Pip: The Play Collective is where ministry gets a little more imaginative — and in this episode, Pastor Heather Roth Johnson, one of the players, makes the case that play is not a detour from faith formation; it might actually be the road. Mara: That's the territory we're covering today — what it looks like … Continue reading Podcast Episode: Fill Your Bucket
Less Glitter, More Gospel
Don't get me wrong: I love glitter. There's something magical about a craft project that sparkles, but after interviewing more than two hundred churches about kids in worship, what shapes children's ministry, and how congregations grow, I've discovered that the brightest ideas don't come from glitter and glue. The churches that are thriving are shining … Continue reading Less Glitter, More Gospel
A Memorial Service for Pregnancy Loss
For those with trigger warnings, this post is about pregnancy loss. In 2007, while serving as a Director of Children's Ministry, I was pregnant with my third child. At 22 weeks, our baby died in utero, and I had to go through labor and delivery knowing I would not be bringing him home. My arms … Continue reading A Memorial Service for Pregnancy Loss
It All Starts with a Phone Call
One of the odd things about my ministry is that jobs or calls, as we call them in church lingo, usually find me. Apparently, my résumé has spent most of its life collecting dust while God has preferred the "I'll have them call you" method. Somewhere along the way, the phone rings, someone says, "Have … Continue reading It All Starts with a Phone Call
Fill Your Bucket
Fill Your Bucket with the PLAY Collective! Wednesday, August 19 from 9:30 am - 11 am at Pilgrim Lutheran Church, 935 St. Clair Ave, Saint Paul, MN 55105. Join the PLAY Collective with Rev. Dr. Heather Roth Johnson, Rev. Jen Rome, Rev. (almost Dr.) Stephanie Luedtke, and the Magnificent Emily King as we explore fresh, … Continue reading Fill Your Bucket
Big Questions. Bigger Faith.
Confirmation begins with questions. Teenagers ask some of the biggest questions anyone will ever face: Who am I? Why am I here? Does my life matter? How do I know what is true? What happens when I die? These questions often hide beneath everyday conversations about school, friendships, sports, family, dating, social media, and the pressure to … Continue reading Big Questions. Bigger Faith.
VBS: More Than A Kid’s Program
One of the best weeks of the year is Vacation Bible School (VBS). What's not to love? There are songs that get stuck in your head for weeks, energetic games that somehow involve pool noodles, and enough glitter to remain in the church carpet until Jesus returns. Since his retirement, one of our snack leaders … Continue reading VBS: More Than A Kid’s Program
If you can, take a sabbatical.
Easter Monday 2025, I woke up with several speaking gigs in my inbox for April 2026, and several things happened: 1) Since the Lily Endowment grants for clergy sabbatical due date had passed and we had just buried our son, Jake, I knew that these speaking gigs were going to be my ticket to travel … Continue reading If you can, take a sabbatical.
Somewhere Between Bikini Bottom and Bethany
My son, Jake, had a favorite cartoon: SpongeBob SquarePants. Since he has been on my mind (Jake, not SpongeBob), I thought I would write about him - SpongeBob and Jesus. If you told someone that a devotion on Acts 1:6–14 would begin with SpongeBob SquarePants, they might assume you’d lost your theological footing somewhere between … Continue reading Somewhere Between Bikini Bottom and Bethany
Casper the Friendly Ghost and the Holy Spirit
I am halfway through my sabbatical, and it is all going so fast! I have enjoyed writing on the Gospel text and connecting it to some of my favorite cartoons: Scooby Doo, The Jetsons, Bluey, and now, Casper the Friendly Ghost. Enjoy! Let’s be honest—Casper the Friendly Ghost is probably not the first image that comes … Continue reading Casper the Friendly Ghost and the Holy Spirit
StoryBoard 