Good Shepherding
This past week was our annual diocesan clergy retreat at St. Crispin’s. For two and a half days, we renewed our friendships and sense of call through praying the Daily Offices, sharing in Holy Eucharist, and dwelling in God’s word, as well as with informal time together, delicious meals, activities, and time in nature. Canon Meaghan Keegan from the Diocese of Albany, who was with us for Diocesan Convention, returned to lead three stimulating sessions on the theme of spiritual shepherding. It was a wonderful time together. Our priests and deacons in the Diocese of Oklahoma are simply amazing, and it is a joy to be their bishop.
I like to describe this annual gathering as a retreat rather than a conference because it is grounded primarily not in academic content or new ideas for more effective ministry, but in spiritual practices. One of the pieces of wisdom that Canon Keegan shared with us is that we cannot lead others to places we have not been. In other words, in order to guide others into deeper faith and spiritual practice, we clergy must attend to our own spiritual disciplines (especially prayer and Bible study) and relationship with Christ. To shepherd others, we are called to follow our Good Shepherd, who loves us, and knows us each by name.
Blessings,
Bishop Poulson
