News and Views

Twenty-one pastors, representing 625 of years of service, will retire from the Baltimore-Washington Conference this year. Because of the coronavirus pandemic, the retirees and their families will be missing out on some of the festivities normally held during the Annual Conference Session.

So, we invited them to share some of their thoughts on their ministry and the wisdom they would share with those just starting in ministry. Below are excerpts from their responses.

Reflecting back on your ministry, what one or two highlights will you always remember?

One of the highlights was the first baptism I performed in my first appointment. The 1-year-old I baptized continued to come to church on a regular basis with his grandparents; when he was about 4, he shared how much he loved coming to church and how happy he was to be part of such a loving church family. Another highlight was the privilege of baptizing a 72-year-old man while his daughter assisted. – Donna Nelson

Perhaps the highlight of my 37-year ministry is the opportunity to be in relationship with people. I have learned from people with different backgrounds, different nationalities and races, different economic levels, different skills and careers and different beliefs. A philosopher once said, “A person is the composite of every relationship that he or she has had in their life.” I know that my life has been blessed by my relationship with so many wonderful people. – Gary Sheffield-James

My ministry continues to remind me of the awesome prevenient grace of God for everyone. A memorable ministry moment was at my second appointment during Bible study when a seasoned gentleman from the community came late for the free meal program. He was anxious and agitated when he first entered the room. The free meal was served in the same room where Bible study was held and so, while continuing to talk about the lesson, I fixed the gentleman a plate of food. He hurriedly left before I was able to greet him, but I was pleasantly surprised when the gentleman came back the next week to learn more about the “Shepherd.” This same 60-year-old stranger soon became one of the most active members in our church and his enthusiasm and passion for community service enhanced our outreach ministries. – Loretta Johnson

One of the highlights of my ministry has been serving with the Northeast Montgomery County Interfaith Ministerium. Each Thanksgiving, we had a Service of Giving Thanks which included participants from all the Christian, Jewish, and Muslim faiths, and the Native American faith tradition. Through this group I built friendships. Another highlight of my ministry occurred when I served in southern Maryland. One of the members of the congregation owned property on the beach. He would invite the youth group to have beach parties and would build a fire on the beach so the youth could roast hot dogs and marshmallows. After the youth went home, my husband and I would sit on the beach watching the fire go out and the moon rise over the bay. – Rev. Sue Shorb-Sterling

During my 42 years, I was honored to serve on several committees and boards of the BWC. I was a member of BOOM from 1989-1996. I also served on the Discipleship Council from 2011-2017. My last year on the Council, I served as chairperson. I found both of these events exciting and felt a sense of fulfillment in serving the Annual Conference in both capacities. A second highlight was the opportunity to preach the Gospel and share God's love during my 42 years. Those opportunities enabled me to touch countless lives with God's love and God's grace. But I was equally blessed to be touched, shaped, and molded by the people I was called to serve! – Bob Clipp

My first appointment goes back to 1980 – 40 years ago. But I have been on disability leave longer than I was actually in active ministry as an ordained pastor. Some of my favorite moments are inaugurating youth to participate in Appalachia Service Project (1983) and this ministry continues to thrive; singing at Annual Conference; and working on the Conference staff and overseeing the development of a Strategic Plan for the annual conference. It actually wasn’t until very recently that it occurred to me that being on disability is being appointed to disability leave. I would never ever want to change anything that I did because the outcomes of all of the experiences in all those years was phenomenal to me. – Tom Green

I really wanted to be a local church pastor, so it was a surprise — and it became a highlight — that I got to work with and for all of the churches in the annual conference on the Conference staff. That work showed me a depth and breadth of life with God and God's people that would have been beyond my understanding. I learned so much about the tapestry of God's beautiful family and how people express themselves in worship and in their faith walk. Another memory involves baptizing a lovely baby girl named Katherine not long before I left my first appointment. In my last appointment, that young woman allowed me to work with her as a ministry intern at Reisterstown UMC. What a great joy to get to encourage her to "spread her wings," especially as she preached (very, very shyly) the first time and then preached for the third time with a great deal of confidence. It just doesn't get any better than that! – Vivian McCarthy 

What words of advice and wisdom would you share with those just entering the ministry?  

