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Essays

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

Gabby Cudjoe Wilkes: What is possible? Out of a season of hardship and into a season of hope

From her perspective in the midst of the pandemic and with a new year dawning, a New York pastor advocates for leaders to look again for possibilities.

By Gabby Cudjoe-Wilkes Pastor, author and educator

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Chris Seiple: Let Advent remind us -- Christ came to save all

Christ’s unifying message was clear from the beginning -- that he is Lord and Savior of all, says an expert on religion and foreign policy.

By Chris Seiple President emeritus, Institute for Global Engagement

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John Swinton: Helping Christians with mental health issues starts with better language

Those with severe mental health issues are often misunderstood by people of faith, but churches have a responsibility to listen to and see each person as a person, says a professor and author.

Ian Carr McPherson: Seeking the common good in an uncommon time

Two pastors -- father and adult child -- work to heal their divisions through shared Bible study.

By Ian Carr McPherson Associate Pastor, United Church of Chapel Hill

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Advent 2020 -- leaning into divine mystery

The right plot and cast of characters can help prepare us for a holy season of watching and waiting, writes a managing director of Leadership Education at Duke Divinity.

By Gretchen E. Ziegenhals Spiritual director and retreat leader

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The territories of science and religion

The lines and conflicts drawn between science and religion have not always existed, and learning their history can open new ways of conversation, says a professor of science and religion.

By Peter Harrison Professor, University of Queensland, Australia

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Frankly planning for roadblocks is an advantage for pastors

Church leaders can remain focused on their goals by anticipating challenges, naming them, and preparing for them, writes a managing director of Leadership Education at Duke Divinity.

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

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Getting creative about teaching and ministry during a pandemic

The goal of teaching and preaching virtually is still building community, but it will take a lot more creativity, says a professor and preacher.

By Grace Ji-Sun Kim Professor, Earlham School of Religion

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John Fea: Evangelicals may vote the same in 2020 as in 2016, but we understand them much better now

Many are confused by evangelical support for President Donald Trump. An American historian wrestles with the reasons for this phenomenon, explained through three recent books.

By John Fea Professor of history, Messiah University

Image link to article: John Fea: Evangelicals may vote the same in 2020 as in 2016, but we understand them much better now

In a season of reckonings, forgiveness is not forgetting

As the toll of twin pandemics continues to mount and a divisive election looms, true absolution requires more than just words, writes an associate professor at the University of Pennsylvania.

By Anthea Butler Chair of the Department of Religious Studies, University of Pennsylvania

Image link to article: In a season of reckonings, forgiveness is not forgetting