Health & Well-being

Cultivating a practice of awe reinforces our reverence for God

Research shows that embracing awe can make us better people, writes an associate director of the Thriving Congregations Coordination Program.

By Angel Eaglin Associate Director, Thriving Congregations Coordination Program

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Facts & Faith Fridays bridges science and faith to host conversations about health

Conversations that began in the pandemic continue as faith and health leaders tackle a variety of health issues, with a focus on the Black community, writes the faith liaison for the program at Virginia Commonwealth University’s Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center.

By Rachel Pierce Faith liaison and engagement coordinator, VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center

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A recovery and reentry program provides community for those struggling with addiction

A ministry in North Carolina supports people recovering from addiction or incarceration with jobs, resources and relationships.

By Yonat Shimron Journalist

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A Chicago church where discipleship begins with one person and emanates throughout the community

Lawndale Christian Community Church invests in its neighborhood with an “ecosystem” of programs, services and discipleship opportunities intended to help everyone who lives there thrive.

By Alison Bowen Journalist

Image link to article: A Chicago church where discipleship begins with one person and emanates throughout the community

With repentance for its past, a retreat center and hub for social justice builds a new future

Almost 40 years ago, an ecumenical group of faith leaders rallied to save a historic property in Richmond, Virginia. They have continued its prayerful tradition while creating a place for refuge and education.

By Edie Gross Journalist

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A new lens can ease the strain of ministry

A bivocational pastor draws from her career as a therapist to suggest that viewing ministry through the lens of unconditional positive regard can help clergy focus on what is thriving.

By Meagan Manas Pastor and mental health therapist

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Baking bread, breaking bread, and the lessons for pastors in both

Successful bread dough requires a delicate balance between tension and rest, and so do faith communities, explains a baker and writer.

By Kendall Vanderslice Author

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Forget optimism — choose hope

Hopeful people don’t blindly assume that everything is going to be all right; they work for a better future, writes the director of research at Duke’s Office of Climate and Sustainability.

By Norman Wirzba Gilbert T. Rowe Distinguished Professor, Duke Divinity School

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Black church leaders help build trust as a pathway to better health

Exploitation and neglect by the scientific and medical communities have left some Black Americans hesitant to participate in research studies. Faith leaders are helping form relationships and connections they hope will address that.

By Melba Newsome Journalist

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Becca Edwards: Science is a tool that helps us better live out our faith

In her work as a climate action fellow, a former science professor equips clergy and laypeople to advocate for environmental justice.

Warren Kinghorn: Mental health includes learning to live wisely

Rather than focusing on fixing symptoms, the professor and psychiatrist describes in a new book how to reframe mental health care as learning to live more wisely and fully in the world.