Cultural Diversity

Janice McLean-Farrell on a Pastoral Approach to Research

Congregations often want to get information from members and neighbors. They can learn how to do so pastorally by considering how scholars do academic research using human subjects. Scholars follow ethical standards to gain data while doing no harm.

January 8, 2020 | 7 min read
Pedagogical Insights on Teaching African American Preaching

This essay reflects on Frank Thomas' unique journey through the pastorate to become a teacher of preaching, and on the pedagogy he developed along the way.

December 11, 2019
When Local Churches Learn and Worship Together

Four congregations in Durham, North Carolina, discovered that planning worship, learning, and reflecting together helped them be better witnesses in their East Durham neighborhood.

November 26, 2019

Trauma-Informed Worship: Address Trauma to Begin Healing

Most pastors realize that people come to church with deep fears, sorrows, and concerns that often remain unexpressed in worship. But because Mount Aery Baptist Church has worked to become a trauma-informed congregation, its worship services are becoming a communal place of healing.

November 12, 2019
Anthony L. Bennett on Engaging Trauma in Sermons

Many urban pastors deal with trauma. Some preach without benefit of pay or formal training. This Baptist church gathered its associate ministers monthly to learn about trauma and exegete Scripture to engage people hungry for healing and justice.

October 30, 2019

What Is the Color of Compromise?

This presentation is offered through The January Series of Calvin University and features Jemar Tisby, author and president of The Witness: A Black Christian collective, where he writes about race, religion, and culture.

October 28, 2019
Sherrye Willis and Angela Johnson on Faith-Based Healing from Trauma

Ten African American churches in Texas are focusing on helping youth understand and heal from trauma. This knowledge helps adults become more aware of their own trauma and is changing worship practices.

October 15, 2019 | 6 min read
Trauma-Informed Congregations and Worship: Being Made Whole

Becoming a trauma-informed congregation means helping people learn, talk, and grieve about what happened to them. Worship can provide a safe space for people to nurture trusting relationships and accept God's healing grace.

October 2, 2019

Curriculum Prepares People to Talk about Racial Reconciliation

Arrabon’s Race, Class, and the Kingdom of God curriculum gives small groups the shared knowledge, language, and practices to effectively address deep cultural tensions and divisions.

August 19, 2019
Mary L. Cohen on Community Choirs in Prisons

Oakdale Community Choir in Coralville, Iowa, meets in the prison where half its members live. Church choirs and congregations can learn from the principles and practices that make this choir so life-giving. It focuses as much on relationships and potential as on music.

August 12, 2019