Jake Hinton • May 2, 2024
Ministry Matters: Fr. Michael Plekon’s Insights on Faith & Community
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Exploring Community, Ministry, and Hope
In a captivating interview, Fr. Michael Plekon discusses his upcoming book, Ministry Matters
Pastors, Their Life and Work Today. With a double meaning in the title, he delves into the significant challenges and fundamental role of ministry today, while addressing matters pertinent to clergy and their duties.
Fr. Michael Plekon (Ret) volunteers his services to St. Barnabas Episcopal Church
Fr. Plekon emphasizes the importance of community and pastoral leadership, drawing from early Christian practices. He highlights that ministry is essential for the church and underscores the importance of small congregations where everyone matters, much like the close-knit community of Borrego Springs.
His book, building on his previous work Community as Church, Church as Community, presents a series of conversations primarily based on the writings of other pastors. Fr. Plekon draws insights from over a dozen figures he has read with great benefit over the years, including Barbara Brown Taylor, Rowan Williams (the former Archbishop of Canterbury), and Pope Francis, among others. He uses their insights to explore ministry's challenges and opportunities, sharing their stories to create a compelling picture of the modern church's landscape.
The book serves as a valuable resource for ministers and laypersons alike, reinforcing the concept of the church as a community where everyone can contribute to the betterment of society. Fr. Plekon’s insights provide a beacon of hope for church leaders and community advocates. He practices what he preaches, much like the Borrego Ministers Association (BMA), a collective effort working tirelessly to assist those in need in Borrego Springs.
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"I have published a lot of books about ordinary people who live lives of extraordinary holiness, who probably will never be canonized by the church. But none of the books are recipe books. They're not how to do it books, and this one is not one of those either." ~Fr. Plekon
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With Fr. Plekon as Chairman, the Borrego Ministers’ Association plays a pivotal role in the community, providing support for those in need during challenging times. This collective effort strives to alleviate suffering and anxiety through the generous contributions of local residents, ensuring that every donation directly benefits those within the Borrego Valley. The association thrives on the dedication of its volunteers, whose unwavering commitment embodies the spirit of community and care
His portrayal of how small churches thrive and how every member counts reflects the spirit of Borrego Springs. Readers looking to gain a deeper understanding of ministry and community work will likely find "Ministry Matters Pastors, Their Life and Work Today" to be a profound and inspiring read.
Find the book: Ministry Matters
Pastors, Their Life and Work Today
Learn about the Borrego Ministers Association
About Fr. Michael Plekon:
Michael Plekon is professor emeritus of the City University of New York, Baruch College. He has served as a priest for over forty years in both western and eastern churches and has authored numerous publications including Community as Church, Church as Community; The World as Sacrament; Uncommon Prayer; Saints as They Really Are; Hidden Holiness; and Living Icons.
Book Description:
"Congregations are shrinking and in decline. Fewer people are part of communities of faith. Michael Plekon's previous book, Community as Church, Church as Community, traced the factors behind this as well as the resurrection of parishes that have reimagined themselves in diverse ways. Pastors have played essential roles in such transformation. But where are the ordained today? Ministry Matters is a sustained meditation on the vocation, lives, and work of pastors today. We listen to an ecumenical group of exceptional pastor-theologians on how pastors live and serve. These include George Keith, Nicholas Afanasiev, Barbara Brown Taylor, C. Andrew Doyle, Andrew Root, Sarah Coakley, Samuel Wells, Rowan Williams, Henri Nouwen, Pope Francis, David Barnhart, and Will Willimon, with commentary from Michael Plekon, who has served as priest in both western and eastern churches for over forty years. Many years of pastoral experience are shared here, providing a feast of reflection on the shepherds of God's flock."
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