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Essays

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

Riding the roller coaster of new church ministry

Success rates for new churches in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) have shot up. The key? Using experienced pastors as coaches for new-church pastors.

By Bob Wells Faith & Leadership associate editor, retired

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The practice of asking questions

By L. Gregory Jones President, Belmont University

True intellectual leaders don’t limit their imaginations to their own specialties. They also wonder about the insights, practices and questions of other disciplines, says L. Gregory Jones.

Jason Byassee: Mother Teresa's and Billy Graham's hands

By Jason Byassee Senior minister, Timothy Eaton Memorial Church, Toronto

Is this how holiness is passed? Like an electric charge, from the hands of Jesus through saints’ hands to ours?

Mark Chaves: What are denominations good for? Consulting.

By Mark Chaves Professor of sociology, religion and divinity, Duke University

Many people cheer when denominations weaken. They may fail to realize exactly how much crucial support denominations still provide.

Leading toward the "extreme center"

The book “Going to Extremes” explains why people tend toward group polarization. Christian leaders have a responsibility to help their communities engage diverse viewpoints and love enemies, says L. Gregory Jones.

By L. Gregory Jones President, Belmont University

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Martyrdom of the mundane

The “administrivia” that leaders face can seem divorced from the real work of ministry. But attending to small details pays off in ways that are hard to imagine, writes Louis Weeks.

By Louis B. Weeks President emeritus, Union Theological Seminary & Presbyterian School of Christian Education

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Navigating the differences in the Gospels

Contrary to the message in some top-selling books, C. Kavin Rowe writes that the differences in the Gospels are not a problem. Instead, they are a rich reflection of the way in which the Bible mediates God’s redeeming presence to the world.

By C. Kavin Rowe Vice dean for faculty, Duke Divinity School

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