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6 Questions and a Cup of Coffee
with...
Jerusalem Jackson Greer
1. Can you describe your call to ministry?
Do you mean when I was called or what I was called too? To answer the first part, I was born into a ministry family. Almost every man on my father's side (including my dad) were/are ministers. My Nana, my father's mother and my own mother were also extremely involved in ministry, especially my Nana. She was incredibly dedicated to and knowledgeable in the areas of Children's Ministry, Women's Ministry and Women in Ministry. As a Southern Baptist, living in the Bible Belt in the 50's, 60's, and 70's, there weren't a lot of official ministry options for women, but Nana managed to stretch the boundaries as far as she could without rocking the boat. All of this is to say that ministry is in my blood, in my DNA. I never considered a life that did not, in some way, include being in ministry. While I never had a single "called" moment, what I did have was a lifetime of training and a deeply rooted desire to be a part of both church work and the work of the church.
Right now the ministry context I am serving in is a Minister to Children, Youth, and Families at St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Conway, Arkansas. My gift and passion is to connect the rhythm of everyday life to the timeless wisdom of sacred scripture and tradition through formation experiences. I also serve as a writer and speaker, helping others (families, individuals, congregations and faith expressions) learn how to do this in their own context.
2. What is the best part of your ministry now?
The best part of my ministry right now is twofold. One, it is the intergenerational work we are doing at St. Peter's. The way we are making strides to bring children and families into deeper formation and worship experiences through relationships with other church members. Secondly, I am loving the work I get to do with progressive evangelical communities that are looking to dig deeper into sacred traditions. I like to joke that because I was raised Baptist and am now Episcopalian, that I am bi-lingual. I speak both languages and love to translate for the other.
3. What is one fact about you that would surprise people?
That I keep a very messy closet? Oh, no I know what it is. I have a strong dislike for the color purple, that was challenging when writing a book all about celebrating the Liturgical Year at home! If feels very scandalous to be a liturgical person who doesn't like a major color in the year!
4. What are three people Christian Educators need to keep their eye on?
Jessica Bejot in Sun Valley, Idaho, who is a wealth of ideas and information on formation at home and child development
Samantha Haycock, in Fayetteville, Arkansas, who is doing amazing social justice and sexuality work
Melissa Cooper in Orlando, Florida, who is literally going to write the book intergenerational ministry that we all need to read.
5. What are some of your favorite resources?
Is it bad to say Pinterest? It is still my go-to first stop when I am looking for ideas and inspiration. The Catholic and Orthodox communities are so far ahead of us in sharing creative ways to practice faith at home, and I am always inspired by what they are doing. Also, Grow Christians and Building Faith are great spaces as well. Also look up Forma on Facebook - their page is a great place to ask questions and get feedback on issues.
6. How can we pray for you?
My
second book
was recently released. I would love prayers that it finds its way into the hands of people who need it most: those who are having trouble making peace with the life they have, and who are instead always chasing greener grass, when in fact, the grass under their feet just needs some TLC.
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Contact Us
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CENetwork of the ELCA
(formerly LACE)
P.O. Box 9304
Rochester, MN 55903
Phone messages may be left at
(507) 721-0057
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Prayer Pause
Gracious God,
Keep watch over us as we travel for vacations during the summer months. Send your Spirit to be with us who are planning for Vacation Bible School. Guide our various congregations to be your hands and feet in this world.
Amen.
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Our Facebook group continues to grow with over
1,000 members!
Our next Facebook Party is
Tuesday, June 20
8:00 p.m.
Topic: Ministry Evaluation
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Christian Education Network of the ELCA
Vision Statement
Building a community which equips, encourages, and empowers those engaged in lifelong faith formation in a changing world by:
- Providing resources and educational opportunities
- Facilitating communication and conversation
- Offering networking, idea sharing, and mutual support
- Nurturing spiritual growth
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In addition to being a Minister, I am also a writer and speaker. I live with my husband and two sons in Arkansas and am the author of 
