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Faith & Politics: Where Do We Draw the Line?

 

 

CONTENTS

INFOCUS: Partisan Religion  (Members Only Article)
Pastor and social justice activist John Wimberly urges people of faith to be involved in the political process in a way that supports the interests of all Americans

Beyond “Corporate”
Alban Institute senior consultant Susan Beaumont offers three new categories to further distinguish churches previously known as “corporate” congregations (READ NOW)

Seeking Mystical Union
Associate pastor Emily Berman D’Andrea discusses the value of contemplative living and the small steps each of us can take to relearn this ancient practice (Member Only Article)

Taken for Granted?
A former pastor offers sage and blunt advice for attracting and keeping church members by cultivating four simple acts of awareness and appreciation (Member Only Article)

The Seven Habits of Highly Effective and Highly Ineffective Churches
Author and preacher Anthony Robinson, president of Columbia Leadership Network, offers a humorous yet insightful look at the habits that make or break congregations (READ NOW)

Who’s Driving the Bus?
Congregational minister Diane J. Strickland and regional minister Joel Den Haan explore the hidden forces directing much of congregational life (Member Only Article)

Faith and Politics
Rabbi Arthur Gross-Schaefer and pastor Robert Cornwall explore how to create fruitful conversations and collaboration between faith communities and political parties (Member Only Article)

When a Pastor Endorses a Candidate
Robert Cornwall tells the story of how he came to endorse a presidential candidate and what he learned along the way (Member Only Article)

On Living in a Dying Church
Glenda Prins, a member of the Commission on Ministry for the New York Conference of the United Church of Christ, explores what her father’s death taught her about how to love and honor a congregation in decline (Member Only Article)

Columns

The Leading Edge
Alban president James P. Wind explores the community-building aspects of the church supper and the events and trends that threaten this centuries-old church practice (READ NOW)

CENTERview
Tim Shapiro, president of the Center for Congregations, shares recent learnings about what it takes to shine in areas where other congregations tend to struggle (READ NOW)

Ask Alban
Alban senior consultant Robert Leventhal explores why committee charters are needed to empower volunteers, keep projects on track, and recognize those who accomplish the congregation’s goals (READ NOW)

Departments

From the Editor
Reviews
New & Noteworthy
Recommended Reading