When you roll into a new decade of life, people start asking if you feel whatever your age is. The answer for me is yes. I feel 40. My driver’s license still says I’m 4’11”, but I’m reminded at every check-up that I’m steadily shrinking. Besides my compressing spine and forehead wrinkles, I have muchContinue reading “At 40: Shrinking in Height, Growing in Grace”
Author Archives: Michelle Altilio Perez
Shepherding the Wounded: Guiding Those Hurt by Church Experiences (Part 3)
This post continues our discussion of the biblical shepherd-and-sheep metaphor and its connection to church hurt. If you missed the first post or the second post, I encourage you to read them first and then return here. Today, we’ll explore how faithful shepherds (pastors, ministry leaders, small group leaders, etc.) can lovingly guide and careContinue reading “Shepherding the Wounded: Guiding Those Hurt by Church Experiences (Part 3)”
The Flock That’s Been Hurt: Recognizing and Caring for Wounded Believers (Part 2)
This is the second post in a series on shepherds, sheep, and church hurt. If you missed yesterday’s post, I encourage you to read it first and then return here. Today, we’ll take a close look at the sheep part of this biblical metaphor. Identifying Wounded Sheep When I took this photo of my daughterContinue reading “The Flock That’s Been Hurt: Recognizing and Caring for Wounded Believers (Part 2)”
Wounded but Not Lost: Understanding Church Wounds and How to Heal (Part 1)
When it comes to healing from spiritual hurt, there’s no better guide than the Good Shepherd Himself. Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep” (John 10:11). In His words and actions, we see what true servant leadership looks like. In this series of posts, we’llContinue reading “Wounded but Not Lost: Understanding Church Wounds and How to Heal (Part 1)”
Lent, Baptism, and the Mystery of Life and Death in Christ
Stuff I Learned in Seminary Lent has begun, and as I continue the series, Stuff I Learned in Seminary, I’d like to share a study from my Biblical Interpretation class. We’ll explore two key words in Colossians 3:1-4—ἀπεθάνετε, meaning “died,” (ἀποθνῄσκω / apothnḗiskō in its lexical form) and ζωή (zóē), meaning “life.” Understanding these wordsContinue reading “Lent, Baptism, and the Mystery of Life and Death in Christ”
Diversified Giving Portfolio
A Heartfelt & Strategic Approach to Giving I’m an artsy type, and I tend to make decisions with my emotions. When I see a need that tugs at my heart, I think, Yes! Let’s help! Planning, strategizing, and big-picture thinking? Not exactly my strong suit. Fortunately, my husband is both creative and logical, and heContinue reading “Diversified Giving Portfolio”
Reflections After Christmas
The Gospel of Luke, Poverty, and the Birth of Jesus This post was inspired by an assignment I wrote during seminary for a class on the Gospels. Now that the Christmas decorations are coming down and there’s nothing but crumbs in the cookie tins, it’s a good time to reflect on what Luke’s Gospel revealsContinue reading “Reflections After Christmas”
Sharing is Caring: Stuff I Learned In Seminary
If there’s one thing seminary guaranteed, it’s that I did a whole lot of writing. Research papers, theological reflections, and more citations than I care to count—it’s been a journey! Now that I’ve graduated, I thought it might be helpful to share some of what I’ve learned with you. Over the next few posts, I’llContinue reading “Sharing is Caring: Stuff I Learned In Seminary”
Lo Hicimos–We Did It
…and I can’t get Dora the Explorer’s celebration song out of my head. I’m overjoyed to share that I’ve officially graduated from seminary with a Master of Arts in Ministry! This milestone is one I’ve dreamed about for years, and reaching it has been both humbling and rewarding. Balancing seminary studies with work and familyContinue reading “Lo Hicimos–We Did It”
Focus & Procrastination: The Struggle is Real
When I first started seminary, I was all set on pursuing a degree in Biblical Studies. But somewhere along the way I realized that I’m drawn to working with people more than mastering ancient biblical languages. Don’t get me wrong, Greek and Hebrew are fascinating! I just stink at memorizing, and I’m going to takeContinue reading “Focus & Procrastination: The Struggle is Real”
Michelle Perez 