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Essays

Thoughtful personal reflections from a variety of perspectives about issues relevant to Christian leaders

As more pastors age and retire, churches appear to be facing a succession crisis, a study says

According to recent research, the average age of pastors is rising and the number of younger — and aspiring — clergy appears to be in decline.

By Shari Finnell Journalist

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What if preaching were an ongoing conversation?

Rather than a series of “one-offs,” sermons can spark a conversation that fosters communal spiritual continuity in the congregation. Here are seven strategies to do that.

Elizabeth Felicetti David J. Schlafer

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Building hope over time

Christian witness to hope can take patience and faithfulness, particularly during in-between times, writes a director of programs and grants for Leadership Education at Duke Divinity.

By Mycal X. Brickhouse Director of programs and grants, Leadership Education at Duke Divinity

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How to avoid falling off the “stained-glass cliff” when leading a dying church

When young, new or female clergy take over a struggling congregation, they often face the exhausting task of closing the church. A pastor and consultant offers guidance and support from ministers who have been through the experience.

By Diane Kenaston Co-founder, Good Friday Collaborative

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The well of joy

We cannot deny the world’s suffering, but building up our sources of joy can help sustain us in work for justice, writes a clinical psychologist.

By Jessica Young Brown Licensed clinical psychologist

The church needs innovation instigators

As we’ve learned through COVID-19, faith communities can adapt. Church leaders must be willing to continue sparking change by asking new questions and challenging old answers.

By Gabby Cudjoe-Wilkes Pastor, author and educator

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Christmas is a season for the unexpected

Partners, collaborators and allies may first show up as unannounced and unknown visitors, writes a director of grants with Leadership Education at Duke Divinity.

By Victoria Atkinson White Director of Grants, Leadership Education at Duke Divinity

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How to identify and counter dangerous speech

The Israel-Hamas war has spawned hateful, violent and even genocidal comments, both in person and online. An expert offers suggestions for Christian leaders to recognize and undermine it.

By Susan Benesch Founder and executive director, Dangerous Speech Project

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Do the people on death row deserve joy?

A pastor discovers that preaching to people scheduled to die is an experience of joy — for him and for them.

By Dewey Williams Pastor, Mt. Bright Missionary Baptist Church

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Advent’s surprise for us

What might happen if we greeted the season with wonder and amazement?

By Emily Lund Director of Communications, Leadership Education at Duke Divinity

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