I like the new header and it seems right to change the image with this new beginning. I'm glad you're hanging onto Real Live Preacher. I'm trying to figure out how to get you a gig at our General Assembly or something... but that's a long shot right now. I'll keep thinking on it.

I like this three column thing too, but feel like the right column is too wide and distracting. And, if it's true--I'm glad that signing in seems to mean something again.

And I'm SO ready to chat!

As far as making money, I realize I'm one dinky person, but if you ever came out to the Los Anegeles area for a speaking engagement, I'd be there.

Hey, a reader can dream! ;)

Dear Preacher,
First of all, I want to thank you so much for your writings. I’ve been in the ordination process in the Presbyterian Church since about 2001, and was introduced to your work by the pastor I was interning with a few years ago. It made a huge difference for me in preparing for ministry. I think what I enjoy so much about your work is the sense of authenticity you bring to ministry and to faith. You’re a voice reminding us that we have permission (and for that matter a responsibility) to be real people in our ministry and worship. Again, thank you!

In addition to wanting to write you in thanks, there are a couple thoughts that occurred to me when I read that you’re looking for some money-making ideas:

One idea would be to help churches connect to the current young adult generation. As someone currently reading “job descriptions” for dozens of churches, I can tell you that virtually all of them have talked at length about a near-desperate need to learn how to reconnect with the 20-30 year old age group. I really think you could offer churches a lot of help with this. I’ve seen how your work appeals to that young adult age group, myself included. I think my generation is looking for that blend of reverence, irreverence, authenticity, and depth that your writing speaks to. Maybe you could offer consulting services? Discussion forums? Something like that to churches or their governing bodies?

The other idea I thought of was that you might help seminaries bring elements of practical ministry to their students. I really had a difficult time with my seminary’s focus on theology and history to the point of neglect for helping prepare students for what they might face in real life ministry. Sure, we need some Augustine and some Barth, but we need some of “The Preacher’s Story Part 3”, too! I’m sure some seminaries would be more open to the idea of hiring you to share your gifts than others. I’d say those are the seminaries that are more likely to graduate ministers who don’t burn out within 5 years, but that’s just my opinion. 

May God continue to bless your work and your search,
KCH, Mass.

Yes, please keep this blog. And, when you come to Seattle, I'm there. You could do workshops ... say an all day Saturday, and preach on Sunday.

P.S. Thanks for introducting Journey ... I want to move to Austin and be part of that faith community!

typo alert - the sidebar says Turtles came out in Nov. 2010. Have you been time-traveling and not telling us?! I thought you shared all the important things with us?!

I would recommend reading Tim Ferriss' Four-Hour Work Week. Parse through any perceived bullshit, then start working on points that inspired you. Obviously, the dude's a marketing wiz but he's got some decent ideas about starting your own business with very little capital. I see you more as someone who could become a consultant/expert on something. Maybe you could learn how to write grants and sell your services that way (to NFPs). There are a great number of possibilities once you strike on that brilliant idea.

I think that you and Jeanene would be wonderful retreat leaders. You could do weekends a couple of times a month, or once a month, every two months, pretty much on your own schedule, as you wanted to, leaving your weeks open for writing, etc., and it wouldn't be every weekend, so you'd still have the freedom of those lovely Sundays.

You could do some travelling to places where other people have done the planning, so that you would not be responsible for the food and other logistical stuff. The people in cities who want you to come, like LA and Seattle, would find the venue, do the publicity to bring in the interested folks, pay you to travel to cool places, and then you do what you do best...inspire! I don't know that just doing these once or twice a month would be enough, but it would sure be a great supplement, and you'd still be using your considerable gifts. Maybe sometimes you could still lead the Franciscan retreats at Covenant, or somewhere else in your area, if that does not feel like an option.

Just a thought.

Donna

Please keep the blog.

And if you come to L.A., I'll be in the audience with Anonymous dreamer up there.

How to make money:
First you buy a printing press....oh no...scratch that.

~online Bible studies
~Sermon writing services

Those are the only legal ones I can think of right now.

Best to you!!!
LJ/Presbyterian Gal

The banner seems fitting right now, I agree. I also affirm that Jeanene and RLP were wonderful as retreat leaders, discerning, taking into great consideration the crowd they were leading. Some of the original plans were scrapped as they were lead by their audience, the Holy Spirit, whichever, it led to an even more meaningful experience for all. Very authentic and generous of them.

Please keep RLP... Maybe your life is changing through your redirection of energy but it will forever be defined to many of us through your teaching and preaching spirit. It's the constant that keeps us coming back to you for insight into our own ever changing spirits and growth. Please keep the heartbeat going...you'll always be the one and only RLP to many of us.

Hope that's not too selfish of me, then again you did ask. :)
BTW - thanks for asking, RLP - db

I love the simpler design. Ahhh. (And I like that the top graphic isn't 100% black ink)

paulsoup

I for one think that the old April fools real live pirate banner should come back...

I am interested in the symbolism of the images on the banner. I know they've gotta mean something. Is that water between sleeping guy and the people on the right? Are they in clouds or more water? Who are they? They look like Israelites crossing Red Sea. Why are there 9 of them? And what is the significance of the dog, and the plant, is it wheat, that seems to be bending protectively over the sleeper? Am I missing something obvious?

It is very "sleepy, dreamy, fantasy-ish" but I know there is something going on there.

Donna again