Build Capacity for Fruit Bearing

Rev. Dr. Trey Carey shared his testimony at the Tennessee-Western Kentucky annual conference. He described the sacred space and the means of grace he experienced in his 2021 cohort. In response to the course, he developed “rhythms, rituals, and relationships” that he did not have before and that have enabled him to thrive professionally and personally following a time of discouragement and overwhelm.

Trey says that the most important thing he learned in the course is this: “At first it felt selfish to take time and energy and resources to take care of myself and my wellbeing. But then I came to realize that taking care of myself and being intentional about my wellbeing might just be the most selfless thing you will ever do—for your family, for your congregation, for the kingdom of God. Because what the kingdom needs is for you to be your best self.”

He closes by quoting Bishop Gregory Palmer, who proclaimed that: “Abiding creates capacity for fruitfulness.” This invitation—to abide in Christ—is kept constant by rhythms, rituals, and relationships—by habits of wellbeing. Trey says, “it is not that complicated; it is just hard.”

Check out Trey’s 10-minute video above and take time to reflect on what you want to be different this fall with regard to your rhythms, rituals, and relationships.