A little over a year ago I reflected on the first 9 congregations I served and on the 10 denominations that have shaped my theology.
Today, on the final day of the month of thankfulness, I pause to give thanks for the 10 congregations I’ve served (I started serving #10 in June 2024).
In chronological order:
- First Presbyterian Church (PCUSA) – Duncanville, TX (top row, first image)
- Central Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) – Dallas, TX; [closed in 2021 after 158 years of ministry – for more see Concluding 158 Years] (top row, second image)
- First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) – Garland, TX (top row, fourth image)
- King of Glory Lutheran Church (ELCA) – Dallas, TX (second row, first image)
- First Presbyterian Church (PCUSA) – Naples, FL (second row, third image)
- Naples United Church of Christ – Naples, FL (third row, third image)
- United Church of Marco Island (UCC & NACCC) – Marco Island, FL (third row, first image)
- Fort Myers Congregational United Church of Christ – Fort Myers, FL (third row, second image)
- West Fork Presbyterian Church (PCUSA) – Grand Prairie, TX (first row, third image)
- Advent Lutheran Church (ELCA) – Arlington, TX (second row, second image)
Denominations
I’ve served congregations affiliated with five denominations:
- United Church of Christ (UCC) – 3
- Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) – 3
- Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) – 2
- Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) – 2
- National Association of Congregational Christian Churches – 1
Location
These communities of faith are located in the Dallas – Arlington – Fort Worth area of North Texas and in the Naples – Marco Island – Fort Myers are of Southwest Florida:
- Texas – 6
- Florida – 4
So What?
I started in parish ministry as a youngster. When I accepted my first position I was a seminarian.
I continued with a rather traditional (at least back in that era) progression of roles in Texas after seminary and while completing a doctoral degree. Soon after completing my terminal degree I relocated to Florida where my first role there (#5 overall) ended up being the one that led me to leave behind full-time congregational ministry in search of other settings to serve.
In the years since, those other settings have included faith-based non-profits, higher education, and healthcare. And, I’ve learned much about the opportunity to live in both worlds simultaneously. And, just one of the final five on the list was my primary position (defined by the role I committed the most hours to) at the time.
Today I give thanks for all of the people I’ve met in and through these 10 congregations.