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Latest Posts
Investing in relationships over church programs
The church’s potential to reach the younger generations depends on our ability to prioritize relational ministry over programmatic ministry, writes Aaron Neff.
Invested Faith announces 7th class of fellows
These five social innovators are working to address systemic issues of injustice in their communities while building a sustainable financial model.
Poll: Religious attendance is shrinking but those who remain are happy
In the PRRI study, 57% of Americans say they seldom or never attend religious services. Among those who do, 89% said they were proud to be associated with their congregation.
Grief as innovation
“Grief makes all things new, just in the way no one wanted.” — Becca Messman
Don’t forget rural residents
Phillip Blackburn encourages the PC(USA) to remember the vulnerable outside of the city — and for Presbyterians in rural areas to utilize the gift of community.
Can the church hold on to pandemic-inspired innovation?
Maggie Alsup wonders if we should resist the urge to “go back to normal.”
Faith-based refugee resettlement agencies denounce new asylum rule
The new rule, which goes into effect May 16, rejects asylum claims for most people who cross the border but do not first seek asylum in Mexico.
Purposefully broad: Reflections on ministry outside the parish
"I had always felt firmly rooted in my Presbyterian identity yet drawn to ecumenical and interfaith spaces." — Eliza Smith DeBevoise
Building Your Digital Sanctuary: An Introductory Guide to Effective Digital Ministry
“The future of church is going to be digital; the question is how do we harness this for good?”
A generational approach to ministry innovation: “Can I have the keys?”
Mark DeVries and Trey Wince encourage a generational approach to innovation.
Order of worship — May 28, 2023
You are welcome to use this liturgy in your online worship services and distribute it to your congregation.
The challenges of change (May 28, 2023)
A lesson for May 28, 2023, about Acts 9, boundaries, and belonging.
Can you hear me now? — Weekly Christian ed lesson
In this lesson, children will explore the Pentecost story noticing how the Holy Spirit allows those gathered in Jerusalem to understand one another, possibly for the very first time. Then, they will consider how the Holy Spirit continues to bind us together, allowing us to understand and connect with one another more deeply.
Pentecost Sunday — May 28, 2023
For Pentecost Sunday, editor Teri McDowell Ott wonders what we would venture to do if we trusted the Holy Spirit to use us.
Lutheran, Presbyterian schools moving to Chicago campus of Catholic Theological Union
Each of the three schools will remain independent with its own identity, mission and governance.
A free hymn for Memorial Day
Daniel Heath offers alternative verses to the "Star Spangled Banner" using language inspired by Amanda Gorman's poetry.
What one man learned about religion visiting every country in the world
Daniel Herszberg, a 30-year-old doctoral student from Australia, reflects on his Jewish heritage and the lessons he learned visiting religious sites across the globe.
The Gift of Restlessness: A Spirituality for Unsettled Seasons
"Reading this book feels like being in spiritual direction or on a walk with a wise friend. Affirming. Faithful. Good company in hard times."
UMC bishops request 2026 General Conference as hundreds more churches disaffiliate
To date, at least 2,804 churches have left the United Methodist Church since 2019, according to United Methodist News Service.
The scandalous Word of God
If a Bible is read in the forest and no one is there to hear it, is it still God’s Word?
Caldwell Presbyterian Church — Charlotte, North Carolina
Roger Rizk, a soon-to-be Union Presbyterian Seminary grad, shares his experience as an intern at Caldwell Presbyterian Church.
Breakaway Texas UMC megachurch reveals plans for new Methodist denomination
White’s Chapel plans to invite others to join the Methodist Collegiate Church once its disaffiliation is approved by Central Texas United Methodists next month.
Anglicans begin the long anticipated divorce over same sex unions, ordination of gays
“We are now going to have two Communions of Anglicans going forward, the Global South Anglicans who are keeping to the teachings of the scripture and the Global North Anglicans who are preaching and practicing a watered-down gospel,” said the Rev. Tom Otieno, the vicar of Saint Barnabas Anglican Church of Kenya in Nairobi.
Rethinking benefits in the PC(USA) for sustainable pastoral care
The PC(USA)’s financial support system for pastors was built in the 1980s and doesn’t meet the church’s current needs and challenges, writes Board of Pension’s president Frank Spencer. We can change this if we adapt our understanding of church.
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