On becoming ecclesial geologists: Family systems theory for faith leaders
My son is a Boy Scout, and we recently attended a scouting event that helps the boys earn their environmental merit badges...
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A compassionate church: Ministry at the intersection of faith and public life
I’ve heard many colleagues share how proud they are that they serve “purple” congregations where members from different sides of the political..
Dangling feet: The pay gap and the chancel chair
Guest commentary by Anna George Traynham I know I’m biased, but I think the church I serve is strikingly beautiful, with the dark..
Horses Speak Of God: How Horses Can Teach Us To Listen and Be Transformed
Laurie M. Brock Paraclete Press, 144 pages Reviewed by Jennifer Meyers As a teenager I rode my horse on a large network..
What’s right about Westminster By-The-Sea Presbyterian Church?
Westminster By-The-Sea Presbyterian Church — Daytona Beach Shores, Florida After reading Leslie Scanlon’s article about churches responding to the opioid epidemic (“Addiction and..
Confession and assurance at the border
Guest commentary by Jonathan Freeman This is my confession. Earlier this month I joined a delegation of fellow Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary..
Healing Our Broken Humanity: Practices for Revitalizing the Church and Renewing the World
Grace Ji-Sun Kim and Graham Hill IVP Books, 208 pages Reviewed by Rachel Cheney Starting conversations about change can be uncomfortable in..
Advent, pregnancy and the spirituality of bodily functions
Guest commentary by Abbi Heimach-Snipes I am experiencing an Advent like no other. Pregnant with my first child, I’m past my due..
Vital music ministries at healthy churches
What does a vital music ministry look like in a healthy church? It is my belief that a vital music ministry has..
Jeffrey Myers
“We’ve got to stop hate and it can’t just be to say we need to stop hate. We need to do, we..
On the South’s racial crisis (60 years ago)
60 years ago — December 8, 1958 In November 1957 a group of Atlanta ministers signed a statement dealing with integration and..
A Presbyterian prophet of black power: The witness of Gayraud S. Wilmore
American Presbyterians have an imperfect history regarding racial justice, but in the 20th century they took some courageous stands. While white people..
#LoveKnowsNoBorders: The privilege, people and power of nonviolent protest
Guest commentary by Bruce Reyes-Chow “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink,..
A journey to faithful racial discomfort
The Christian tradition has always been home to human evils that divide and destroy. The Crusades of the Middle Ages, chattel slavery..
Roots Matter: Healing History, Honoring Heritage, Renewing Hope
Paula Owens Parker Pickwick Publications, 224 pages Reviewed by Karen Branan Why did my mother get so upset when I asked simple..
Johnson C. Smith Theological Seminary: History, impact, future
Johnson C. Smith Theological Seminary originated in 1867 in Charlotte, North Carolina, as the Freedmen’s Institute of North Carolina. It was established..
She dared to say yes: A reflection on Katie Geneva Cannon
The history of African-American Presbyterians – and, yes, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) – must acknowledge the transformative life and ministry of..
Catching our breath: Judaism, Presbyterianism and Pittsburgh
Guest commentary by Robert McCutcheon I was baptized in 1951 into Pittsburgh’s 6th United Presbyterian Church, now Eastminster; my introduction to the city’s..
What’s right about Community of Pilgrims Presbyterian Fellowship?
Community of Pilgrims Presbyterian Fellowship — Portland, Oregon Much attention this past summer was given to the plight of adults crossing our..
Cory Booker
“The life of Jesus is very impactful to me and very important to me. He lived a life committed to dealing with..
Sister of the robe (Sisterhood of the Traveling Robe)
“When you belong to this church family, the family you belong to is bigger than just this church.” That’s how I start..
A way forward for Advent carolers?
Guest commentary by Will Berger I've spent the better part of my 25 years in Nashville being a preacher/musician and a musician/preacher...
In life and in death (The Sisterhood of the Traveling Robe)
“From dust you were formed and to dust you will return” It was Ash Wednesday, and the crowd was small since it..
Meetings with Remarkable Manuscripts: Twelve Journeys into the Medieval World
Christopher de Hamel Penguin Press, 640 pages. Reviewed by Karen R. Dukes Many experts have attempted to write about their field of..
A mother in the pulpit: A letter (Sisterhood of the Traveling Robe)
Dear Mary Eliza and Teddy, You know that mommy is a pastor and you have seen me in my robe. Especially you,..