AJ Sherrill on Cultivating a Distinct Pastoral Voice, Slowing Down to Shepherd Well, and Rediscovering Christmas
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As we step into Advent, many of us grapple with the question of how to guide our congregations well during this sacred season. In the midst of pastoring others, some of us have been able to enter into the wonder of the season ourselves, some of us are navigating the busyness of planning and executing events and services, and others of us are walking through a deeply painful season that can come with this time of year. Wherever you find yourself today, our hope is that this conversation offers strength for your journey, courage for your heart, and a deeper sense of joy as you engage with the beauty of Advent.
Today, AJ Sherrill joins us from St. Peter’s Church in Charleston, South Carolina. AJ has pastored in diverse contexts—from California to New York to Grand Rapids—before settling in Charleston with his family. He’s also an accomplished author, and his latest book, Rediscovering Christmas, is a profound exploration of the Bible’s Christmas story, helping us embrace the ancient wonder of the season.
In this episode, AJ shares about:
How to discover and develop your unique pastoral voice as a communicator.
His new book, Rediscovering Christmas, and its surprising insights into the Bible’s Christmas story.
The importance of slowing down to truly pastor your congregation where they are.
We’re so grateful you’ve joined us for this conversation on The Pastorate. May God bless you as you listen and enter into the wonder of Advent.
AJ Sherrill
AJ Sherrill has served as a lead pastor for over two decades in churches across the United States, from Southern California to New York City, and now lives in South Carolina. He holds two master’s degrees in theology and a doctorate in spiritual formation. AJ teaches courses on preaching and the Enneagram at Fuller Theological Seminary and leads workshops on spiritual formation and personality theory. Above all, he is a disciple of Jesus, husband to Elaina, and father to Eloise.
Shownotes
Being With God: The Absurdity, Necessity and Neurology of Contemplative Prayer
The Enneagram For Spiritual Formation: How Knowing Ourselves Can Make Us More Like Jesus
Partners
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