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Essays

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

Hierarchy of holiness

Westerners distrust hierarchy. But Eastern Orthodoxy shows that distinguishing one person as higher than another does not have to be a game of “king of the hill,” says Jason Byassee.

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

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Richard Mouw: Where is Sartre when you need him?

By Richard J. Mouw Professor and former president, Fuller Theological Seminary

Where has Sartre gone? And can Jon Stewart help bring him back?

Jason Byassee: 25 on 25

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

As fun as it is to make outlandish and depressing predictions, maybe the future isn't as bad as it used to be.

Mark Chaves: Seminary training by tradition

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

If there are more congregations hiring staff without seminary training, it's not because they devalue learning. It's because seminary-trained people are more expensive.

Mark Chaves: Has your WHOLE staff been to seminary?

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

It is still the norm for head and associate pastors at large churches to be seminary-trained. But not their "specialist" ministers.

Only a preacher

By Nelson Granade

Pastors no longer automatically hold positions of community influence. But they can -- and should -- earn a place in their communities by participating in them, says pastor and author Nelson Granade.

Imagining God

By Sarah Sentilles Scholar and writer

The presence of female pastors offers a rich theological opportunity for people to consider how they talk about -- and engage with -- God, says writer Sarah Sentilles.

Rabbits, rapscallions and transformative leadership

The protagonist of the novel “Watership Down” is an ordinary bunny. But he’s humble, courageous, innovative and able to synthesize opposing ideas. These qualities make him a good leader, says Gretchen E. Ziegenhals.

By Gretchen E. Ziegenhals Spiritual director and retreat leader

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Jason Byassee: Is it Christian to have endowments?

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

Those Christian institutions that lean on large endowments see themselves as working to give away their benefactors’ largesse in the most Christian way possible. And that’s a reason to praise God. Isn’t it?

Prince Raney Rivers: Leadership is not conquest. It is helping another to achieve.

By Prince Raney Rivers Senior pastor, Union Baptist Church

One might think the conquest of a rock face is a good image for leadership. A better one is that of the belayer--who has the climber's life in her hands.