Author Archives: mcanaday

About mcanaday

Marty Canaday is Minister of Christian Formation at Derbyshire Baptist Church in Richmond, VA

Buechner Benedictions

Posted on June 21, 2007 by mcanaday

I’m a Frederick Buechner fan and particularly like two benedictions that he has written. Let me share them with you.

Posted in worship | 2 Comments

Six Practices For Effective Staff Ministry

Posted on June 19, 2007 by mcanaday

I recently had a conversation with a staff minister who shared his frustration that his staff team did not conduct staff meetings. The result, he said, was a lack of communication and collaboration. He continued with a comment that little … Continue reading →

Posted in assessment, Christian Education, leadership, second chair | 1 Comment

A Suggestion for Effective Enlistment

Posted on June 10, 2007 by mcanaday

In discussions about church enlistment we’ve often heard the statement, “we enlist our own problems!” How many nominating committee processes have you experienced that were exercises in filling slots without giving intentional consideration to the passions and gifts of leaders … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Education, leadership | 2 Comments

Christian Formation in the Life of a Minister

Posted on June 9, 2007 by mcanaday

I was thinking some time ago about the factors and influences that shape the Christian formation of ministers. This reflection led me to several observations born out of my curiosity. My initial observation is that many ministers do not prioritize … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Education, leadership | 3 Comments

Christian Reflection Series

Posted on May 22, 2007 by mcanaday

The current issue of Christian Reflection: A Series in Faith and Ethics, published by The Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University, addresses the issue of Catechism. It contains some very good articles as well as downloadable teaching plans for … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Vocation or Avocation?

Posted on February 27, 2007 by mcanaday

I was given the book, Call 2 Ministry, by Dana Matheson. I’ve just begun the read. The author states in the Introduction, “If after reading this material you realize that God is not leading you into vocational ministry, then I … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 6 Comments

What is an Authentic Community of Faith?

Posted on February 17, 2007 by mcanaday

In order for a local congregation to be an authentic community of faith, its practice must be congruent with its functional purpose, that is, its Christian mission. The underlying question is “What is the mission of the church?” and “To … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment