We intended to launch our newsletter sooner. However, we have an excellent excuse for the delay. We spent our summer with the family traveling around the world! 2 parents, 3 teenagers 4 continents, 30 cities, 55 days. The Lilly Endowment, Inc. awarded us a Clergy Renewal Leave grant to research Baptist roots in Western Europe and then visit Baptists around the globe to see how Baptist identity gets lived out in very different cultures. We were fascinated by the similarities and differences among Baptists in different parts of the world. Now that we are home, we are committed to putting our lessons to work in the next chapter of pastoral ministry in our increasingly diverse community. Even after 13 years, we’ve never been more enthused about pastoral ministry here!

Renewal leaves (sometimes called sabbaticals) – with or without financial grants – are important to vital long-term pastorates. There is a positive correlation between long pastorates and church revitalization. If you are interested in a Clergy Renewal Leave grant, go to the National Clergy Renewal Program website at www.clergyrenewal.org. 2004 grants have already been awarded, but it’s not too soon to begin planning your proposal for next June! Indiana pastors should visit instead www.indianaclergy.org; your proposals are due February 2005.