Living up to our reputation
The blessing-curse of a reputation is that we tend to live up to it.
More Stories from this Author
Pool of available ministers mismatched to churches’ needs
Numbers don’t show everything, but sometimes the big statistical picture can help explain some churches’ leadership matching dilemmas.
Obama’s faith-based council still finding its footing
WASHINGTON — Advisers tapped to help guide the White House’s revamped faith-based office say their role is still evolving as the initiative expands its portfolio and tries to find its footing in the young Obama administration.
Yes you CAN teach, lead, and facilitate
You’ve just hung up the phone and are shaking your head. Me teach Adult Church School? I don’t know enough to do that. I’m no expert on the Bible or theology. What were they thinking?”
Help for teachers: Supplemental resources for any curriculum
You’ve been asked to teach Sunday School or a Bible study in your church.
Developmentally appropriate Sunday School
As a Christian educator, the knowledge of human growth and faith developmental theories is imperative for writing appropriate lesson plans, crafting suitable sermons, and for best relating to your congregation.
Considering Christian Education through generational theory
Although published nearly 20 years ago, Generations by William Strauss and Neil Howe offers church leaders and educators a framework for understanding both those who are in and those who are out of our pews.
Home-grown faith
Family members may think that taking their children to Sunday School is their main act of Christian education, but what they do seven days a week is most critical.
To teach children and youth
What might a career educator say to teachers trying to find their way through a classroom of children or youth?
But will the children persevere?
Why is the Presbyterian Church losing members? The reason may be right in front of us but unrecognized because it is not theological and has little to do with the Culture Wars or politics.
A bit of reality for teachers of youth
I’m going to take the risky route and borrow from pop culture. Not too long ago I was “contemplating” life and faith, using a reality show as my “text.”
Reaching the digital natives
One of the mandates from last year’s General Assembly is to “grow the church deep and wide” in evangelism, discipleship, servanthood, and diversity.
Tips for teachers of adults
“The article is for people who are already teaching an adult class,” the editor said when he invited me to contribute an essay for this education issue of The Presbyterian Outlook.
It’s about God, from the very start
The slides are shaping up on your laptop computer.
Swimming at the deep end of the pool
For the past few weeks I’ve been teaching an adult Sunday school class in a local congregation.
The sacrament of study
Recently a rare event occurred in Judaism, a holiday that comes around only once in 28 years, Birchat HaChammah, the blessing of the sun, which, as Samuel Freedman of The New York Times said in his weekly religion column, is observed when “the sun moves into the same place in the sky at the same time and on the same day of the week as it did when God made it.”
Plain talk about Sunday School
At the risk of offending everyone, I’d like to talk plainly about Sunday School.
Film in review: “Star Trek”
“Star Trek” is the kind of prequel that you wish the last “Star Wars” could have been.
San Francisco Seminary announces budget cuts
San Francisco Theological Seminary — hard-hit by the economy — has announced $1.6 million in budget cuts, including a 22-percent reduction in staff and faculty positions.
Appeal filed in Lisa Larges ordination decision
Three ministers from San Francisco Presbytery are appealing a ruling from the Synod of the Pacific Permanent Judicial Commission in a case involving Lisa Larges, a lesbian who has fought for years to be ordained as minister by the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
Faith and Reason for Hope in “The Culture of Disbelief
This morning as I was on my treadmill doing an imitation of a hamster in pursuit of lower cholesterol scores, I listened..
Film in review: “The Soloist”
Based on a true story, “The Soloist” is about Steve Lopez (Robert Downey Jr.), a Los Angeles columnist, encountering a homeless man with a violin, and being unexpectedly moved by the technique, and the passion, of the musician.
Commentary: A Christian’s lament over the Pew torture poll
(ABP) -- Dear Jesus, Everyone seems to be talking about the poll put out last week by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life.
Jerusalem bishop urges Pope Benedict XVI to reject ‘occupation and violence’
(ENI) -- Although the Vatican is emphasizing that Pope Benedict XVI's visit to the Holy Land in May is a pilgrimage, Jerusalem Lutheran Bishop Munib Younan said the political aspect of the visit cannot be ignored.
Film in review: 17 Again
C’mon, admit it, the thought has occurred to you that you’d like to be 17 years old again. Maybe this time you’d try out for the track team, just to see what would happen.