Congregational Vitality: Embracing Community and Spiritual Practice Contents IN FOCUS: A Tale of Two Churches Writer and seminary professor Diana Butler Bass says that the key to mainline church vitality can be found in “intentional” congregations It’s About Discipleship Writer…
Read MoreCongregations Magazine, Winter 2003
Leadership: Expanding Vision for Changing Times Contents IN FOCUS: Forming God’s People Seminary professor Mark Lau Branson says that leadership needs to be interpretive, relational, and implemental Moving Forward by Looking Back Pastor Fred Oaks and Alban Institute consultant Alice…
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 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 MoreBecoming God’s Church
“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 MoreBecoming God's Church
“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 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 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, 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…
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