Welcoming the Stranger: Justice, Compassion, and Truth in Christian Worship and Life
All over the world, Christian churches are struggling to obey the Bible’s clear commands to welcome the stranger, to displace the fear that leads to exclusion, and to both extend and receive mutual hospitality as gifts of God’s Spirit.
February 16, 2018
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103 min listen
What Inside Songwriters Can Teach Outside Churches about Worship
A songwriting class in a North Carolina prison taught eight women to write biblical songs that touch congregations inside and outside prison walls.
February 14, 2018
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10 min read
Jubilation, Awe, Penitence, and Petition in Corporate Worship in Kenya
In this session Prof. Kidula shared contemporary congregational music in Kenya by using examples birthed out of diverse situations and locations on the continent and in the country.
February 14, 2018
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60 min listen
Methodist Pastor-Musicians on Gaps in Worship Music
Teaching an intensive songwriting class in a North Carolina prison for women made Susannah Long and Michael Conner reflect on gaps in what churches sing about.
February 14, 2018
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4 min read
Mark Mulder on Debunking “the Culture of Poverty”
It is important for financially stable churches and Christians to build relationships with those in poverty. But the reason may be different than what you might assume.
December 14, 2017
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6 min read
Stephanie Smith on Starting an Outdoor Church
People treated as the last and the least often feel unwelcome inside churches. That is why some church plants create a worshiping community outdoors. Many of their discoveries also apply to indoor churches.
December 5, 2017
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8 min read
Stephanie Smith on Raising Lay Leaders from the Margins
Those who experience homelessness, poverty, physical or mental illness, or addiction understand things that more privileged people may never know. Raising up peer chaplains from within this group can lead to renewal in both outdoor and building-based Christian communities.
December 5, 2017
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6 min read
When Helping Heals: Affirming Global Service in our Churches
Providing charitable support and development assistance to people in need can and does work, but, like any important activity, we must learn how to do it well.
August 22, 2017
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6 min read
Praise or Noisy Gong?: A Musicologist's Vision for Loving Your Neighbor
Differences in musical tastes, aesthetics and priorities are notoriously contentious issues for congregations and ministries to navigate.
July 6, 2017
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55 min listen
When Helping Heals: An Economist and Political Scientist Affirm Global Service
Is it possible to work in international development without hurting those we are helping?
July 5, 2017
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52 min listen
Why the Church Needs History, Especially Now: A Historian's Vision for Equipping the Church
At a time of increasing cultural and political polarization, the North American church faces enormous challenges in embodying the unity of Christ and living out Christ's mission in this time and place.
June 28, 2017
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55 min listen
Christian Worship in North America and Asia
Ecumenical, post-colonial perspectives on varieties of contemporary songs
May 11, 2017
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58 min video