Love the people -- ALL the people! – Vivian McCarthy

 When I came into ordained ministry 42 years ago, a member of BOOM, Tom Kaylor, told me to simply "love the people!" That has been my goal and my calling. Loving the people means ALL the people, even those who drive me crazy. I may not always agree with them, but I have set my goal to love them. 

 My second word of advice is to "be a pastor" first. It is hard, if not impossible, to be a prophetic preacher if you are not seen as the pastor. Much of what I have been able to accomplish prophetically at Grace Church came about because the members trusted me as their pastor. Being a pastor means visiting the sick, the struggling, and the hurting. Being a pastor means holding the hand of a member who is watching their loved one die; it means getting up at 5 a.m. to have a prayer with them before surgery; it means helping people see the Christ through your words and your deeds. My final word of advice is to be yourself. I pride myself in knowing that the person they see at a ballgame is the same person they saw in the pulpit the previous Sunday. I try to be authentic at all times. Do I fail in these areas? Of course. My vision of ministry is the same vision I have shared with Grace Church for the past five years: "To live my life in such a way that the world around me will see the Christ within me. – Bob Clipp

I would encourage ordinands to find two or three mentors and be part of a clergy group that gathers regularly to meet. It was very helpful to me to have someone to talk to about various issues in ministry and be able to listen to their experiences. – Donna Nelson

Finding the balance between prophetic and pastoral leadership is always challenging. My advice to those entering the ministry is to always continue to strive to meet that goal. It won’t be easy, but it is important. As ministers, we are called to enter into the lives of others. We celebrate, mourn, comfort, and teach. However, ministry doesn’t stop there. We must also remain faithful to our prophetic calling to work for righteousness and peace. The other piece of advice to those ready to enter ministry is to develop support systems. Make time to be with your family. Maintain your relationship with friends. Seek out your colleagues. Look for mentors to help you grow as a leader. You will find strength and comfort from others. – Gary Sheffield James 

As a pastor, I have learned the importance of continuing to be open to learn more and more and more about my spiritual journey and me. I also have discovered the value and strength gained through strong relationships with family, friends, mentors, and spiritual directors to avoid feeling alone on this journey.  It is critical for pastors and all church leaders to use the gifts that God has given them and to offer opportunities for others to use their gifts. I have also learned to have lots of fun with, and for, others. Fun clears the mind, massages the heart, and helps us to remember that we are never alone in our challenges and victories. God is always with us and has assigned numerous angels to be our partners on this spiritual journey. – Loretta Johnson

The process of self-evaluation after meetings, worship services, preaching, and interactions with individuals is very important. Ask yourself, "Why did I do what I did?" or "Why did I say what I said?" or "Did I do my best?" or "What could I have done or said that might have been more effective?" Sit and meditate with these questions. The Spirit will guide you to the answers. The process of self-evaluation is valuable to growth as a pastor. Also, when people in the church "act out" (and they will; they will say and do things that are hurtful to you or to others), usually there is something askew in their life. They act out because the church for them can be a safe place to unload their pain even though they may do it in unhealthy ways. Their acting out can be a cry for help. When incidents like this occurred, I contacted the person and asked them out for a coffee or lunch. During the conversation, I was usually able to fish out the underlying issue that caused the acting out. Then we were able to work together on the issue, as well as identify that apologies and even reconciliations as they were needed. – Sue Shorb-Sterling

In the midst of a global pandemic, protests for Black Lives Matter, and the upcoming General Conference, The United Methodist Church as we know it will be a vastly different Church in the future.

I have the feeling that rather than having to bend the frame of reference of Church, we are going to have to break the mold and actually start building a whole new Church. This is going to be more than a transformation of the Church, but rather I believe we are in the midst of a (re)formation of the Church if not a (re)creation of the Church. Out of the depths of these present-day events, God is truly calling us to something new and different and beautiful. – Tom Green

The BWC 2020 Class of Clergy Retirees 

Rev. Lee Brewer
Rev. Robert Clipp
Rev. Robert Cook
Pastor Dennis Deboy (11/1/19)
Rev. William Thomas Green
Pastor Bernard Harris
Rev. Brian Jackson
Rev. Loretta Johnson
Rev. Curtis King
Rev. Mark Lancaster (8/1/19)
Rev. Lauren H. Lay (10/3/19)
Rev. Alhassan Macaulay
Rev. Vivian McCarthy
Rev. Donna Nelson
Pastor Robert “Terry” Orrence
Rev. Paul Papp
Rev. Vicky Starnes (1/1/20)
Rev. Gary Sheffield-James
Rev. Sue Shorb-Sterling
Rev. Frances Stewart (8/1/19)
Rev. Robert E. Slade
Rev. David E. Thayer
Rev. Rebecca Wright

We invited the retirees to reflect on their ministers and received the following responses:

Rev. Bob Clipp

Reflecting back on your ministry, what are one or two highlights that you will always remember? 

