A recent personal experience affirms my observation that congregations won't thrive unless they have a consistent and extensive calling ministry, led by clergy who value calling more than attending meetings and doing judicatory business.
If the 1970s were the “Me Generation“ years and the 80s called “The Decade of Greed,” and the 90s the “Decade of dot.coms,” what about the 00s – what BBC dubbed the “noughties”? What lies ahead for people of faith as they do mission in the ensuing twenty-teens?
Early results of Christmas retail sales contained important information for faith communities.
As 2010 passes the baton to 2011, we take a few moments to look back, to wring our hands over the year’s disappointments, to lift holy hands in praise for the year’s triumphs.
One challenge in nurturing a “multichannel church” is to ban “one-size-fits-all” thinking.
The church was beautifully adorned with poinsettias and greens, and the Advent wreath was fully lighted, including the candle in the center, which stands for Jesus.
In all due respect to John Buchanan, my Presbyterian ministerial and editorial-writing colleague serving in the Windy City, when I hear the name Ernie Banks, I don’t immediately think of the shortstop and first baseman known as “Mr. Cub.” Sure, that Banks was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1977.
The November 2 mid-term elections offer many lessons. Both major parties will be sifting the results.
The local folks happened to be the first to cast their votes, so I showed up to observe.
As congregations diversify their ministries, they want to pay special attention to the many tools and opportunities available online. This means Facebook and Twitter, but far more than such social media tools. It means a solid Web site, but used in new ways.
I am a Christmas music nut. When the season rolls around, I overdose on the stuff on my car stereo and boom..
Editor’s Note: Providing editorial commentary in this 2010 Fall Book issue is Roy W. Howard, pastor of St. Mark Church in Rockville, Md., and Outlook book editor.
Time to break through denial.
BALTIMORE – What is the future in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) of presbyteries and synods?
The old-timers, they are a-changin’. At least they’re dismantling stereotypes of the golden years. Good for them. Good for all of us.
Why can’t American Christians be more like Koreans? Why can’t they honor and learn from their older adult family members the way the Koreans do?
When you consider moving to a Multichannel Church operation — going beyond Sunday morning to add off-site, online, and other weekday ministries — you can expect at least six objections.
Greetings from University of the Ozarks in sunny, downtown Clarksville, Ark.
A friend and I were having lunch at a fabled restaurant in New York's Grand Central Terminal, when the eatery’s famous owner came out of the kitchen, trailed by two acolytes, and took an adjacent table.
Editor's note: This is a response to the post-General Assembly Outlook article, " Assembly approves removal of fidelity, chastity; presbyteries to vote..
Why in the world would you set aside a whole month to appreciate your pastor? How many of us — other than athletes and actors — hear “well done” on the way out of work each week … from a whole group of people … and after only an hour’s work?
Social media like Facebook and Twitter are changing our world, including how faith communities function. Opportunities abound to use them as a ministry communications tool.
Editor's note: Bruce Gillette, co-pastor of Limestone Church in Wilmington, Del., wrote the following reflection upon hearing about the recent death of Frances Paschal Landers and on the Christian imperative to see and serve the world's most needful.
The Park51 Islamic center (inaccurately called the Ground Zero mosque) controversy has constructed the ultimate caricature of caricatures.
Once, on a reporting assignment, I flew into Bismarck, North Dakota, just before winter’s brutal assault.
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