The order in which we list things matters a great deal—especially when we are talking about who we are. For this site, let me offer this ordering: I am a writer, poet, photographer, theologian, father, husband, academic, pastor, and administrator. I love to write and am grateful to have won a couple of writing awards for columns written in the Christian Courier (Canadian Christian Communicators in 2001 and Word Guild Awards in 2020).
I only wish I could put “administrator” last in every description of myself! However, since I am Principal of The Presbyterian College, Montreal, most days I am first and foremost an administrator, then a teacher and a pastor.
In addition to this list of roles I fill, there is another list I could offer—a list of things I’m interested in. This could be a long list, but here’s a start: birds, wildflowers, ideas, poetry, circuses, philosophers, fashion, creation…
Prior to serving at The Presbyterian College (where I’ve been for 10 years, first as Director of Pastoral Studies, then as Principal), I was pastor of Kensington Presbyterian Church for seven years. I helped lead the congregation through a significant period of transformation and renewal.
My PhD thesis (McGill University) explored a theological ethics of sexual difference by way of the writings of Luce Irigaray and Søren Kierkegaard. It was published by Pickwick Publications with the short title Becoming Two in Love.
Also, a copy of my CV is here.
Among my publications is this piece piece in Modern Theology, on wonder between woman and man, and this piece in Esprit Créateur on a theology of hospitality. And this more recent piece on Christ as guest.
The title of this blog, ‘encrusted words’, is taken from a poem by Margaret Avison (entitled ‘Uncircular’ and published in her Concrete and Wild Carrot). The title is a reminder how quickly words (in which a preacher has a significant investment) quickly become encrusted and stale. The poet writes: Among us, Jesus found/encrusted words and structures;/he washed and brushed them clean. For a helpful look at Avison’s poetry, and its relation to ministry, see an article by my friend Alex, published in the Presbyterian Record.
encrusted words 
Leave a comment