Early in my ministry I recieved a gift.  I moved to Vidalia FUMC to serve as the associate pastor.  Upon arrival I was invited to a weekly clergy peer group (lectionary based) that was hosted by Father Ron Southerland, the local Episcopal priest.  It included Ron, three Methodist, a Presbyterian, and even a couple of Baptist (lectionary wasn't much of a Baptist thing and neither was the earthiness of Ron).  I had just finished seminary, but it was there I really got an education, an education in life, ministry, and friendship.
     Ron Southerland died this week.  He was a gift in our lives.  I still quote him after twenty years.  He taught me early on the value of leaders being mentored by other leaders.  Ron's group was place to learn and laugh.  He taught us to not take ourselves too seriously, but to always take the proclamation of the Word with seriousness.  Ministry is a lonely business and something noone really fully understands unless they do it.  We need a place to share ideas, struggles, hopes, and frustrations, a place to learn and laugh (and maybe cry).  A group like this is not easy to find or be faithful to, but there is no substitute for it.  For the last five years I've been a part of another group (an S3 group).  It too is a gift in my life for which I am eternally thankful.
    If you aren't part of a clergy peer group, you are deprived of one of the greatest gifts to your ministry and life, and will undoubtedly miss an opportunity to grow and "get better" (in every way).  In the Statesboro District a couple of us meet here in the office on Wednesday mornings at 8:30, if you need a group, you're invited.
     So here is to you Ron Southerland, thanks for a gift that has lasted a lifetime and beyond!

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