Missions & Community

The pastor of a small church in a tiny town works to make a big difference

When the Rev. Antwon Nixon returned to his Georgia hometown, he didn't expect the call that would lead to his becoming a minister who would expand his church beyond its walls, all the way to the neighboring wildlife refuge.

By Stephanie Hunt Journalist

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You’ve decided to build affordable housing on your church property. What’s next?

The “predevelopment” phase is crucial in faith-based efforts to develop church property. An expert in urban planning helps demystify the process.

By Nadia A. Mian Senior program director, Ralph W. Voorhees Center for Civic Engagement

Image link to article: You’ve decided to build affordable housing on your church property. What’s next?

Allen T. Stanton: What do small churches do well?

Small churches aren’t just waiting to grow or to die but are vibrant and healthy places with particular gifts, writes the author of “The Gift of Small.”

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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Churches and immigration: The clarity of Jesus’ call

Eight years ago, two congregations in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, worked together to provide sanctuary to a woman facing deportation. A pastor deeply involved in that effort looks back on the experience and considers what recent government actions mean for Christian commitment to the vulnerable.

By Isaac Villegas Pastor and writer

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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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Five tips for churches considering property development

Churches are learning how to get started well with adaptive reuse and property development, writes the co-founder of a nonprofit that has worked with hundreds of churches.

By Mark Elsdon Social entrepreneur, strategic executive and author

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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

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Advent in western North Carolina: Waiting with deep hope

In the mountain area devastated by Hurricane Helene, waiting has become a part of life. And for many, that life also entails the hard work of hope, writes a speaker, author and musician who lives there.

By David LaMotte Songwriter, speaker, author and peace activist

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A food ministry in a tiny, rural town has helped hold a United Methodist church together across denominational divides

Volunteers from a small North Carolina church feed their neighbors each week with a hot meal and companionship in an outsize effort to the community.

By Yonat Shimron Journalist

Image link to article: A food ministry in a tiny, rural town has helped hold a United Methodist church together across denominational divides

‘Faithful, Creative, Hopeful: Fifteen Theses for Christians in a Crisis-Shaped World’

In this excerpt from his upcoming book, a scholar reflects on wandering and welcome.

By Jesse A. Zink Principal, Montreal Diocesan Theological College

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