Author Archives: Norman Bendroth

About Norman Bendroth

Norman Bendroth is a Professional Transition Specialist certified by the Interim Ministry Network. He has served as a settled pastor in two United Church of Christ congregations and as a Sr. Interim pastor in seven other UCC congregations. He was also an executive for three different non-profit agencies. He has had additional training in Mediation Skills for Church Leaders from the Lombard Mennonite Peace Center and training in Appreciative Inquiry from the Clergy Leadership Institute. Rev. Bendroth has the M.Div. from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and his D. Min. from Andover Newton Theological school where he concentrated on theology and systems theory. He is married to Peggy Bendroth and has two adopted Amerasian children.

Lenten Bending

Posted on February 22, 2015 by Norman Bendroth

LENT, is a time to look clearly at ourselves and our world to see where we are growing and where we are not living as fully as God intends. This reflection invites us to consciously make some changes in our … Continue reading →

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What business are we in?

Posted on January 22, 2015 by Norman Bendroth

Churches are primarily, if not exclusively, in the people business. We gather, organize, and manage people to help them grow into faithful disciples of Jesus Christ. Others might argue, well that’s beautiful idealism, pastor, but the church is still a … Continue reading →

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Remember your baptism and be grateful

Posted on January 9, 2015 by Norman Bendroth

This Sunday we will have an opportunity to renew our baptismal vows. At a point in the service I will ask those of you who wish to come forward to the baptismal font. There I will place water on your … Continue reading →

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Blue Christmas

Posted on December 21, 2014 by Norman Bendroth

December 21st was the longest night of the year. Many churches host what is called Blue Christmas or a Longest Night Service for there are those for whom Christmas is not very merry. It might be the first Christmas without … Continue reading →

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A VETERAN’S DAY PRAYER

Posted on November 11, 2014 by Norman Bendroth

Today I had the privilege of participating in Veteran’s Day ceremonies at the town common. I was asked to offer the closing prayer and this is what I prayed. I invite you to offer this or a similar prayer as … Continue reading →

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Thanksliving

Posted on October 20, 2014 by Norman Bendroth

A spiritual practice I have taken up in recent years is maintaining a gratitude journal. On many mornings during my morning devotional time I list three things for which I’m grateful that day. It might be the radiant red of … Continue reading →

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What is Interim Ministry?

Posted on September 16, 2014 by Norman Bendroth

Some of you have wondered why do we need an Interim Minister? If my company needs a CEO, they hire a head hunter and we have someone in three months. But a church and a business are not parallel organizations. … Continue reading →

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 Norman B. Bendroth, his brother There’s a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die…a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear … Continue reading →

Posted on February 23, 2014 by Norman Bendroth | Leave a comment

Inflatable Christmas

Posted on December 13, 2013 by Norman Bendroth

One of the signs that Christmas is approaching that warms my heart like a heat and serve roll are the cheap vinyl inflatable decorations that adorn either side of our house. To our right is a lovely young family who … Continue reading →

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Retail Evangelist

Posted on October 4, 2013 by Norman Bendroth

Retail evangelist What I learned selling shoes The Christian Century, Sep 23, 2013 by Norman B. Bendroth One year when I was between interim gigs I became a sales associate at Macy’s. I’d be a natural, I thought, and so I … Continue reading →

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