“This stuff is way too churchy!” the marketing director proclaimed as my wife and I sat down to discuss how to tell the community that a new congregation was being formed in Naples, Florida. “Too churchy!” she advised as we…
Read MoreA New Story for the Church in the 21st Century
In the last three decades, the story of American mainline Protestantism was rewritten. Once considered the very definition of American religion, a host of late 20th century social trends and historical movements assailed venerable traditions of Protestant churchgoing, making mainline…
Read MoreAlligators in the Swamp
When you hear the word “power,” what comes to mind? The exercise of power is a daily reality in congregational life; yet rarely does it get discussed. As leaders we may want power or fear it, but all too often…
Read MoreInviting People into Small Groups
Ultimately, invitation is the key to creating small groups. When an invitational culture permeates a church, people are more likely to be connected—to belong. Think what it would be like if every person—whether longtime member or visitor—felt invited to be…
Read MoreCongregations Magazine, Fall 2003
Divided Loyalties: Can We Be in the World and Not of It? Contents IN FOCUS: The Elephant in the Sanctuary Pastor Conrad A. Braaten says we need to examine the influence of civil religion on congregational life Broken We Kneel…
Read MoreCongregations Magazine, Summer 2003
Crossing Cultural Boundaries: Taking Risks, Building Community Contents IN FOCUS: Living on the Border In both biblical and personal contexts, Alban consultant Jacqueline J. Lewis shows that our relationship to cultural boundaries can be an essential part of our “storied…
Read MoreCongregations Magazine, Spring 2003
Sacred Space: Where Life of the Spirit Meets Life in the World Contents IN FOCUS: A House That Will Last Forever Author and CrossCurrents executive director Charles P. Henderson explores the meaning of sacred space in today’s world Leaking Gutters…
Read MoreCongregations Magazine, Fall 2004
What Does “Ministry” Mean? Redefining Lay Vocation Contents IN FOCUS: A Ministry of All Kathryn Palen, Alban’s acting director of consulting and education, offers three powerful ways that a ministry of all can become a reality Living from the Inside…
Read MoreCongregations Magazine, Spring 2004
Holy Manners: Telling the Truth with Love Contents IN FOCUS: Enduring All Things, Even Each Other Pastor Martin B. Copenhaver says that, to truly be church, we are called to something deeper than mere civility Seeking Sacred Moments Consultant Linda…
Read MoreCongregations Magazine, Winter 2004
Theology Matters: How Congregations Reach for God Contents IN FOCUS: Practicing Theology in the Congregation Author Dorothy C. Bass says it is time for deliberate and explicit theological reflection in congregations Leading Theologically Pastor and author R. Scott Colglazier maintains…
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