During my 42 years, I was honored to serve on several Committees and Boards of the BWC. I was a member of BOOM from 1989-1996. During that time, I served as a member of the Ordination Committee, Chairperson of the Ordination Committee, and the Registrar for Local Pastors. I helped to coordinate four annual events for Local Pastors. 

I also served on the Discipleship Council from 2011-2017. My last year on the Council I served as Chairperson. I found both of these events exciting and felt a sense of fulfillment in serving the Annual Conference in both capacities. 

A second highlight was the opportunity to preach the Gospel and share God's love during my 42 years. Those opportunities enabled me to touch countless lives with God's love and God's grace. But I was equally blessed to be touched and shaped and molded by the people I was called to serve!! 

In what significant way did pastoring change over the course of your ministry?

I have watched at how technology has been such an integral part of Pastoral Ministry. I did not come to this willingly. I was pushed and nudged along the way. But I would never have thought that my ministry would come to an end preaching on the Internet. As one of my friends joked with me, after watching a service: "Bob, you have become a televangelist!!” 

A second way that I have changed is my willingness to be more prophetic. For most of my ministry I have preached Jesus Christ — Crucified and Risen!! But in these final years I have become more open about how Jesus Christ — Crucified and Risen — has changed my life. Issues such as LGBTQ+ equality has become a statement of faith. I cannot proclaim the Gospel if I do not include everyone in that message of God's love and God's grace. The same is true for the "Black Lives Matter" movement of today. As I have become more aware of the racism that is ingrained in our culture, I feel a calling to name that sin and confess my own participation in the culture of white privilege. 

What words of advice and wisdom would you share with someone just entering the ministry?

 When I came into ordained ministry 42 years ago a member of BOOM, Tom Kaylor, told me to simply "love the people!" That has been my goal and my calling. Loving the people means ALL the people, even those who drive me crazy!! I may not always agree with them, but I have set my goal to love them!! 

 My second word of advice is to "Be a Pastor" first. It is hard, if not impossible, to be a prophetic preacher if you are not seen as the Pastor. Much of what I have been able to accomplish prophetically at Grace Church came about because the members trusted me as their Pastor. Being a Pastor means visiting the sick, the struggling, and the hurting. Being a Pastor means holding the hand of a member who is watching their loved one die; it means getting up at 5 a.m. to have a prayer with them before surgery; it means helping people see the Christ through your words and your deeds.  

My final word of advice is to be yourself. I pride myself in knowing that the person they see at a ballgame is the same person they saw in the pulpit the previous Sunday. I try to be authentic at all times. 

Do I fail in these areas? Of course!! In fact, I probably fail more than I succeed!! My vision of ministry is the same vision I have shared with Grace Church for the past 5 years: "To live my life (our lives) in such a way that the world around me (us) will see the Christ within me (Us)!! 

Rev. Tom Green

Reflecting back on your ministry, what are one or two highlights that you will always remember?

My proudest moment includes: Inaugurating youth to participate in Appalachia Service Project (1983) and this ministry continues to thrive, singing at Annual Conference, working with Bishop Joseph Yeakel, Bishop Susan Morrison, Rev. Tom Starnes and Bishop Marcus Matthews while on the Conference staff; and staffing and assisting in the development of a Strategic Plan for the Annual Conference.

In what significant way did pastoring change over the course of your ministry? What words of advice and wisdom would you share with someone just entering the ministry?

Because of the days in which we are living, to think that anything going on right now is the “new normal” is naïve at best. In the midst of a global pandemic, protests for Black Lives Matter, it is almost as if we have practically forgotten what will be coming before the General Conference in the not too distant future. The United Methodist Church as we know it will be a vastly different church in the future that will be coming to us, and that does not take into consideration the possible outcomes from General Conference only because we do not know what that outcome will be.

