Afriyie Maxine Huie dances. Ashley Armistead runs. Carvel Bennett teaches. This is how they spend much for their time. The wonder of movement and music together brings Huie joy. When life is stressful, Armistead puts on her running shoes. The physical activity helps clear the clutter of senseless noise so she can hear the work of the Holy Spirit. And Carvel Bennett loves to learn and to ask questions. As it turns out, these are the very things that God uses within them to help them reach out to others. So instead of using words, they use these talents and gifts to preach their sermons to those they know day in and day out. These are their stories. The courage to dance Most Sunday mornings, Afriyie Maxine Huie begins her worship of God by dancing into the sanctuary at First Afrikan Presbyterian Church in Lithonia, Georgia, outside of Atlanta. She is the co-chair of the church’s worship dance team, Tamba Issa. She has been a member for 16 years, and is a ruling … [Read more...]

The great Baptist theologian Carlyle Marney used the phrase “a priest at every elbow.” Marney was emphasizing a key theological insight in the theology of Martin Luther and the 16th-century Protestant Reformation: the priesthood of all believers. This was a crucial perception for Luther. It is the vision that all Christians are priests. We are priests to each other. All Christians are priests The phrase may sound strange to Presbyterian ears. We are used to knowing Roman Catholic priests and Episcopal priests — and they are clergy. Priests hold a revered place in these traditions. They often wear clerical garb that visibly distinguishes them from lay members of the church. Like all clergy, priests are recognized by their “callings” to become church leaders. They have pursued a “vocation” or calling. This has set them apart for their special work in ministry. So it may jar us a bit to hear that we are all – all Christians – priests! It was jarring in the 16th century when Luther … [Read more...]