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Essays

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

Mark Chaves: why are there (still!) so few women clergy?

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

Only about 5% of American churchgoers attend a congregation led by a woman. The year, in case you're checking, is 2009.

Nick Liao: Why should the devil have all the good sex?

By Nick Liao Media producer

With a ceaseless bounty of Christian websites, books, sermon series devoted to sex, can it still be said that Christians are silent on the topic?

Roger Owens: Pastors can learn from Obama how to go slow

By L. Roger Owens Hugh Thomson Kerr Professor of Pastoral Theology, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary

Obama’s hesitation to rescind “Don’t ask don’t tell” is not cowardice. It’s shrewd leadership.

The church janitor’s guide to leadership

He was only in it for the money, $16 a month. But a teenage stint as church janitor taught Bishop Kenneth L. Carder a lifetime of lessons about leadership.

By Kenneth L. Carder Retired United Methodist bishop

Image link to article: The church janitor’s guide to leadership

Sam Barkat: We have all been made in the image of God

For Sam Barkat, Christians must become “people of the basin and towel,” since humility is crucial on the journey to diversity.

Are grants the answer?

Grant funding isn’t the answer to all financial woes, but it can provide needed money, particularly for community outreach programs, says author Joy Skjegstad.

By Joy Skjegstad Consultant, speaker, author

Image link to article: Are grants the answer?

Mark Chaves: We're even more spiritual; even less religious

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

This way of describing oneself is more common than it used to be, but its prevalence should not be exaggerated. The vast majority of Americans--approximately 80 percent--describe themselves as both spiritual and religious.

Melissa Wiginton: Down with Twitter

By Melissa Wiginton Vice president, Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary

Do I have to Tweet in order to have credibility? Do they have a saying in their movement “Never trust anyone who doesn’t do Twitter?”

Slideshow: Work and prayer

Trappist monks in Missouri support themselves by baking and selling fruitcakes. They balance the need to sustain the business without having the enterprise overtake their spiritual mission.

Jason Byassee: How should a leader walk around?

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

How should one carry oneself as a leader? I don't mean in terms of character. But physically.