You Had to Be There

Unless you have been on the front lines of ministry, sharing stories of one’s experiences often end with “You had to be there . . .” in response to the blank looks you get when answering the question, “What’s it like to be in ministry?” This collection of illustrated vignettes about life on the front lines of ministry will strike a chord of familiarity with those in the trenches. Both clergy and lay leaders may recognize themselves in these illustrated tales.

This collection of cartoons about life in ministry and church is the result of one manic weekend. Through the unlikely encouragement of friends, former students, and colleges on Facebook and the wonderfully supportive community that is Sketch Club (shout out to the brilliant Blackpawn!), these things just kept going.
Thanks to all who encouraged the flow—you’re as much to blame for this. Many will find the experiences depicted here familiar. For others not embedded in church or ministry, all we can say is, “You had to be there.”

The sketches were all done digitally using the Sketch Club app on an iPad. Most took about seven to 20 minutes. Sometimes people ask me how I can draw so quickly. Sometimes the best answer is, “You just have to know where to draw the lines.”