Elsa Anders Cook
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The Rise of the Consultant
I can’t remember when I first heard the term. I do remember how I felt about it when I heard that there was such a thing as a church consultant. It was not pleasant. I was of the impression that… Continue reading
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Sweet Baby Jesus
“But about that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father… Then two will be in the field; one will be taken and one will be left. Two women will be grinding… Continue reading
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How Grief Works
Since the news early Wednesday morning, a collective cry has arisen from my fellow Americans. Many have said that it feels like someone they have loved has died. In these first few days after the news hit, they feel numb.… Continue reading
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Prayers for Abundant Life
Though it has been a month since I’ve been in the pulpit, and I’ve even said no to a possibility for ministry, I will be preaching again this Sunday at Gower Christian Church. It is their church that is the… Continue reading
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Everything is New
Last week, I had an interview with a church seeking an interim pastor. I knew what would happen even before that meeting. I knew it because it’s what always happens. As I sat there talking to these faith-filled, hopeful people, I came… Continue reading
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Solitude on the Road
“Our language has wisely sensed the two sides of being alone. It has created the word loneliness to express the pain of being alone. And it has created the word solitude to express the glory of being alone. “ — Paul… Continue reading
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Half-Baked Ideas for All Saints Day
On Sunday, I went to church. I sat in the pews to worship. But, before worship even began, there was a wave of sadness that fell over that gathering of God’s people. There were words of thanks offered, gratitude for… Continue reading
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My Sexual Assault is More Than Locker Room Banter
Trigger Warning: The content of this post may be triggering for people who have experienced sexual assault. I was in college. I was drunker than I should have been—much drunker—and I was flirting with a boy. We kissed sloppily. One… Continue reading
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Prayer for the Election Season
Like so many others, I watched the Presidential Debate on Sunday night. I gritted my teeth and joined others in lamentation and dismay on Twitter. When the debate was nearly over, one of my friends confessed via group text that she’d… Continue reading









