Theological reflection is simply wondering about God’s activity in our lives. Where is God present? What is God calling us to do? By taking time to ask questions about what happens to us—seeing our experiences through the lens of faith—we…

I had never thought much about my hair until I went to seminary. When I started seminary and began envisioning myself as a clergyperson, I started looking at the style of women pastors, particularly women head pastors. And I noticed…

Although we church folks seldom consider it, we are a people on an amazing journey. Like Abram and so many other biblical ancestors who followed the Spirit’s leading to a new place of promise and hope, each of us is…

This week, Barbara Blodgett takes on the subject of mentors and feedback in theological field education.  Reading it, however, we at Alban were struck by how much this subject could apply to all seasons of ministry, and we hope that…

When you want to change, you have two choices: think your way into acting or act your way into thinking. Let’s look here at the first choice, changing your patterns of thinking. (Thinking includes the ways your brain processes sensory…

A passage from the Talmud proclaims that over every blade of grass, there is an angel whispering, “Grow, grow.” This saying describes my understanding of practicing the presence of God in ministry. Practicing the presence of God is about mindfulness…

Searching for a call, especially a first call, is somewhat akin to attempting to get picked for a kickball team. During your final months in seminary, you stand on the sidelines, watching as your classmates are offered this or that…

So often I hear the argument from members of church governing boards that they don’t have time to practice spiritual disciplines, especially corporate discernment. They believe they can’t make room to listen to God together because the financial, facility, program,…

That Sunday I finally felt we were ready for something new and maybe even a little bit radical in worship. Very slowly over the course of our time together, the congregation of Calvary Baptist Church and I had been piecing…