I have the feeling that rather than having to bend the frame of reference of Church, we are going to have to break the mold and actually start building a whole new Church. This is going to be more than a transformation of the Church, but rather I believe we are in the midst of a (re)formation of the Church if not a (re)creation of the Church. 

Moving forward, the Church will never return to business as usual; it cannot possibly do that. The levels of responsibility, accountability, and sustainability are changing right before our very eyes. Out of the depths of these present-day events, God is truly calling us to something new and different and beautiful from anything in our past, but we are not even close to knowing what that is and what it will look like. We are getting little glimpses of what it could look like, but certainly not the whole BIG picture. We have to live and come through the present before we can even remotely say we are at the new normal place.

Right now, there is no normal which is why I think people saying we are living in a “new” normal are naïve at best. Some of the things that Churches have had to do in these past months has been moving along almost blindly. Churches are basically “guessing” what they need to do. Guessing is not a new normal. Guessing has to be the current mode of operation because none of us has ever had to do this before. We guess and hope that the outcome of what we do or try is favorable. The learning curve has shifted on us, and we have NO clue what the future learning curve will be like.

I am ever thankful to God and the Baltimore-Washington Conference for the opportunity to have been called to serve in ordained ministry.

Rev. Loretta Ewell Johnson

Reflecting back on your ministry, what are one or two highlights that you will always remember?

After 23 years as a full-time pastor and close to seven years as a part-time chaplain, I am grateful for the many lessons I have learned about Christ Jesus, myself, and others. My journey has been laced with new encounters, new insights, and new mistakes on top of the old ones. Yet, I’ve enjoyed the downs almost as much as I have enjoyed the ups.  

Seminary taught me a lot of “book knowledge” but barely touched on the “living water” that the woman at the well experienced with Jesus. I’m convinced that when she went back to the village to “tell” others all that Jesus had shared with her that she may not have used words only! Learning to listen with my heart, eyes, and ears has taught me how to embrace the joys, fears, and pains of others and myself. And this lesson was made clear through a hospital visit with a member of my first church.

I went prepared with the prayer in mind that I would share at the end of our five-minute visit. After all, as her pastor, it was my duty to drop in to pray for her — so I thought! Yet, when I walked into her room, I saw not a member but one of God’s children who simply wanted me to sit with her for a while and hold her hand. After sitting in silence for about 30 minutes, she thanked me for spending time with her and she closed our visit with a prayer by thanking God for our time together and then asking God to send me to others so that they might experience God through her pastor’s presence.

In that moment, I learned that for the member it was the presence of Christ through me that meant more than my rehearsed prayer.

Another of my memorable ministry moments was at my second appointment, during Bible study, when a seasoned gentleman from the community came late for the free meal program. He was anxious and agitated when he first entered the room, but after a few minutes he was calm, attentive, and remained for the rest of the class without saying a word. Because the free meal was served in the same room where Bible study was held and there was still some food available, while continuing to talk about the lesson, I fixed the gentleman a plate of food. (I remembered my disappointment a few times when I had run to the store only to arrive after it had closed.) While eating, it was clear from his posture and facial expression that he was listening to our lesson about Jesus, the Good Shepherd, even though he hurriedly left before I was able to greet him.

I was pleasantly surprised when the gentleman came back the next week to learn more about the “Shepherd” who always stays with the sheep through thick and thin. This same 60-year old stranger soon became one of the most active members in our church and his enthusiasm and passion for community service enhanced our outreach ministries. My mama was right when she said God gave us two ears, two eyes, and two hands for a reason!

In what significant way did pastoring change over the course of your ministry? What words of advice and wisdom would you share with someone just entering the ministry?

My ministry continues to remind me of the awesome prevenient grace of God for everyone. I have my own precious memories of the times I have strayed from my God who always stayed with me. I will always be a minister, and my job will always be to share the unconditional love and presence of Almighty God with everyone through my behavior and presence, as well as through preaching and teaching. After all, God is more amazing than I could ever share through sermons, Bible studies, or hospital/home visits. All of us are called to be channels for the flow-through of God’s amazing grace and love to the whole world!

