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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
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.
Link to author Heidi A. Campbell
By
Heidi A. Campbell
Professor, Texas A&M University
New people can mean new ways of doing things
The last four years have seen an influx of new hires for many organizations. Slowing down to make the changes that turnover requires can benefit everyone.
Link to author David L. Odom
By
David L. Odom
Executive director, Leadership Education at Duke Divinity
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.
Link to author Shari Finnell
By
Shari Finnell
Journalist
People in the pews: Who’s missing, who’s hiding, who’s comfortable on the couch?
Pastors mourn the faces they no longer see and figure out how to serve those they’ve yet to meet in person.
Link to author Edie Gross
By
Edie Gross
Journalist
Pastors were not prepared for the digital demands of the pandemic. What does that teach us about the next crisis?
Of all the new things they were asked to take on during the pandemic, it was technology work and decision making that pastors felt the least prepared for, according to a two-year study from Texas A&M University.
Link to author Heidi A. Campbell
By
Heidi A. Campbell
Professor, Texas A&M University
Jonathan Brooks: How engaged is your church in your neighborhood?
A free online quiz offered by the Parish Collective helps congregations discern their current level of engagement in their communities and offers resources to deepen that connection, says the organization’s board chair.
To expand your imagination, get curious
Learning to be inquisitive and openhearted can make way for all sorts of possibilities, writes the director of the Thriving Congregations Coordination Program at Duke Divinity.
Link to author Kelly Ryan
By
Kelly Ryan
Communications Specialist, The Evaluation and Communications Project at the Center for Congregations
How do I know whether my church is ready to innovate?
Creative churches don’t panic when things go wrong. They pivot. But how do you know whether your church is prepared for it? writes an innovation consultant.
Link to author Carmelle Beaugelin
By
Carmelle Beaugelin
Innovation consultant and visual artist
