Laity

Incubator for discipleship

Rather than investing in a single, institutionally driven project, an Austin church is inviting parishioners to come up with innovative ways to serve their city — and providing initial funding.

By Edie Gross Journalist

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The Gallatin hotel as an economic engine for ministry

A real estate developer who has transformed Nashville churches into boutique hotels has created the Rooms for Rooms program, which donates a portion of hotel profits to organizations working with people experiencing homelessness.

By Fiona Soltes Journalist

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Falling in love again — with a congregation

Now could be the time to rediscover why we chose a faith community in the first place and to consider what’s next, writes the director of the Thriving Congregations Coordination Program at Duke Divinity.

By Kelly Ryan Director, Thriving Congregations Coordination Program

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Strengthening churches by encouraging complaints

Faith-based organizations are well-served when people know their concerns are welcome, writes an attorney in the nuclear power industry.

By Lisa Vaughn Attorney

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How can congregations help Black clergywomen flourish?

Intentional self-care, a church’s ethos of care and congregational openness to new approaches are notable factors that contribute to the thriving of Black clergywomen, a researcher has found.

By Alexis Carter Thomas Writer and researcher

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Parenting in the midst of protests and a pandemic is a difficult opportunity

Parenting right now is chaos, but there is a lot of opportunity to teach our children to love God, says a worship leader.

By Angie Hong Worship leader, writer and speaker

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The gifts of the small church in a pandemic

In times of sickness and anxiety, the deep relationships in a small-membership church can be a powerfully sustaining force, writes a leader in cultivating thriving rural communities.

By Allen T. Stanton UMC pastor

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Connecting time and money

Congregational priorities help focus how church staff spend their time, influencing a substantial part of the budget, writes the executive director of Leadership Education at Duke Divinity.

By David L. Odom Executive director, Leadership Education at Duke Divinity

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How I learned to love Vacation Bible School in middle age

A writer’s rediscovery of Sunday school and VBS in his 50s helps fuel a joyful renewal and deepening of the faith of his youth.

By Andrew J. Skerritt Journalist

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Creating community in nature

For one pastor, feeding the spiritually hungry means meeting them where they are.

By Melissa Earley United Methodist Pastor

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Excerpt: 'Planning Sabbaticals: A Guide for Congregations and Their Pastors'

In this excerpt from his recent book, author Robert C. Saler writes about pastoral sabbaticals as a time of reinvigoration and reflection for both church leaders and their congregations. Saler directs the Lilly Endowment Clergy Renewal Programs and the Center for Pastoral Excellence at Christian Theological Seminary.

By Robert C. Saler Associate dean and research professor, Christian Theological Seminary

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