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My Working Paper: beyond the Mule’s Path

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Abstract

In a handful of paragraphs and three unpublished sermons, Howard Thurman details the characteristics of the working paper—a living document that is guided by an audacious goal, governs daily practice, and is rooted in a deep commitment to God. This brief article chronicles the author’s personal and professional journey to develop his own working paper and provides a working version of his living document.

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Notes

  1. For more on the perils of maceration, see Bonnie J. Miller-McLemore’s “Contemplation in the Midst of Chaos: Contesting the Maceration of the Theological Teacher” (2001, p. 53).

  2. Simon Sinek’s widely viewed “Start with Why” 2009 TED talk (https://www.ted.com/talks/simon_sinek_how_great_leaders_inspire_action?language=en) has deeply shaped my differentiation of my why (vision) from my what (mission) and my who and where (objective). For much of my professional life, I framed my vocation around the audience and creating the space. Until late July 2019, I had only a vague notion of mission and no conception of my audacious goal or my why. I reframed my commitment with a divinely inspired vision or “why” to view my life in the context of a larger whole.

References

  • Mays, B. E. (1969). The unattainable goal. InDisturbed about man (pp. xx–xx). Richmond: John Knox Press.

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  • Miller-McLemore, B. J. (2001). Contemplation in the midst of chaos: Contesting the maceration of the theological teacher. In G. L. Jones & S. Paulsell (Eds.), The scope of our art: The vocation of the theological teacher (pp. 48–74). Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans.

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  • Thurman, H. (1948, May 8). Your life’s working paper—Human relations. [unpublished sermon].

  • Thurman, H. (1954a, September 26). Your life’s working paper—Introduction. [unpublished sermon delivered at marsh chapel, Boston University].

  • Thurman, H. (1954b, October 10). Your life’s working paper—Commitment. [unpublished sermon delivered at marsh chapel, Boston University].

  • Thurman, H. (1963). Disciplines of the Spirit. Richmond: Friends United Press.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Candler School of Theology, Emory University, 1531 Dickey Drive, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA

    Gregory C. Ellison II

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  1. Gregory C. Ellison II
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Correspondence to Gregory C. Ellison II.

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Ellison, G.C. My Working Paper: beyond the Mule’s Path. Pastoral Psychol 69, 353–359 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11089-020-00921-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11089-020-00921-6

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