Letters from the General Minister

The Politics of Generosity

October 27, 2022 | Posted in Letters from the General Minister

A Letter to Pittsburgh Presbytery from Rev. Dr. Sheldon W. Sorge General Minister Thursday, October 27, 2022 The Politics of Generosity  I have often heard well-intentioned parishioners complain that their pastor’s sermons, or their denomination’s offices, are too “political.” Keeping …


A Friend Among Colleagues

October 20, 2022 | Posted in Letters from the General Minister

A Letter to Pittsburgh Presbytery from Rev. Dr. Sheldon W. Sorge General Minister Thursday, October 20, 2022 A Friend Among Colleagues I am writing from the beautiful grounds of the Krislund Camp and Conference Center, nestled in a central Pennsylvania …


Church Leader Appreciation

October 13, 2022 | Posted in Letters from the General Minister

A Letter to Pittsburgh Presbytery from Rev. Dr. Sheldon W. Sorge General Minister Thursday, October 13, 2022 Church Leader Appreciation  Soon after October was designated “Clergy Appreciation Month” in 1994, our congregation’s Sunday School department gave me a plaque honoring …


In Praise of Boldness

October 6, 2022 | Posted in Letters from the General Minister

A Letter to Pittsburgh Presbytery from Rev. Dr. Sheldon W. Sorge General Minister Thursday, October 6, 2022 In Praise of Boldness Reflecting recently on the legacy of Queen Elizabeth, I entitled my weekly letter “In Praise of Restraint.” In it …


One O’er All the Earth

September 29, 2022 | Posted in Letters from the General Minister

A Letter to Pittsburgh Presbytery from Rev. Dr. Sheldon W. Sorge General Minister Thursday, September 29, 2022 “One O’er All the Earth”  Really? We confess in our creed that the church of Jesus is “one” and “catholic.” We lift our …


Homecoming

September 22, 2022 | Posted in Letters from the General Minister

A Letter to Pittsburgh Presbytery from Rev. Dr. Sheldon W. Sorge General Minister Thursday, September 22, 2022 Homecoming* We are entering a season of “Homecoming” – a rich tradition when schools and churches welcome back those who have been away …


In Praise of Restraint

September 15, 2022 | Posted in Letters from the General Minister

A Letter to Pittsburgh Presbytery from Rev. Dr. Sheldon W. Sorge General Minister Thursday, September 15, 2022 In Praise of Restraint  At the beginning of a letter in which he has plenty to say, James famously counsels us, “Let everyone …


On Making Rules

September 8, 2022 | Posted in Letters from the General Minister

A Letter to Pittsburgh Presbytery from Rev. Dr. Sheldon W. Sorge General Minister Thursday, September 8, 2022 On Making Rules Mike Krzyzewski, the renowned former basketball coach at Duke University, was asked how he went about making rules for his …


Measuring Church Vitality

September 1, 2022 | Posted in Letters from the General Minister

A Letter to Pittsburgh Presbytery from Rev. Dr. Sheldon W. Sorge General Minister Thursday, September 1, 2022 Measuring Church Vitality Presbyterians love to document things. The meeting records of the Consistory (the church’s regional governing council) in Geneva during the …


Sanctuary

August 18, 2022 | Posted in Letters from the General Minister

A Letter to Pittsburgh Presbytery from Rev. Dr. Sheldon W. Sorge General Minister Thursday, August 18, 2022 Sanctuary “Praise God in his sanctuary!” the psalmist cries out. A sanctuary is literally a place set apart. It is a place of …


The Things We Do for Love

August 11, 2022 | Posted in Letters from the General Minister

A Letter to Pittsburgh Presbytery from Rev. Dr. Sheldon W. Sorge General Minister Thursday, August 11, 2022 The Things We Do for Love  Last week’s letter, What’s Love Got to Do with It?, explored the necessity of pastors loving their …


What’s Love Got to Do with It?

August 4, 2022 | Posted in Letters from the General Minister

A Letter to Pittsburgh Presbytery from Rev. Dr. Sheldon W. Sorge General Minister Thursday, August 4, 2022 What’s Love Got to Do with It?  Many of you know I like to use popular songs as sermon titles. Last Sunday my …


Escaping the Echo Chamber

July 28, 2022 | Posted in Letters from the General Minister

A Letter to Pittsburgh Presbytery from Rev. Dr. Sheldon W. Sorge General Minister Thursday, July 28, 2022 Escaping the Echo Chamber The January 6 hearings have revealed a great deal of what went on in the White House in the …


A Time to Reflect

July 21, 2022 | Posted in Letters from the General Minister

A Letter to Pittsburgh Presbytery from Rev. Dr. Sheldon W. Sorge General Minister Thursday, July 21, 2022 A Time to Reflect Last week you received my letter indicating my plan to retire at the end of this year. Such decisions …


225th General Assembly Action Highlights

July 14, 2022 | Posted in Letters from the General Minister

A Letter to Pittsburgh Presbytery from Rev. Dr. Sheldon W. Sorge General Minister Thursday, July 14, 2022 225th General Assembly Action Highlights This year’s General Assembly convened over the period of June 17 through July 9. Committees met in person …