Comments for Mike Bonem

Comment on A Letter to Board Members by Steven Wolff

Steven Wolff — Wed, 16 Jun 2021 15:34:22 +0000

Mike, might I add to your list the stress of pitching in to help neighboring congregations, or sibling congregations in the same denomination, whose leaders have no idea how to do the technology, or, in my case, left during the pandemic. My observation and experience is that these congregations seldom acknowledge, let alone thank, the leaders who step into the gap for them. It is just seen as part of “being church’, and met with a sense of entitlement, rather than gratitude. It doubles the workload without much, or any, increase in compensation

Comment on So Many Decisions! by Peter

Peter — Thu, 27 Aug 2020 17:54:00 +0000

Very timely and wise advise. Thank you

Comment on Leading In Between by Mike

Mike — Thu, 18 Jun 2020 17:44:27 +0000

In reply to Pattye. Thanks, Pattye! The whirlwind is very real and intense for many pastors right now. Hang in there!

Comment on Leading In Between by Pattye

Pattye — Thu, 18 Jun 2020 17:06:06 +0000

You named the whirlwind going on in my spirit. It’s so good to have those thoughts and feelings captured. Thank you Mike for impacting what we do. You’ll never fully know how much you add to my ministry and a multitude of others.

Comment on Leading In Between by Mike

Mike — Wed, 17 Jun 2020 21:14:42 +0000

In reply to Sheri Clifton. Thanks, Sheri!

Comment on Leading In Between by Sheri Clifton

Sheri Clifton — Wed, 17 Jun 2020 21:12:55 +0000

A resounding YES to all of this. Thanks, Mike!

Comment on Leading In Between by Mike

Mike — Wed, 17 Jun 2020 18:42:48 +0000

In reply to Deborah Hawboldt. Thanks, Deborah!

Comment on Leading In Between by Deborah Hawboldt

Deborah Hawboldt — Wed, 17 Jun 2020 13:25:47 +0000

Mike, the description of this “in between” time is spot on! Thank you for your words and encouragement to rest to prepare for this long in between time.

Comment on Not So Fast! by Mike

Mike — Wed, 13 May 2020 15:57:22 +0000

In reply to Paul Goodman. Glad to help, Paul!

Comment on Not So Fast! by Paul Goodman

Paul Goodman — Wed, 13 May 2020 15:52:07 +0000

Mike,
My Council (we’re UCC) had a discussion last night as we just begin to think about “re-opening” as Connecticut begins to “re-open.” They were interested in getting the pulse of the congregation but with a question like, “What would the church need to do to make you feel comfortable in returning?” I tried to impress that that was way too open ended a question that brought too many factors into a response — I wouldn’t know how to answer that. Your questions break the BIG issue into smaller focused aspects and gets some important information about what circumstances a person is in. As a colleague of mine said, We are all in the midst of the same storm, but we are not all in the same boat. I love the survey monkey version and will attempt to recreate it. Thanks for permission to do so. Many of my parishioners will respond to a quick survey and that means our deacons can concentrate on the “non-tech” people who don’t own/use computers or smartphones. You have been very helpful. Shalom, Paul