What chronic illness can teach us during Lent
For people with chronic illness, ever-present pain reminds us that the point of Lent isn’t to suffer but to transform hurt.
Recently published
Mary Alice Birdwhistell and Tyler D. Mayfield: Exodus and the season of Lent both call us to action
In their new Lenten study, a pastor and a theologian in Louisville invite a practice of activism, one step at a time.
How to manage the Judas in all of us
All Christian leaders are vulnerable to the discontent and disillusionment that plagued Judas. There are ways to check that, especially during Lent, writes the associate program director for Leadership Education at Duke Divinity.
Link to author James Wesley Dennis III
By
James Wesley Dennis III
Executive Pastor, Watson Grove Baptist Church
What if faith-based organizations focused on being kinder this Lent?
Institutions, like individuals, might try intentionally practicing “unusual kindness,” writes a director of programs and grants at Leadership Education at Duke Divinity.
Link to author Mycal X. Brickhouse
By
Mycal X. Brickhouse
Director of programs and grants, Leadership Education at Duke Divinity
Lent is a time to rest in God’s unrelenting love
Language that stresses humanity’s distance from God can be deeply hurtful. I prefer to dwell on our belovedness and God’s unwavering maternal heart, writes an author.
Link to author Jean Neely
By
Jean Neely
Scholar and writer
WOOPing a meaningful Lent: Seeking joy through changing behaviors
A practice to promote well-being offers the possibility of joy despite brokenness, writes the director of the Thriving Congregations Coordination Program at Leadership Education at Duke Divinity.
Link to author Kelly Ryan
By
Kelly Ryan
Communications Specialist, The Evaluation and Communications Project at the Center for Congregations
Michael Gienger and Julia Riley: Our congregation gladly scrambled to help during the Texas winter storm. But we shouldn’t have to do it again.
The deadly storm presents an opportunity for Lenten reflection, self-examination and confession, write two pastors who serve in a hard-hit community.
Michael Gienger
Julia Riley
Diana Hall: A call for Lenten action on climate change
Organizations all over the world encourage religious leaders and their communities to explore how the church can work to care for creation.
Gretchen E. Ziegenhals: This Lent, turning again and again to God and one another
When a church turned away from musician Steve Bell and his family, inmates at the federal prison where his father was a chaplain turned toward them, welcoming their brokenness and helping Bell discover a gift from God and a vision for what church can be.
Link to author Gretchen E. Ziegenhals
By
Gretchen E. Ziegenhals
Spiritual director and retreat leader
Luke A. Powery: Spirituals teach us about suffering before God
African-American spirituals have given voice to people for whom “Lent was life,” says the dean of Duke Chapel, who has written a new book called “Were You There? Lenten Reflections on the Spirituals.”
Excerpt: 'Were You There? Lenten Reflections on the Spirituals'
In this excerpt from his new book, the Rev. Dr. Luke A. Powery, the dean of Duke University Chapel, offers two Lenten meditations. Each of the book’s daily entries features the lyrics of an African-American spiritual and a brief reflection, along with Scripture readings and a short prayer.
Link to author Luke A. Powery
By
Luke A. Powery
Dean of Duke Chapel
