Quaker Religious Thought #137 features Robin Mohr’s article, “The Conflict is Inherent: A Quaker Theology of Vocational Ministry.” Mohr identifies three challenge of Quaker vocational ministry, defined by the tension between three dyads: volunteer vs. paid, mother/parent vs. minister, and the expectation that the minister has both prophetic and administrative gifts. She explains that there need not be conflict between these roles, but there often is tension and stress due to the minister’s and the Quaker organization’s expectations. Read her stories and insights when you subscribe here. She states:
“Being the lead employee of a Quaker institution is also like being a taxi driver. I have a responsibility to understand and clarify where the passengers want to go, to be sure there is gas in the tank and the repairs are done, some latitude to figure out the best route to get there, and then to make moment by moment course corrections, using my best judgment and informing the owners and the passengers as needed. In this role, I share what I see and know, from my training and experience with Friends in different places.”
—Robin Mohr
Quaker Religious Thought and Quaker Theological Discussion Group 