from our greatest spiritual thinkers. Through brief daily readings and reflections, the 30-Day Journey series invites readers to be inspired and transformed. By devoting a moment to meaningful reflection and spiritual growth, readers will find deeper understanding of themselves and the world, one day at a time. Valued for her spiritual insight since the fourteenth century, Julian of Norwich's powerful revelations remind us again and again of the power of divine love and that, with that love, all will be well. Whether you have long sought peace in her compelling words or are discovering her vision for the first time, this journey provides the perfect way to engage the thought of this beloved and wise mystic."

There Is No I in Debris is a walking and talking contradiction. Of course, as a matter of fact, the English letter is plain to see. If, however, the reader would care to acknowledge the fluid nature of that self who processes experience with images and words, the effect of these poems will be to expose the mysterious vulnerability of that authentic person who so often hides behind various familial and societal roles. The poet here posits a crisis, especially for clergy and various leaders of the institutional church in the twenty-first century. We are now entering a postmodern field of debris, in which the fragments of one's identity must be confronted amid the mere artifice of Christendom. ""Scott Kinder-Pyle's collection of poems is a fierce and tender engagement with the world we know, the worlds we yearn for, and the worlds we hesitate to see and to name. With a philosopher's eye and a pastor's heart, he probes the many pieces and identities of a preacher's life, finding wisdom in places none of us thought to look. These are poems to make us ponder, wonder, wrestle, and even laugh--at ourselves, most of all. Kinder-Pyle is the kind of colleague you want alongside you, for the long haul."" --Anna Carter Florence, Peter Marshall Professor of Preaching, Columbia Theological Seminary ""Not everyone can put words together in such a way that a reader's mind is filled with beautiful, sharp imagery. In Scott Kinder-Pyle's There's No I in Debris, we learn of the genuine struggles and hopes of a clergyman. Lay people and faith leaders alike will find themselves relating to and enjoying this poetry."" --Tracy Simmons, Editor, Spokane Faith and Values ""'Existence is a stealthy pathogen, ' a Sasquatch tenders here. Scott Kinder-Pyle's poems are like that--fiercely honest and articulate about frustrations and desolation, about passing indignities and enduring sorrows. But the poems' faithful laments only make their empathy, grace, and humanity all the more trustworthy and powerful."" --Jonathan Johnson, author of May is an Island C. Scott Kinder-Pyle loiters near Spokane, Washington--loving his adventurous spouse, his incorrigible adult children, and his untrainable dogs. He is also known as a teacher of philosophy, literature, and religion courses at Gonzaga and Eastern Washington universities. Originally, however, Scott blended into the crowd of obnoxious Philadelphia sports fans of the 1970s and '80s. Ordained as a minister of the Word and Sacrament in the Presbyterian Church (USA) in 1988, he continues to serve in that penultimate role as the Titanic lists to the side, and more icebergs loom . . . Alas, nothing satisfies, a condition of the soul which has prompted degrees (of glory) from Princeton Theological Seminary, Columbia Theological Seminary, and finally a Master of Fine Arts from Eastern Washington in 2013.

There Is No I in Debris is a walking and talking contradiction. Of course, as a matter of fact, the English letter is plain to see. If, however, the reader would care to acknowledge the fluid nature of that self who processes experience with images and words, the effect of these poems will be to expose the mysterious vulnerability of that authentic person who so often hides behind various familial and societal roles. The poet here posits a crisis, especially for clergy and various leaders of the institutional church in the twenty-first century. We are now entering a postmodern field of debris, in which the fragments of one's identity must be confronted amid the mere artifice of Christendom. ""Scott Kinder-Pyle's collection of poems is a fierce and tender engagement with the world we know, the worlds we yearn for, and the worlds we hesitate to see and to name. With a philosopher's eye and a pastor's heart, he probes the many pieces and identities of a preacher's life, finding wisdom in places none of us thought to look. These are poems to make us ponder, wonder, wrestle, and even laugh--at ourselves, most of all. Kinder-Pyle is the kind of colleague you want alongside you, for the long haul."" --Anna Carter Florence, Peter Marshall Professor of Preaching, Columbia Theological Seminary ""Not everyone can put words together in such a way that a reader's mind is filled with beautiful, sharp imagery. In Scott Kinder-Pyle's There's No I in Debris, we learn of the genuine struggles and hopes of a clergyman. Lay people and faith leaders alike will find themselves relating to and enjoying this poetry."" --Tracy Simmons, Editor, Spokane Faith and Values ""'Existence is a stealthy pathogen, ' a Sasquatch tenders here. Scott Kinder-Pyle's poems are like that--fiercely honest and articulate about frustrations and desolation, about passing indignities and enduring sorrows. But the poems' faithful laments only make their empathy, grace, and humanity all the more trustworthy and powerful."" --Jonathan Johnson, author of May is an Island C. Scott Kinder-Pyle loiters near Spokane, Washington--loving his adventurous spouse, his incorrigible adult children, and his untrainable dogs. He is also known as a teacher of philosophy, literature, and religion courses at Gonzaga and Eastern Washington universities. Originally, however, Scott blended into the crowd of obnoxious Philadelphia sports fans of the 1970s and '80s. Ordained as a minister of the Word and Sacrament in the Presbyterian Church (USA) in 1988, he continues to serve in that penultimate role as the Titanic lists to the side, and more icebergs loom . . . Alas, nothing satisfies, a condition of the soul which has prompted degrees (of glory) from Princeton Theological Seminary, Columbia Theological Seminary, and finally a Master of Fine Arts from Eastern Washington in 2013.

