The RunninRev
The RunninRev
TO BUILD COMMUNITY RELATIONSHIPS THROUGH RUNNING AND SELF-CARE
TO BUILD COMMUNITY RELATIONSHIPS THROUGH RUNNING AND SELF-CARE


COMMUNITY
We are created to be in community with one another. Community is what supports us when we are low, celebrates our highs, and is a constant point of gathering in our lives. While the people in our community may change expressions of community are the constant to drive us forward.
Building community is one of my great passions because I have recognized how the nature of community can help us grow in faith. Community is the primary focus of my vision because of this nature of growth.
Building Community Through:

FAITH
As a pastor in the United Methodist Church, I seek to build “Christian community” by serving as a leader in the local community. I am currently serving in Suffolk, Va at Beech Grove United Methodist Church. We see God calling us to be “a visible church without walls, strengthening our community by connecting resources to needs through partnerships.”

SELF-CARE
When faced with vocational burnout, I wanted to explore what it meant to truly care for myself, so that I could better care for those God entrusted in my care. As a self-care advocate I seek to build community through writing and podcasting to develop a theology of self-care. In working with others, we can grow and learn better manners and rituals to care for ourselves as well as better care for others.

RUNNING
As a lifelong runner, I have experienced the benefit that running in community can offer. I love to gather with other runners and share stories, experiences, and even some miles together. I seek to build community to help make our community stronger by being active together. No matter your pace or ability there is always a place for everyone.

Andrew Ware
Pastor, Advocate, Coach
Andrew is a pastor in the United Methodist Church serving Beech Grove UMC in Suffolk, Va. He is also an advocate for clergy health and helping clergy avoid burnout. Equally important, Andrew leads churches to recognize their roles in God’s Kingdom as beacons of hope and grace in the world. Andrew advocates for self-care and self-worth as manners of living into the Great Commandments.
For the Joy of Running: Building Community
When I came back to Hampton Roads I wasn’t sure what to expect from the running community. However, I found an uplifting place to get involved.
Why Suffering: Why Bad Things Happen and The Unending Love of God
We always wonder why suffering happens. Join this journey as we unpack the experience of suffering, and more importantly how we respond to it.
For All The Saints: All Saint’s Sunday
9 After this I looked, and there was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, robed in white, with palm branches in their hands. 10 They...
Wicked Weird Running: A Much Needed Mental Reset
It was a weird week leading to my running of the J&A Racing Wicked 10k. However, sometimes the weirdness of things that happen is just the reset we need.
Moving in God’s Creation: Reflections from a Soul-Care Retreat
Walking as a spiritual movement can be a great gift. I invite you to walk at your own pace, engage as you wish, and connect with God’s creation. Embrace the joy of movement and the sense of renewal that comes with it. Take a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life and let the spirit within guide your steps.
Is Heaven Real: Questions of Faith
I unpack the nature of heaven, w reflecting on the already/not yet promise given by Christ in the gospels, and examinig John’s prophecy in Revelation 21.
Putting the FE in Iron: A Life and Running Update
Aside from my physical injury history, extensive but most self-inflicted, I feel like I have led a mostly healthy life. The primary disorders I experience are typically mental in nature (ie. Anxiety and ADHD). However, I have always been very attuned to how the body...
Fall in Love with Running
Fall is my favorite season of the year. I am a cooler weather runner, and if you have ever seen me running around or a picture of me post-run you may realize why. As a heavy sweater, running in warmer temps is the worst. When the temperature and the dew point are high...
Active Faith Podcast: Friends For the Journey – Monday Meditation
15 So she said, “Look, your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and to her gods; return after your sister-in-law.” 16 But Ruth said, “Do not press me to leave you, to turn back from following you! Where you go, I will go; where you lodge, I will lodge; your...
Our Vow – Dear Church: A Letter to Beech Grove UMC
12 As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. 13 Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must...
My Daughter and The World Cup: Seeing is Believing
I Love Sports I just wrapped up watching the Women’s World Cup, and it was an awesome World Cup (despite the United States getting bounced in the Round of 16). However, the best part of this whole tournament was that it was something that I shared with my daughter....
ACTIVE FAITH PODCAST: Happy In Labor – Monday Meditation
Reflection on the later part of Ecclesiastes 3. As we observe Labor Day, we look at what it takes to be “happy in labor,” that is enjoy our vocations. This work cannot happen though without self-care and without opportunities for this to happen in the midst of our vocation. This is the very activism that has led to Labor Day.