The opportunity to practice the inclusivity of Jesus
"As rural people and leaders, we have both an opportunity and an obligation to both witness and testify to Jesus’ inclusive ministry," writes Phillip Blackburn.
Latest Posts
The Book of (More) Delights
In his new book of essays, New York Times best-selling author Ross Gay shows how delight and critical rage can coexist — and we are made better by attempting to hold both.
“Judgy” (October 1, 2023)
Divided churches have existed for millennia. British Hyrams looks at Paul's advice to a divided community in Romans 2.
Order of worship — October 1, 2023
You are welcome to use this liturgy in your online worship services and distribute it to your congregation.
Complaining to God — Weekly Christian ed lesson
In this lesson, children will explore the Israelites' complaints in Exodus 17:1-7 noticing how God responds to their concerns.
Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost — October 1, 2023
You can't argue anyone out of their fear. You have to love them out of it. That's what we are reminded of in Matthew 21, writes Teri McDowell Ott.
Birthing wonder in a pluralistic world
When wonder awakens, so does a connection to the most intimate ways in which we identify ourselves, our relationship to one another and with the Divine.
The stories we tell
Rose Schrott Taylor tours the Civil Rights Institute in Birmingham, Alabama, the day she learns about the death of Tyre Nichols. As a result, she reflects on the 60th anniversary of the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing, the stories we tell ourselves, and repeating patterns.
A “both/and” model of engagement
Vibrant, multifaith chaplaincy exists where there is a “both/and” model of engagement, Kelly Stone explains.
Reading for fun: Book crawls and Scholastic Book Fair vibes
When selecting books, Karie Charlton typically picks what she should be reading — usually a book for work. Whether it’s a book crawl or pretending she’s a kid at a Scholastic Book Fair, here are some ways she’s trying to read for fun.
A chaplain who runs towards others in crisis
Whether it's saving a child's life with CPR or playing "tea party," PC(USA) pastor and hospital chaplain Patrick Jinks seeks to create an environment where patients are never alone.
Four easy things that make worship welcoming
Sarah Are Speed explains four reasons people return to Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church's chapel service every Sunday.
Meet the pastor behind that ‘quitting the church’ essay
A pastor's last thoughts on leaving the ministry sparked a national conversation about clergy health and the future of the church.
Intergenerational Christian Formation: Bringing the Whole Church Together in Ministry, Community, and Worship
"The book first examines the biblical and theological reasons to place intergenerational ministry at the forefront of every church," writes Thom Cunningham.
Podcast review: “The Real Question”
"If you want to learn how to be a better active listener, to improve as a pastor, chaplain, or even as a good friend, this podcast is worth checking out," writes Eric Nolin.
Three dozen NC churches have agreed to leave the UMC under approved plan
After a judge dismissed their lawsuit, the 36 churches in the Western North Carolina Conference agreed to leave under the denomination's exit plan. They will formally exit in November.
Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost — September 24, 2023
You will likely be preaching the parable of the workers in the vineyard to a congregation of hardworking, rule-following people, writes Philip Gladden. This parable will offend them. What are we to make of it?
Order of worship — September 24, 2023
You are welcome to use this liturgy in your online worship services and distribute it to your congregation.
Casting stones (September 24, 2023)
What are we to make of the woman caught in adultery in John 8? Daniel Frayer-Griggs offers some context.
The Defiant Optimist: Daring to Fight Global Inequality, Reinvent Finance, and Invest in Women
"It is not enough to be optimistic. Defiant, active, solution-oriented optimism undergirded by strategy and resources can fuel true change, one impact at a time," writes Kelli Walker.
Horizons — Elizabeth’s sacred encounter
Rosalind Banbury's first reflection on the 2023-2024 Presbyterian Women/Horizons Bible Study.
A new kind of pluralism: Lessons and observations on a changing paradigm
Joe Morrow says contemporary life in the 21st century is about “coming to terms with the array of options.”
Fall devotional recommendations
Looking for a re-fresh in your devotional life this fall? Amy Pagliarella has some recommendations.
Giving is up at churches and people are back, but clergy still thinking about quitting
While life at local congregations has returned mostly to normal, the future remains uncertain.
We must hope well of all
The Bible offers a key to how to live faithfully and lovingly in a world full of diverse opinions, writes John Williams.
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