An effective plan to help those suffering from wounds inflicted by the church find spiritual healing and a renewed sense of faith. Raised as a conservative Christian, minister and author Carol Howard Merritt discovered that the traditional institutions she grew up in inflicted great pain and suffering on others. Though she loved the spirituality the church provided, she knew that, because of sexism, homophobia, and manipulative religious politics, established religious institutions weren't always holy or safe. Instead of offering refuge, these institutions have betrayed people's hearts and souls. "People have suffered religious abuse," she writes, "which can be different from physical injury or psychological trauma." Though participation and affiliation in traditional religious institutions is waning, many people still believe in God. Merritt contends that many leave the church because they have lost trust in the institution, not in God. Healing Spiritual Wounds addresses the church's dichotomous image--as a safe space and as a dangerous place--and provides a way to restore personal faith and connection to God for those who have been hurt or betrayed by established institutions of faith. Merritt lays out a multistage plan for moving from pain to spiritual rebirth, from recovering theological and emotional shards to recovering communal wholeness. Merritt does not sugarcoat the wrongs institutions long seen as trustworthy have inflicted on many innocent victims. Sympathetic, understanding, and deeply positive, she offers hope and a way to help them heal and reclaim the spiritual joy that can make them whole again.

A wartime manifesto on the moral obligations of democratic citizens from the most influential first lady in American history. With the threat of the Third Reich looming, Eleanor Roosevelt employs the history of human rights to establish the idea that at the core of democracy is a spiritual responsibility to other citizens. Roosevelt then calls on all Americans, especially the youth, to prioritize the well-being of others and have faith that their fellow citizens will protect them in return. She defines this trust between people as a trait of true democracy. Roosevelt advances an optimistic model for the democracy of the future, and although we’ve taken some steps in the direction of her vision, it’s still a long way from reality. The issues first addressed in this 1940 essay—namely financial inequality and racial discrimination—are sadly still relevant today, as bigotry continues to undermine our national unity. Her first publication as first lady, The Moral Basis of Democracy is an honest and heartfelt call for all Americans to choose love and faith over hatred and fear. Roosevelt takes an inspiring stance in defense of democracy, progress, and morality; the wisdom imparted here is timeless, and a must-read for every American. This edition features a foreword by Rev. Carol Howard Merritt, an introduction by Roosevelt historian Allida Black, PhD, and an illustrated biography of Eleanor Roosevelt including images from the author’s estate.

Find peace, connection and heartfelt joy in everyday life. "[This book] doesn't come at me as a self-help list of things I ought to be doing, adding to my full life, but focuses me on my own path. Each week offers practices that encourage gratitude, mindfulness and listening.... With gratitude for Anne’s words, I hand t his book over to you, so that we might journey, contemplate and practice together." —from the Foreword by Rev. Carol Howard Merritt In this week-by-week guide to living more thoughtfully, Anne Kertz Kernion leads you through an exploration of everyday spirituality, combining the wisdom of spiritual luminaries, life lessons, and insights from social science and neuroscience. A businesswoman, wife, mother, grandmother and friend, Anne shows how it is possible to bring more awareness, love and gratitude into your busy life, keeping in touch with your deepest beliefs and most authentic self.

