Strange Birds are leaders called to ministry but not necessarily to traditional pastoral ministry. We are chaplains, entrepreneurs, nonprofit executives, writers, teachers, church planters, consultants, retreat leaders, camp directors, artists, evangelists, missionaries, musicians, and a variety of other vocations rooted in the church and inspired by the church's Great Commission, but we often serve outside the traditional church.

Strange Birds are strange in that we represent a different kind of Christian leader. We enjoy engaging culture, mixing the sacred and the secular, and tapping gifts usually unassociated with the church.

We sometimes refer to ourselves as free agents, and we cherish that freedom. Yet often we feel isolated, even lonely. In low moments we might wonder: Did I hear the call right?

At times, the path of the Strange Bird is a difficult course - a journey that churches and traditional denominational structures are not well equipped to support or encourage. At other times, our ministry is encouraging, successful, and praiseworthy. We deserve to celebrate - and especially rejoice in the fact that we are not alone.

Purpose of the Gathering

The Gathering of Strange Birds is an opportunity for us to be in the company of kindred spirits. "How do I name this experience?" asked one participant, Donne Hayden, a nonprofit leader and student at Earlham School of Religion following the 2003 Gathering. "It was community; it was action; it was relationship; it was affirming and confirming of the sense that many kindred spirits exist and work toward similar goals without being aware of each other."

Over the four-day retreat, we enjoyed each other's presence and developed important friendships. We discovered a fellowship that understands the challenges and the joys of our callings. And we departed with blessings to continue the work that is ordained by God and is uniquely our own.

The next Gathering has not been scheduled yet. Stay tuned here for updates.

Conveners

Gathering conveners are the Rev. Debra Sutton, principal of Soul Etudes: Whole Person Studies, and the Rev. Daniel Pryfogle, principal of Signal Hill, a mission-driven consulting practice. Both are highly regarded for their work with individuals, congregations and faith-related organizations. And they are proud to call themselves Strange Birds!

Join an online discussion among Strange Birds.