Mika Edmondson on MLK’s Theology of Unearned Suffering
Jesus’s example of laying down his life for others inspired Martin Luther King Jr. and the U.S. civil rights movement. This theology of how to engage undeserved suffering can help congregations deal with pain.
Renee Reimer on Being Rooted and Grounded in God’s Creation
Worshiping outdoors and bringing nature into worship helped one church experience more connections between God’s creation, worship, and neighbors.
Barbara J. Newman on Adult Inclusive Small Group Bible Studies
TOGETHER is a new Bible study curriculum designed to include, appeal to, and challenge adults of varying abilities. It aims to build community in ways that may enrich congregational worship.
Reggie Smith on Theology Underlying Sociology
What churches profess and what they do sometimes clash. Sharing stories, sitting with those who suffer, praying, and listening in silence for God can help churches harmonize theology and sociology.
Reflections from a Charlottesville Church . . .
Isaac Wardell, Director of Worship Arts at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Charlottesville, Virginia, shares reflections from his experience shepherding their Charlottesville congregation in Sunday worship through the trauma of hatred, bigotry, and violence that took place in their small town less than one day before they gathered for worship.
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.
How Worship Change Happened at American Lutheran Church
This once-aging, now-thriving Lutheran congregation became more comfortable with worship changes by using visuals and stories, reading books together, and sharing over meals.
Responding to Violence in Prayer
On Wednesday, August 9, 2017, before the violent events in Charlottesville, Virginia, someone broke into a church near Waco, Texas, a historically African American congregation, and vandalized the property with hateful graffiti. The pastor of the church is a student at Baylor’s Truett Seminary. At the request of Baylor President Dr. Linda Livingstone, the Office of Spiritual Life at Baylor developed this prayer guide which will be used at community-wide gatherings on Friday, August 18.
¡Le pidieron dar el sermón infantil!
Este material ofrece valiosos recursos prácticos para aquellas personas que tienen el privilegio y la responsabilidad de prepararse y compartir el mensaje infantil.
Why We Need to Know the History of Our Churches
The fact remains that most American Christians remain startlingly ignorant of critical aspects of their church’s history. Learning this history can help us more faithfully know ourselves, love others, and follow Christ.
Jamie Skillen on Creation Care and Sabbath Rest
Christians often talk about the doctrine of creation as mainly about origins and God’s glory. Jamie Skillen goes deeper by looking at God’s purpose in creation and how that applies to creation care.
Ten Ways to be More Inclusive and Welcoming in Worship and Church Life
Here are helpful suggestions for congregations who strive to include people across the full spectrum of abilities in their small group settings and beyond.