On my thirtieth birthday, I interviewed by conference call for my current position as minister of Central Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Terre Haute, Indiana. The interview went well, I thought. They asked good questions about my theological perspective…
Read MoreSinging the “Right” Tune: How Music Shapes Communal Experience
Consider these worshipers in modern urban America: rather than having performers act out skits or play instruments on a stage, they want “participatory” worship in which all attendees play a part. Instead of grand auditoriums where the audience gapes at…
Read MoreBetween Opposing Forces: Finding a “Third Way” in Worship
Much of the confusion, uncertainty, and conflict over worship today is generated by the collision of two powerful forces—forces that have developed gradually in the American church over the past 50 years and that are now engaged in a struggle…
Read MoreOn the Front Lines: Young Clergy Describe Their Struggles in the Church
The 14 young people gathered around the table last October were bright, articulate, intense, enthusiastic, and passionate about their work. They also represented a disappearing breed—people under 35 who chose ministry in the mainline Protestant church as their first career….
Read MoreCollision Course? Traditional Worship Meets “The Theology of the Overhead”
Clapping during services, offering special prayers for healing, sharing personal testimony, and embracing fellow worshipers aren’t practices usually ascribed to Reform Judaism, but these activities are gaining favor at some liberal synagogues, according to Peter Knobel, chairman of the liturgy…
Read MorePostmodern Worship: Three Views: There's More To It Than "If You Build It, They Will Come"
Balancing the old with the new is a great challenge for congregations. As church leaders struggle with how to reach the postmodern generation, new and traditional ideas often clash. The tensions are most acutely evident in matters of worship. “It’s…
Read MoreBeyond Style: Asking Deeper Questions about Worship
One of the most illuminating parts of my job as director of the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship involves reading worship conference evaluation forms. The most instructive comments explain what questions congregational leaders want addressed at future conferences. Significantly, most…
Read MoreViews from Seminary: Why Theological Education Needs Young Pastors
One of the greatest challenges facing religious institutions today is solving the looming clergy shortage. This means finding ways to attract—and keep—theological students who will make a lasting commitment to serve their denomination. As educators and institutions continue in their…
Read MoreFinding the Alternative: Confessions of a GenX Pastor
Being a member of Generation X and serving as a pastor earns some recognition these days in church circles. Is this a good thing? I have apprehensions about this recognition which are very typical of Generation X. The mainstream is…
Read MoreAsk Alban: Mentoring: Don't Wait to Be Invited
Q: Parish ministry is learned largely through experience. How do I find a mentor to guide and challenge me now that I am out of seminary? My denomination seems more inclined to give me additional study requirements than to provide…
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