CongregationsInnovationCongregational innovationMissions & Community
Considering the future of the ‘Old First Church’
In this 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?
More congregants joined churches from 2020 to 2025 than in previous years
The COVID pandemic may have caused a bump in church attendance, researchers say, but new attendees have varied reasons for joining churches.
What’s the role of ‘First Churches’ in natural disasters?
After large-scale crises, big-steeple churches anchor communities using their unique status, relationships and networks to help communities respond and rebuild.
Is your organization’s base strong enough to answer God’s call?
A painting must be created on canvas sturdy enough to support it. Likewise, congregations and organizations need a solid foundation if their ministries are to flourish, writes a director of programs and grants for Leadership Education at Duke Divinity
Entertaining angels can be harder than it sounds, but it’s also worthwhile and important
While the Bible encourages us to be hospitable to strangers, the possibilities can be frightening. Some churches provide models for bringing people together beyond weekly services or liturgical ties.
I was slammed to the ground and arrested outside an ICE facility. It was a holy experience.
Internment sites are being operated across the country, writes a Chicago pastor. What we do with this knowledge tells us everything about the Christians we are.
Celebrating as a community the baby to come
In this excerpt from his book “Migrant God,” the Rev. Isaac Villegas writes about an impromptu baby shower in a shelter for migrants with a story that is particularly resonant for Advent.
