Congregations Innovation Congregational innovation Missions & 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?

a postcard of First Congregational Church in Detroit — First Congregational Church, Detroit, MichiganCourtesy of Princeton Theological Seminary, Special Collections & Archives, James R. Tanis Collection of Church Postcards

Thursday, August 31, 2023

Image link to article: What happens when an ‘Old First Church’ needs to change?

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

Audrey Warren Kenneth H. Carter Jr.

Image link to article: Observation, interpretation and intervention are key to revitalizing our big downtown churches

Observation, interpretation and intervention are key to revitalizing our big downtown churches

Kenneth H. Carter Jr. Audrey Warren

Image link to article: What’s the role of ‘First Churches’ in natural disasters?

What’s the role of ‘First Churches’ in natural disasters?

Kenneth H. Carter Jr. Audrey Warren

Responding to AI concerns is a matter of pastoral care

As with any significant community change, clergy need to support their congregants through the personal, ethical and social implications of AI, writes a pastor who also directs the Technology, Innovation & Digital Engagement Lab at Union Theological Seminary.

By Gabby Cudjoe Wilkes Pastor, author and educator

Image link to article: Responding to AI concerns is a matter of pastoral care

A recipe for thriving rural congregations despite shifting demographics

Faced with declining attendance and aging membership, rural pastors can invite reflection on congregational history and community needs to adapt for new opportunities.

By Trisha Wheelock Program director, The Moses Project

Image link to article: A recipe for thriving rural congregations despite shifting demographics

‘Healing the Wounds of the Displaced: Pastoral Ministry in Immigrant Churches’

A pastor offers his reflections on pastoral work in the immigrant community and the need for new ecclesiological models for ministry on the margins. In this excerpt, he writes a letter sharing his personal experience as a formerly undocumented immigrant.

By Francisco Zamora Avila

Image link to article: ‘Healing the Wounds of the Displaced: Pastoral Ministry in Immigrant Churches’

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

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

Image link to article: Why are Christian congregations important today?