Congregations

James Fawcett: Learning to be with others as God is with us

Being With, a 10-week course based on the theology of the Rev. Dr. Sam Wells, models the message it seeks to impart.

Artistic creativity fuels a Houston church’s mission

A Texas congregation has formed itself and transformed a worn-down warehouse with art at the core of theology and community.

By Lindsay Peyton Journalist

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‘Balcony time’ offers a fresh perspective

After metaphorically moving from the “dance floor” to the “balcony,” a pastor refocuses on personal connections with parishioners and priorities for the church.

By Henry G. Brinton Pastor

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Composting the church offers flourishing in the shadow of decline

As with a garden, so with the church — the remnants at the end of one season enrich growth for new opportunities in the next, writes a Presbyterian pastor.

By McKenna Wallen Pastor, Maryland Presbyterian Church

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How do you care for federal workers losing their livelihoods and vocations?

Soup, a reserve fund and protests — these are some ways that a church in Atlanta is responding to families reliant on jobs at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

By David Lewicki Co-pastor, North Decatur Presbyterian Church

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The hard and surprisingly hopeful lessons for churches five years after COVID

Pastors share what they’ve learned about their congregations, about the work of the church and about themselves five years after the pandemic forced most to close their doors.

By Edie Gross Journalist

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William H. Lamar IV: It is our victory

The pastor of a historic Black church in Washington, D.C., reflects on a recent court ruling that gives it control of the name and logo of a far-right hate group.

You’ve decided to build affordable housing on your church property. What’s next?

The “predevelopment” phase is crucial in faith-based efforts to develop church property. An expert in urban planning helps demystify the process.

By Nadia A. Mian Senior program director, Ralph W. Voorhees Center for Civic Engagement

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Allen T. Stanton: What do small churches do well?

Small churches aren’t just waiting to grow or to die but are vibrant and healthy places with particular gifts, writes the author of “The Gift of Small.”

Disrupting spiritual abuse requires modeling Jesus and pursuing accountability

The teachings of Jesus combined with some underlying principles of the legal system provide guidance in addressing church trauma that spiritually hurts the marginalized, writes an attorney and author.

By Robert G. Callahan II Attorney and author

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Five tips for churches considering property development

Churches are learning how to get started well with adaptive reuse and property development, writes the co-founder of a nonprofit that has worked with hundreds of churches.

By Mark Elsdon Social entrepreneur, strategic executive and author

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