As a pastor, I have learned the importance of continuing to be open to learn more and more and more about my spiritual journey and me. I also have discovered the value and strength gained through strong relationships with family, friends, mentors, and spiritual directors to avoid feeling alone on this journey.

It is critical for pastors and all church leaders to use the gifts that God has given them and to offer opportunities for others to use their gifts. I can’t tell you the many times a good meal helped to break the ice or remove walls between myself and between others (both in and outside of the church building). Many times, when the sermon or Bible study was not enough to encourage the members of the church to “agree to disagree,” I would whip up one of my tasty meals (and) that seemed to be just what Doctor Jesus ordered so that we could warmly share with and forgive one another.  

Equally important: I have learned to have lots of fun with and for others! The fun clears the mind, massages the heart, and helps us to remember that we are never alone in our challenges and victories! God is always with us and has assigned numerous angels to be our partners on this spiritual journey!

Rev. Vivian McCarthy

Reflecting back on your ministry, what are one or two highlights that you will always remember? 

I really wanted to be a local church pastor, so it was a surprise — and it became a highlight — that I got to work with and for all of the churches in the annual conference. That work showed me a depth and breadth of life with God and God's people that would have been beyond my understanding. I learned so much about the tapestry of God's beautiful family and how people express themselves in worship and in their faith walk.

Not long before I left my first appointment, I baptized a lovely baby girl named Katherine. In my last appointment, that young woman allowed me to work with her as a ministry intern at Reisterstown UMC. What a great joy to get to encourage her to "spread her wings," especially as she preached (very, very shyly) the first time and then preached for the third time with a great deal of confidence. It just doesn't get any better than that! 

In what significant way (s) did pastoring change over the course of your ministry? 

Pastoral care is just not the same as it was when I entered ordained ministry 33 years ago. Folks are in and out of the hospital in the blink of an eye! Finding new ways to care for people has been a little challenging but is certainly do-able.

Even though I learned so much from colleagues during the 20 years I was on the conference staff, the climate had shifted fairly dramatically in our culture. What I mean by that is that it is a lot more difficult to break into a community than it was in 1994. There seems to be a new kind of distrust or just a sense that the community pastor isn't relevant. Of course, that isn't everywhere or everybody, but it is significant.

What words of advice and wisdom would you share with ordinands just entering the ministry?  

Love the people -- ALL the people!

Are there any other thoughts you would like to share with the people of the Baltimore-Washington Conference?

Just thank you. It has truly been a privilege and joy to serve alongside you! 

Rev. Donna Nelson

Reflecting back on your ministry, what are one or two highlights that you will always remember?

One of the highlights was the first baptism I performed in my first appointment. The 1-year-old I baptized continued to come to church on a regular basis with his grandparents; when he was about 4, during the children's sermon, he shared how much he loved coming to church and how happy he was to be part of such a loving church family. I was so pleased that at such a young age, he could feel God’s love being shown by the members of the church. Another highlight was the privilege of baptizing a 72-year-old man while his daughter assisted.

In what significant way did pastoring change over the course of your ministry? 

I was blessed to have several mentors along the way who encouraged me and helped me deal with some very difficult situations. I was also blessed with a church secretary who helped me recognize the spiritual gift of healing: in each of the churches I served I was able to bring healing to a hurting church and help to restore the unity of the body of Christ.

What words of advice and wisdom would you share with someone just entering the ministry? 

I would encourage ordinands to find two or three mentors and be part of a clergy group that gathers regularly to meet. It was very helpful to me to have someone to talk to about various issues in ministry and be able to listen to their experiences.

Are there any other thoughts you would like to share with the people of the Baltimore-Washington Conference?

I have been blessed to have several great DS’s in my time as part of the BWC. I am also thankful for the connectivity of the UMC. It has made me feel a part of something much larger than one district or annual conference.

Rev. Gary Sheffield-James

Reflecting back on your ministry, what are one or two highlights that you will always remember?

Perhaps the highlight of my ministry is the opportunity to be in relationship with people. I have learned from people with different backgrounds, different nationalities and races, different economic levels, different skills and careers and different beliefs. A philosopher once said, “A person is the composite of every relationship that he or she has had in their life.” I know that my life has been blessed by my relationship with so many wonderful people. 

In what significant way did pastoring change over the course of your ministry?

