Congregations

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Series

Explaining research relevant to Christian leaders (9)
Considering the future of the 'Old First Church' (4)
How to start a church-based social enterprise (1)
Mainline Protestants and disruptive innovation (3)
What can behavioral economics teach us about theology? (1)
What’s the future of denominations? (21)

Type

Essay (444)
Excerpt (15)
Feature Article (148)
Interview (93)
Multimedia (22)
Sermon (2)

Signs of rebound: Church attendance shows first uptick in decades

For the first time in 25 years, the median number of people attending worship services in the United States has gone up.

By Shari Finnell Journalist

Image link to article: Signs of rebound: Church attendance shows first uptick in decades

A congregation renovates the old and builds something new to serve its members and community

Facing years of deferred maintenance and repair costs, a church in Lexington, Kentucky, looked outward as well as inward to make the best use of its historic space while expanding to meet a pressing local need.

By Kory Wilcoxson Pastor and journalist

Image link to article: A congregation renovates the old and builds something new to serve its members and community

The burden of healing when forgiveness becomes political

More than a decade after the massacre at Emanuel AME Church, a pastor reflects on what is required for true forgiveness to occur.

By Byron L. Benton Senior pastor, Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church

Image link to article: The burden of healing when forgiveness becomes political

Queering southern hospitality

How churches practice welcome in the rural South.

By Claire Brown Priest and writer

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Why religious leaders need to understand agentic AI

To ignore or remain silent about the agentic revolution is to forfeit the ability to shape and speak into the moral framework of a world already being reshaped by agentic intelligence, writes a scholar.

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

Image link to article: Why religious leaders need to understand agentic AI

Why are Christian congregations important today?

The Forum for Congregational Life will work to facilitate learning among all types of congregations in ways that strengthen and support them.

Alaina Kleinbeck David L. Odom

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‘Embodied Reconciliation: Congregational Healing as Pastoral Care’

In this excerpt, a scholar asks, What are the tasks of pastoral care and leadership in the wake of conflict or tension within a community of faith?

By Leanna K. Fuller Associate professor, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary

Image link to article: ‘Embodied Reconciliation: Congregational Healing as Pastoral Care’

Letting grace guide how we welcome newcomers

A pastor notices how small gestures can help visitors breathe — and feel the grace of God — from the moment they step through the door.

By Brett McKinley Pardue Writer and artist

Image link to article: Letting grace guide how we welcome newcomers

Rebecca Brune: How do you create a church culture that supports people with mental health challenges?

Many people who struggle with mental wellness turn to their pastors for help, but often those clergy aren’t equipped to support them. The Congregational Collective aims to bridge that gap by helping congregations and clergy help others.

Why would an established organization change its name?

Leadership Education at Duke Divinity is now the Forum for Congregational Life. The organization’s executive director explains that there are important reasons for the name change, including a revised focus.