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Do not swim alone, and other lessons for the church
A warning sign on a North Carolina beach reminds us that navigating life without community can put people in dangerous situations.
Link to author Aleta Payne
By
Aleta Payne
Senior editor, Faith & Leadership
Going to church under an oak tree
A visitor finds peace and belonging at New Life Lutheran Church, which worships outdoors in the Texas Hill Country.
Link to author Mónica Tornoé
By
Mónica Tornoé
Director of Latino/a Programs for Lifelong Learning, Austin Seminary
Churches became one-stop shops at the height of COVID-19, but that is not sustainable
The pandemic pushed clergy into multiple new roles, and they responded. Now some of that work should be redirected to people better trained to do it, writes a director of grants for Leadership Education at Duke Divinity.
Link to author Victoria Atkinson White
By
Victoria Atkinson White
Director of Grants, Leadership Education at Duke Divinity
Curtis Chang: Moving people toward greater hope and humility across political differences
Jesus didn’t say how to vote. But he did say how we should treat each other. And those teachings should be the road map for Christians in this rancorous political landscape, says the co-creator of a free course designed to help Christians engage in politics without discord.
Nonprofit helps churches increase social impact by leveraging their assets
The Oikos Institute for Social Impact helps BIPOC Christian leaders work together to develop a vision, identify existing resources and seek new sources of funding for ministries that serve their communities.
Link to author Alison Bowen
By
Alison Bowen
Journalist
At DaySpring Baptist Church, less is more
In Waco, Texas, a contemplative Baptist church prioritizes sacred and simple as central to its self-definition. The result is an intentional focus that guides everything from space upkeep to community involvement to fundraising campaigns.
Link to author Anna Mitchael
By
Anna Mitchael
Writer
Don’t ignore use of space when planning for a church’s environmental sustainability
A half-empty church building isn’t just a financial problem; it’s an environmental problem, writes a consultant.
Link to author Rick Reinhard
By
Rick Reinhard
Consultant, The Lakelands Institute
Growing flora and faith: Churches embrace native plant gardens
The National Wildlife Federation’s Sacred Grounds program helps churches increase native plant gardens — thereby helping wildlife flourish and encouraging community connection.
Link to author Leslie Quander Wooldridge
By
Leslie Quander Wooldridge
Journalist
Could ‘hybrid shared ministry’ help struggling congregations survive?
A pastor shares his experience with a new model in which a larger congregation helps a smaller one by digitally sharing resources, sermons and other assets.
Link to author A. Trevor Sutton
By
A. Trevor Sutton
Pastor and writer
A beacon of hope shines for LGBTQ+ youth in Florida
Through The Lighthouse, some Florida churches are offering a nonreligious ministry of presence that focuses on God’s love for all, opening doors for both young people and other institutions.
Link to author Catherine Montgomery
By
Catherine Montgomery
Founder and executive director, The Lighthouse
