Jeff Seaton

Rev. Dr. Jeff Seaton is an author, leadership consultant, and pastor.

A graduate of Duke University’s Doctor of Ministry program, Jeff has a keen interest in how mainline churches adapt to the challenges of contemporary culture.

In Who’s Minding the Story? Jeff explores the Protestant mainline’s responses to secularization since the 1960s in light of Charles Taylor’s A Secular Age.

As a ‘Church Doctor’ Jeff enjoys helping congregations and their leaders find their purpose.

Consulting

For information on my consulting practice, click on Consulting.

How to buy the book

Visit the How to Buy the Book page to get your copy!

Blog posts

Can We Stop Talking About “Us”?

Who's Minding the Story? Posted on by

Something that has been a bugbear for me for a while now is the use of “us” and “our” language by churches. You know the kind of thing I mean: 

    • “We welcome you to join us for worship at 10”
    • “Join us for coffee after the service”
    • “Please join our Facebook page/newsletter list”
    • “Our ministry is supported by your gifts”

Such language is meant to sound invitational and inclusive, but in reality it functions as a boundary marker: “us” on one side of the boundary, and “you” on the other. Whenever we invite you to do something with or for us, the boundary is reinforced. Continue reading →

There and Back Again

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A few years ago I found myself in the throes of a mid-life crisis combined with the effects of burnout — mental, physical, and spiritual exhaustion. In the years prior, I had completed a Doctor of Ministry degree while working … Continue reading →

At Juno Beach

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The following is a piece I wrote after visiting Juno Beach in the summer of 2010. Yesterday, we walked Juno Beach, where the Canadians landed on D-Day. As we walked, the wind washed over my ears like the waves washing … Continue reading →

What’s Missing?

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I remember the last Sunday before the suspension of in-person worship back in March. I remember remaining on my knees at the altar rail after receiving the host—the common cup had been suspended the week before—and getting choked up.  Or … Continue reading →