Lessons from a worker-pastor
For 20 years, N. Barry Dancy has balanced being a part-time pastor and tractor-trailer driver. He believes dual employment could be key to the future of small churches.
Latest Posts
A call to courage: The Atwood Institute’s stand against gun violence
The inaugural Atwood Institute for Congregational Courage met in New Mexico last week, creating a well-resourced community for Christians wishing to end gun violence.
2024 Advent devotional recommendations
Wade through the overwhelming number of Advent resources with Amy Pagliarella's help.
Why the ultimate goal — in sports and life — is called a ‘Holy Grail’
Several important threads have combined over the centuries to give rise to the Holy Grail metaphor commonly used nowadays. — Joanne M. Pierce
How national parks taught us the art of slow travel
Karie Charlton and her husband Kurtis used their summer travel to engage mindfulness. "We aren't in a hurry," they would remind each other.
Solomon dedicates the Temple (September 8, 2024)
Rose Schrott Taylor writes about the gift of ceremony and prayer.
Order of worship — September 8, 2024
You are welcome to use this liturgy in your online worship services and distribute it to your congregation.
Disability Inclusion Sunday — Weekly Christian ed lesson
In this lesson, children will explore the story of Jesus healing Bartimaeus (Mark 10:46-52) and they’ll consider where and how God is calling them to enable inclusion of all God’s people in Christ’s church.
The False White Gospel: Rejecting Christian Nationalism, Reclaiming True Faith and Refounding Democracy
Wallis writes with urgency and passion, and his straightforward and anecdote-packed book is an accessible choice to inspire discussion (and activism) for such a time as this. — Amy Pagliarella
Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost — September 8, 2024
How quickly do I say “no” to people who don’t fit my criteria of those who deserve my help, asks Teri McDowell Ott?
Upcoming canonization of “Millennial saint” Carlo Acutis reflects the Vatican’s desire to appeal to a new generation of Catholics
The Italian teenager Carlo Acutis, who died in 2006 of a rare form of leukemia at age 15, will soon become the Catholic Church’s first “millennial saint.”
Prison drama ‘Sing Sing’ captures faith of the formerly incarcerated
Based on the real-life story of an arts program, the film follows inmates who form a theater troupe while serving their sentences, processing their emotions through musical performance and acting.
A hunter’s reflection on creation and connection
Why does one animal sleep in my bed while the other winds up on my grill? Tony Jones, a hunter and dog owner, investigates this paradox.
Divine Generosity: The Scope of Salvation in Reformed Theology
Mouw encourages us to think that – just maybe – divine mercy is more generous than our human capacity can conceive. — Blake I. Campbell
The Amen Effect: Ancient Wisdom to Mend Our Broken Hearts And World
(Brous) relays a common exchange with parishioners. “Can’t I just grieve alone in my home? people often ask. No, says the tradition, you can’t, because no one should walk alone through the Valley of the Shadow of Death.” — Emily McGinley
A back-to-school prayer for congregations
Elizabeth H. Doolin pens a call-and-response prayer for children, caregivers, teachers and all those who living through back-to-school days.
Would Jesus park in a bike lane? For Philadelphia churches, it’s a real question
A dispute over weekend parking in bike lanes has left Presbyterian churches and other inner-city congregations dealing with an urban dilemma in Philadelphia.
The slow fade of denominational publishing
Shrinking churches means the market for Christian print resources diminishes, too.
Invested Faith Awards 12th Class of Fellows
These five social innovators are working to address systemic issues of injustice in their communities while building sustainable financial models.
Knife: Meditations After an Attempted Murder
Salman Rushdie writes about surviving an attempt on his life 30 years after the fatwa that was ordered against him.
2025 Advent devotional recommendations
Discover the best Advent devotionals for 2025. From contemplative guides to churchwide studies, Amy Pagliarella offers resources for faith, reflection, and growth.
Firstfruits of God’s creatures — Weekly Christian ed lesson
In this lesson, children will explore James 1:17-20 and will practice and wonder about how they might listen more than they speak and develop the ability to anger slowly.
Order of worship — September 1, 2024
You are welcome to use this liturgy in your online worship services and distribute it to your congregation.
Unification Commission votes to sunset governing boards for PMA and OGA on Dec. 31
Commissioners will take on the governance functions of the Committee on the Office of the General Assembly and Presbyterian Mission Agency Board.
Altars and thresholds (September 1, 2024)
Rose Schrott Taylor writes how Abraham responds to God's presence.
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