Be informed and inspired, delighted and supported, encouraged and entertained by stories and prayers from the unique perspectives of clergywomen. "In ministry, we constantly balance the sacred and the ordinary, juggling the two as expertly as we manage a chalice and a [baby] bottle. Even as we do things as simple as light the candles, set the table, break the bread and pour the wine, we invite people into a holy moment…. The women [in this book] not only have a wellspring of deep wisdom, but they also have the ability to dish out their knowledge with side-aching humor…. I am thrilled that their great wisdom and intelligence will be bound into the pages that I can turn to, lend and appreciate for years to come." —from the Foreword by Rev. Carol Howard Merritt Learn—and laugh—with these women of the church, bound together by a deep commitment to ministry, as they reveal what it really means to be a woman in the pulpit. Over fifty clergywomen representing fourteen denominations share the details of their intimidating balancing act—juggling the isolating expectations of perfection from their congregations and the shared human realities of everyday life. Intended for laypeople, women hearing a call to ministry and clergy of all denominations, these stories and prayers will resonate with, challenge, encourage and amuse anyone who has a passion for their work and faith. Contributors: Rev. Jemma Allen • Rev. Denise Anderson • Rev. Stephanie Anthony • Rev. Amber Belldene • Rev. Beth Birkholz • Rev. Laurie Brock • Rev. Jennifer Garrison Brownell • Rev. Hilary Campbell • Rev. Erin Counihan • Rev. Julie Craig • Rev. Robin Craig • Rev. Liz Crumlish • Rev. Martha Daniels • Rev. Stacey Simpson Duke • Rev. Jan Edmiston • Rev. Ruth Everhart • Rev. Amy Fetterman • Rev. Marci Auld Glass • Rev. Rachel G. Hackenberg • Rev. Elizabeth Evans Hagan • Rev. Cheryl Harader • Rev. Joanna Harader • Gillian Hoyer • Rev. Rosalind C. Hughes • Rev. Sara Irwin • Rev. Kathryn Z. Johnston • Rev. Deborah Lewis • Rev. Jennifer Burns Lewis • Rev. Catherine MacDonald • Rev. Bromleigh McCleneghan • Suzy Garrison Meyer • Rev. Karla Miller • Rev. Sarah E. Howe Miller, PhD • Rev. Holly S. Morrison • Rev. Katie Mulligan • Rev. Dr. Teri McDowell Ott • Rev. Katya Ouchakof • Rev. Kerri Parker • Rev. Katherine Willis Pershey • Rev. Teri Peterson • Rev. Patricia J. Raube • Rev. Diane M. Roth • Rev. Anna Scherer • Rev. Julia Seymour • Rev. Monica Thompson Smith • Rev. Martha Spong • Rev. Sally-Lodge Teel • Rev. Sharon M. Temple • Rev. Michelle L. Torigian • Rev. Deb Vaughn • Rev. Mindi Welton-Mitchell • Rev. Julie Woods

Much has been written about the changing landscape the church finds itself in, and even more about the church's waning influence in our culture. From her vantage point as an under-40 pastor, Carol Howard Merritt, author of Tribal Church, moves away from the handwringing toward a discovery of what ministry in, with, and by a new generation might look like. What does the substance of hope look like right now? What does hope look like when it is framed in a new generation? Motivated by these questions, Merritt writes Reframing Hope with the understanding that we are not creating from nothing the vital ministry of the next generation. Instead, we are working through what we have, sorting out the best parts, acknowledging and healing from the worst, and reframing it all.

Carol Howard Merritt, a pastor in her mid-thirties, suggests a different way for churches to be able to approach young adults on their own terms. Outlining the financial, social, and familial situations that affect many young adults today, she describes how churches can provide a safe, supportive place for young adults to nurture relationships and foster spiritual growth. There are few places left in society that allow for real intergenerational connections to be made, yet these connections are vital for any church that seeks to reflect the fullness of the body of Christ. Carol Howard Merritt, a pastor in her mid-thirties, suggests a different way for churches to be able to approach young adults on their own terms. Outlining the financial, social, and familial situations that affect many young adults today, she describes how churches can provide a safe, supportive place for young adults to nurture relationships and foster spiritual growth. There are few places left in society that allow for real intergenerational connections to be made, yet these connections are vital for any church that seeks to reflect the fullness of the body of Christ. Using the metaphor of a tribe to describe the close bonds that form when people of all ages decide to walk together on their spiritual journeys, Merritt casts a vision of the church that embraces the gifts of all members while reaching out to those who might otherwise feel unwelcome or unneeded. Mainline churches have much to offer young adults, as well as much to learn from them. By breaking down artificial age barriers and building up intentional relationships, congregations can provide a space for all people to connect with God, each other, and the world.