Chapter 23: Travel and Ministry

As a Church ministry trainee, cantor, chorister and conference speaker I've clocked up my fair share of travel hours and expenses. Reducing my travel and accommodation costs, and my travel hours, to a minimum, means I can devote more funds to local Church work and causes. But at the same time, taking part in retreats and conferences plays a part in coordinating and focusing our ministries regionally and globally. The maxim "think global, act local" holds true in Church ministry as long as we don't indulge in the kind of hubris (pride) that puts us out of touch with local grass roots issues. Integrating regional and international Church consultations and debates with local ministry and worship, seems to be one of the most important skills for effective Church ministry today. Trainee ministers would benefit from advice on how best to balance these tasks in their particular situation, and reducing travel costs to a minimum is an important part of this.