Throughout my ministry, I had the opportunity to serve rural churches, township churches, and bigger churches in suburban areas. I continued to learn and change during each appointment.  Equal justice initiatives also changed my ministry. I pray that I provided faithful guidance that was both pastoral and prophetic during tumultuous times. The Black Lives Matter Movement, Global Pandemic, and Inclusivity for the LBGTQ community necessitate change.  That old adage is still true – “We are called to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable.”

What words of advice and wisdom would you share with someone just entering the ministry? 

I believe that finding the balance between prophetic and pastoral leadership is always challenging. My advice to ordinands is to always continue to strive to meet that goal. It won’t be easy, but it is important. As ministers, we are called to enter into the lives of others. We celebrate, mourn, comfort, and teach. However, ministry doesn’t stop there. When the prophet Isaiah received his call to ministry, he said, “I am one of uncleaned lips and I live among a people of unclean lips.” (Isaiah 6:5a) Isaiah identified with people. He confessed his vulnerability and limitations. He related to the people around him. But he also remained faithful to his prophetic calling; that is to work for righteousness and peace.

The other piece of advice to those ready to enter ministry is to develop support systems. Make time to be with your family. Maintain your relationship with friends. Seek out your colleagues. Look for mentors to help you grow as a leader. You will find strength and comfort from others.   

Are there any other thoughts you would like to share with the people of the Baltimore-Washington Conference? 

It’s has been my unique privilege to serve as an Elder in the Baltimore-Washington Conference. I have been blessed and strengthened by the parishioners I’ve served, my colleagues, and the Cabinet. I have been blessed with a supportive network for ministry. I will continue to keep the Bishop and Cabinet, my colleagues, and the churches in the conference in my prayers. Thank you for your guidance and your support these last 37 years.   

Rev. Sue Shorb-Sterling

Reflecting back on your ministry, what are one or two highlights that you will always remember?

One of the highlights of my ministry has been serving with the Northeast Montgomery County Interfaith Ministerium. This group consisted of Jews, Christians, and Muslims. We held discussion groups and listening sessions so that we could learn about each other's faith traditions. Each Thanksgiving we had a Service of Giving Thanks which included participants from all three faith traditions and the Native American faith tradition. Through this group I built friendships with both clergy and laity from all these faith traditions. I will miss being part of this group in my retirement. 

Another highlight of my ministry occurred when I served in southern Maryland. One of the members of the congregation owned property on the beach. He would invite the youth group to have beach parties in the summer. My husband and I would build a fire on the beach so the youth could roast hot dogs and marshmallows. After the youth went home, he and I would sit on the beach watching the fire go out and the moon rise over the bay. It was one of the better perks of being a pastor in southern Maryland.

In what significant way did pastoring change over the course of your ministry?

Sometime in the early years of the 21st century, I noticed a chasm developing in the congregations I served. This chasm was spurned by both theological and political differences. Members who at one time had friendly relationships began having heated arguments over their differences. Some left the church, while others decided to agree to disagree and love each other for who they are. 

The other change occurred this spring with the closing of the churches due to Covid-19. Learning to be the church remotely and virtually was definitely a change for all of us! 

What words of advice and wisdom would you share with someone just entering the ministry?

The process of self-evaluation after meetings, worship services, preaching, and interactions with individuals is very important. Ask yourself, "Why did I do what I did?" or "Why did I say what I said?" or "Did I do my best?" or "What could I have done or said that might have been more effective?" Sit and meditate with these questions. The Spirit will guide you to the answers. Test your answers with a mentor or spiritual guide. Their insight into the process of self-evaluation is valuable to growth as a pastor.

Also, when people in the church "act out" (and they will; they will say and do things that are hurtful to you or to others), usually there is something askew in their life. They act out because the church for them can be a safe place to unload their pain even though they may do it in unhealthy ways. Their acting out can be a cry for help. When incidents like this occurred, I contacted the person and asked them out for a coffee or lunch. During the conversation, I was usually able to fish out the underlying issue that caused the acting out. Then we were able to work together on the issue, as well as identify that apologies and even reconciliations were needed.

Are there any other thoughts you would like to share with the people of the Baltimore-Washington Conference?

The church will change because of COVID-19. My hope and prayer is that because we have experienced how to be the church outside the church building, we will continue to find new and creative ways to be the church that shares God's love, peace, and justice in our neighborhoods and communities.