Congregations

Congregations

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?

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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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The brain, the heart and the soul: How three Catholic churches are merging to create a new type of parish

Three congregations have avoided some of the disruption of a reorganization in Chicago by leaning into their individual identities while forming a new whole.

By Claire Zulkey Journalist

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Church attendance is still evolving in a post-pandemic world

The latest findings from a five-year study reveal church attendance is recovering but without a discernible pattern.

By Shari Finnell Journalist

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A partnership rooted in God’s love builds affordable housing in New York City

The Trinity-Rev. William M. James Senior Apartments is a collaboration offering affordable housing with wraparound services for seniors, intentionally including the formerly incarcerated.

By Genine Babakian Journalist

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What happens when an ‘Old First Church’ needs to change?

Eight years ago, First United Methodist Church of Miami faced the fact that its history and prestige weren’t going to keep it alive forever. It has found a way to honor its past and grow into the future.

Audrey Warren Kenneth H. Carter Jr.

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An underserved neighborhood needed a community center, not another church

After a satellite campus of a large church struggled, a pastor decided to reformat his church into a community center to address needs in his hometown of Blue Island, Illinois.

By Laura Rodríguez

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Long-term adoption of hybrid services represents a major shift from the traditional church model

The pandemic has drastically changed congregational leaders’ attitudes about virtual services, experts say.

By Shari Finnell Journalist

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Why deep listening matters for congregations and disciples

Listening — really listening — is the first step for participants in a program to build relationships between people on university campuses and the congregations near them, writes the program director of The Vinery.

By Alexis Carter Thomas Writer and researcher

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