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Essays

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

Jason Byassee: Vows and the certainty of Time

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

In marriage, Baptism, or leadership, what could be more important than joyful loyalty?

Mark Chaves: Gender, lay leadership and fancy rhetorical footwork

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

'Okay, you can give a talk from the pulpit -- but no preaching.'

Jason Byassee: Exe-who?

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

Bob Wells recently wrote of how preachers have to interpret not only the text, but also the congregation they preach to. Has that been your experience too? What do you think?

Heritage matters

By understanding his congregation’s story, a new pastor is able to help its members move beyond their church’s difficult beginning.

By Bob Wells Faith & Leadership associate editor, retired

Preachers and the public square

By Dennis C. Dickerson Professor, Vanderbilt University

The two Archibald J. Careys -- father and son -- wielded power inside and outside the church for much of the 20th century. But the gains they made for the black community often were at the cost of their ministry, says historian Dennis C. Dickerson.

Melissa Wiginton: Impartial? No. Loving? Yes.

By Melissa Wiginton Vice president, Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary

Judges are always influenced by their experience. The scary thing is when they and others are unaware of it.

Malcolm Guite: Church with poetry enshrined at the heart

Poetry opens up imaginative possibilities and offers “phrases that feed the soul.”

Good news

Leaders should share the good news about the church by noticing, naming and nurturing those whom God uses to produce good fruit, says UMC Bishop Will Willimon.

By Will Willimon Professor of the practice of Christian ministry

Michael Jinkins: Economists are no more rational than theologians

By Michael Jinkins Retired president, Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary

I used to think theologians had to apologize for our shaky epistemology to scientists with hard data, like economists. Now I don’t.

Jenny Williams: You can't lead without others

By Jenny Williams

For SEVEN years, when my accountability group asked if I engaged in daily devotion, I reported “No.” It was the patience and prodding of my fellow clergy brothers and sisters that helped me actually do it.