Chris Yaw Interviews Matthew Smith: Recovering Denominational Roots Grows This Church
How does a church of 19 (mostly grandparents) get to nearly 150 in just a few years? Intentional Christian practice found at the heart of the Methodist tradition. Matt Smith, co-founder of The Table at Central United Methodist Church says the growing congregation, that already has one ”˜plant’ at a local coffee house, is all about helping people make sense of what God’s doing in their lives.
Anne Howard: Presenting the 2013 Brave Preacher Award Recipient
I am pleased to announce The Beatitudes Society's 2013 Brave Preacher Award goes to the Rev. Carrie Smith, Senior Pastor at Bethany Lutheran Church, Crystal Lake, Illinois.
ON Scripture: Walter Brueggemann on the Liturgy of the Passion (Isaiah 50:4-9a)
The voice that speaks in Isaiah 50:4 – 9a is the poet of the exile himself. Here he offers an autobiographical reflection on his call as a prophet sent by God to the deported Jews in Babylon in the sixth century BCE. His message to the Jews is they are now free to go back home to Jerusalem. This freedom came, says the poet, because of the dispatch of Cyrus the Persian at the behest of YHWH, the Lord of all of history.
Paul Raushenbush: Pope Francis: The Holy Spirit At Work?
The last few days have provided a series of important moments which are worth reviewing to understand why Pope Francis is getting such well deserved praise and is the object of such fervent, if guarded, hope.
ON Scripture SPECIAL: 10 Years of War and Hopes for Peace by Rev. Dr. Karyn L. Wiseman
On the 10th anniversary of the start of the Iraq War, the Beatitudes teach us that peacemakers are persons who put down conflict in favor of peace. We are reminded that making peace is not simply the absence of conflict - it is the presence of justice, reconciliation and peace. Making peace means doing all we can for the benefit of others. It means creating a sense of shalom and well-being.
Darkwood Brew: Evolving Universe, Evolving Faith, Part 4: What's Love and Human Suffering Got to Do With It?
In this series from Darkwood Brew on Evolving Universe, Evolving Faith, host Eric Elnes probes faith and science, doubt and belief. Quantum theory, current theories of creation and evolution, and much more are examined through the lens of faith. In part 4, Eric interviews Lea Schweitz, What's Love and Human Suffering Got to Do With It?
Nine Indicators of a Healthy Congregation
What is congregational health? It has little if anything to do with the size of the congregation.
Ron Buford: God Available
When a worship service has no prayer of confession, I wonder, Am I the lone sinner in the house looking for more power than I brought in here?
Intimate Departures: 'Look into it.' And 'Wonder'
Sixth Lenten Meditation is about walking a little farther with our loved ones on the road to eternity.
Wayne Meisel: Opening 1,000 Doors: Houses of Hospitality and the Promise, Requirement and Hope of the Church
If you're young and idealistic, engaged and committed, and want to serve full time in the community, there are three basic things that you will need...
Dr. Brett Younger: Scattered, Smothered, and Covered 24/7
If you got to take Jesus to lunch, where would you go? WWJD? Where would Jesus dine? If you went to a fancy restaurant, Jesus might think you were showing off. A hamburger place could indicate a lack of appreciation. You should take Jesus to Waffle House. Waffle House does good things for your soul.
Dr. Chuck Queen: What to Do With Enemies of the Cross
In his letter to the church at Philippi, it is fairly obvious that Paul is concerned about some influences that were steering the church away from the teaching he had imparted and the example he had modeled. It seems that there were two different kinds of pressures being exerted upon the church. One influence pressed for legalistic obedience to rules, while the other invited a casting off of all restraints. These two influences are still around and they tempt us in very subtle ways.
Bishop Rob Wright: Lent 2013: Loss and Gain
Loss is God's growth strategy. Jesus' life teaches us this. His life teaches us that loss for God's sake is gain. An evolving, generative and joyful spiritual life hinges on uncoerced losing-offering so we can gain more Christ.
Chris Yaw Interviews Steve Lindsley: Small Town Ministry That's Working
Ministry in real-life Mayberry has its blessings and challenges..Steve Lindsley, pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Mt. Airy, NC, says it’s great to be involved in such a loving community, however the financial struggles take a toll.
Prayer and social media: Call and response
Research fellow Lerone A. Martin discusses the way prayer via social media reflects the call and response tradition.
Dr. Kenneth Samuel: Free at Last
It's one thing to be released from an abuse or an imprisonment; it's quite another thing to be free from it.
Our Voice
Discovering and developing our authentic voice of integrity and innocence is always a challenge.
What Does the New Pope Have in Common with Other Church Leaders?
Here are eight things Francis I has in common with other church leaders, no matter their tradition or denomination.
Alyce McKenzie: Condiments Don't Make a Meal!
I haven’t been cooking much lately. I chalk it up to being busy. And to teaching until 6 pm some days and then having a long commute home. That shouldn’t prevent me from planning menus and shopping for food in an organized manner, but lately it has.
ON Scripture-The Bible: Pressing on Toward Higher Goals: Phil. 3:4b-14 By Efrain Agosto
I have often wondered about the trajectories my life has taken. My theological views have changed over the years. I have moved from Pentecostal to Baptist to Congregational (United Church of Christ) church traditions. Yet at each step of the way, I have been able to build on the solid foundations of the past in moving to new understandings for the new circumstances in my life.