An Episcopal bishop reflects on four realities and priorities for the early years of ministry in a congregation
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Lisa G. Fischbeck: A Place at the Table?
A priest asks what role the church might play in social enterprises
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Kissing in the Chapel, Praying in the Frat House: Wrestling with Faith and College
In this collection of essays, writers in their twenties and thirties reflect on their college years by telling stories of the intersection of faith and college.
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Bruce Epperly: Congregational Leadership as Spiritual Practice
Claiming the pastor’s role as spiritual guide is a matter of seeing God’s presence and then encouraging its emergence within the congregation, writes Bruce Epperly.
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Neighbors and Covenant Relationships
Stu was one of the first people to help me see that the patient work of discernment was a big part of what I was called to do. I was right out of seminary at the time. I thought that…
Read MoreFaith and Environmental Impact: Congregations Learn About, Celebrate, and Care for Creation
What are congregations actually doing in the way of study, celebration, and action on environmental issues? People have produced many books, study guides, and curricula aimed at teaching congregations about creation care. New ones are being published regularly. Furthermore,…
Read MoreAsk Alban: Religious Preference
by Larry Peers Q: It seems that a growing number of people indicate that their religious preference is “none”—or say, “I’m spiritual, but not religious.” Is there anything that congregations can do differently? Are we becoming irrelevant? A. Loyalty to religious…
Read MoreMission and the Challenge of Difference
by William Sachs Doug is proud that First Church where he worships has an extensive mission commitment. In the downtown area where it is located, First Church operates programs that feed dozens of hungry people and house almost as many who…
Read MoreFrom Stressed to Blessed, A Conversation for Recomposing Volunteer Service in the Congregation
“You should have seen the one that got away!” “I got a big one—quite a catch!” Each of these comments was followed by brief peals of laughter as a small group jokingly talked about the process of recruiting members for…
Read MoreStarting a Nonprofit At Your Church: Drawing More Resources to Meet Increasing Community Needs
All around the country, church congregations are establishing separate 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations in order to draw new funding, new people, and new partnerships into the ministry of their church. In these difficult economic times when community needs have increased and…
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