Congregations

‘With God, later is not late’

A church-led community collaboration 20 years in the making has brought new affordable housing for seniors to Charlotte, North Carolina.

By Melba Newsome Journalist

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Larger churches have had an easier, more successful transition to using technology after the pandemic

New research reveals uncertainty about technology use among smaller churches, while for larger churches it has become “second nature.”

By Shari Finnell Journalist

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Stained glass, steeples and financial sustainability

An effort to preserve Black churches is entering its next cycle under the direction of the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund.

By Cynthia R. Greenlee Journalist

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Celeste Kennel-Shank: ‘It was the safest place I knew as a child.’

A pastor and journalist tells the story of the Community of Christ in Washington, D.C., in which she grew up. It was a five-decade-long experiment in living and worshipping in a neighborhood parish that intentionally ended in 2016.

Jennifer M. McClure Haraway: Congregations can help each other navigate opportunities and challenges

Emotional support, information and practical assistance are all ways congregations can benefit from developing relationships with other congregations, says the author of “No Congregation Is an Island.”

Bearing fruit beyond having children

Some churches may prioritize families with young children, but they should also remember to value all members, an Episcopal priest writes.

By Elizabeth Felicetti Priest and author

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Black churches exercised their ancestral power during the pandemic. What’s next?

Black churches stepped up in the pandemic with information, support, food, testing and vaccines for their congregations and communities. That work needs to continue, writes a pastor and associate director of the Massachusetts Council of Churches.

By Kenneth Young Pastor and director of external relationships, Massachusetts Council of Churches

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Gil Rendle: Do Christians understand the great truth that they hold?

If all Christians care about is organizations, then the church doesn’t have much to offer an individualistic society, says a consultant and author. But what if Christians let go of programming and focused on the pearl of great price?

Considering the future of the 'Old First Church'

In this two-part series, United Methodist Church Bishop Kenneth H. Carter, Jr. and the Rev. Audrey Warren reflect on First Churches -- those anchor congregations in American downtowns. How can these institutions, which may be rich in tradition but strapped for cash, adapt to a changing society?

Observation, interpretation and intervention are key to revitalizing our big downtown churches

Nearly 50 years ago, the authors of “What’s Ahead for Old First Church” examined the strengths and weaknesses of these anchor institutions. The lessons are surprisingly relevant today.

Kenneth H. Carter Jr. Audrey Warren

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Technological hesitancy and digital reluctance can be barriers to digital justice

Negative attitudes toward the adoption of technology during the pandemic raise issues of fairness and justice into the future, writes the author of a study on the post-pandemic church.

By Heidi A. Campbell Professor, Texas A&M University

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