Pastors

Best in Show

News you can use

New Trend: Ministry Dogs. Like service dogs, these pets team with pastors to lead worshipers and care for ailing congregants. There’s Tiger, a Labrador trained by NEADS, the National Education of Assistance Dogs Services, who goes on nursing home rounds with Ami Sawtelle, a minister at three United Methodist churches in Boothbay, Maine.

And there’s Carney, unordained but evidently called, an 11-year-old French Bulldog who lies on his bed beside the pulpit while Pastor Kelly Harvell preaches in Whitefield and Bethlehem, New Hampshire. Carney appears on the website and attends four services each week. He also nuzzles worship attenders who need a little affection. “He seems very aware of who needs him,” Harvell said.

At Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mission, Texas, Chunkly and Bendito have their own vestments to match those of their master, Father Roy Snipes. “If you want to look for a church that doesn’t have dogs,” Snipes tells complainers, “I’m sure you’ll find one.” -info from USA Today

Not a Dog Person?

Consider these ‘service’ animals:

  • Gnus—evangelists of the animal kingdom
  • Howler monkeys—naturals in youth ministry
  • Grouse—likely deacon candidates
  • Boa constrictor—comptroller
  • Galapagos turtles—long range planning
  • Stink bugs—love business meetings
  • Yak—the back row
  • Unicorns—mythical creatures, like “trouble-free congregations”

Also in this issue

The Leadership Journal archives contain over 35 years of issues. These archives contain a trove of pastoral wisdom, leadership skills, and encouragement for your calling.

Our Latest

News

Northern Seminary Presidential Installation Goes Awry

It’s unclear whether Joy Moore resigned her leadership at the suburban Chicago school.

‘The Chosen Adventures’ Educates Our Smallest Bible Scholars

The animated spinoff on the adult show is a heady attempt to disciple kids on the life of Jesus.

News

How Abortion Pills Change the Fight for Life

Texas pregnancy centers adjust their services as women increasingly access mifepristone by mail.

Review

Suffering Comes in Many Forms. So Does Theodicy.

Scripture attests to God’s distinct plans to wipe individual tears from individual eyes.

The Bulletin

Hamas Crackdown, Rural Hospitals, and Why Brides Wear White

Hamas punishes political enemies, the importance of rural hospitals, and how purity culture influences modern weddings.

Naomi Raine Isn’t Playing Games

The founding member of Maverick City Music is releasing new songs as a solo artist with an impressive roster of guests.

News

Shrinking Palestinian Christian Population Wary of Cease-Fire

“As people, we can live together … because this is what Jesus asked us to do.”

Apple PodcastsDown ArrowDown ArrowDown Arrowarrow_left_altLeft ArrowLeft ArrowRight ArrowRight ArrowRight Arrowarrow_up_altUp ArrowUp ArrowAvailable at Amazoncaret-downCloseCloseEmailEmailExpandExpandExternalExternalFacebookfacebook-squareGiftGiftGooglegoogleGoogle KeephamburgerInstagraminstagram-squareLinkLinklinkedin-squareListenListenListenChristianity TodayCT Creative Studio Logologo_orgMegaphoneMenuMenupausePinterestPlayPlayPocketPodcastRSSRSSSaveSaveSaveSearchSearchsearchSpotifyStitcherTelegramTable of ContentsTable of Contentstwitter-squareWhatsAppXYouTubeYouTube