News & Ideas

Monday's News & Ideas - 9/18/2023

  • Evangelicals & the GOP
  • Pastor peer group benefits
  • Community & Jewish High Holidays
  • Ancient alien theory
  • Getty music conference
  • Returning from prison

Evangelical Christians need Republicans. Does the party need them?
The Guardian: The religious right is losing its grip as candidates respond to a voter majority that doesn’t support a federal abortion ban

Ten benefits of participating in a pastor peer group
Baptist News Global: Demands of the role can be both deeply rewarding and incredibly demanding, often leading to isolation and burnout. In the course of this journey, one invaluable resource that can serve as a lifeline is a pastor peer group.

Community has always been at the heart of the Jewish High Holidays
The Conversation: For many who observe these holidays in the United States, the Days of Awe will be the only time that they visit a synagogue this year. Only 1 in 5 American Jews attend services once a month or more.

The pedagogy of “Ancient Aliens”*
The Christian Century: Why Walter Staggs teaches ancient astronaut theory as part of Intro to Religion.

At Sing! Global, a faithful pushback to the spread of megachurch praise music
Religion News Service: Keith and Kristyn Getty’s hymn conference brings Christians together to sing tunes from historic hymnals, from Celtic traditions and new creations.

The Spark

What to expect when your loved one gets out of prison, from someone who lived it
La Tanya Jenifor-Sublett was released from prison a decade ago. Despite having years to prepare, her transition back was not easy, WBEZ says.

*access is limited for nonsubscribers



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Most recent News & Ideas

Friday's News & Ideas - 9/22/2023

  • Gallup poll on spiritual & religious
  • Evangelical colleges’ enrollment up
  • When your boss has Bible study
  • Baptist leader steps down over fund use
  • Community of murdered Sikh activist
  • AI-assisted writing

Thursday's News & Ideas - 9/21/2023

  • SBC expels church where pastor did blackface
  • Falwell’s legal battle with Liberty
  • Theology of Sojourner Truth
  • Religious objections to DEI
  • Survey on Catholics & marriage
  • Bob Ross painting sold

Wednesday's News & Ideas - 9/20/2023

  • Suspended UMC bishop trial
  • Why don’t men sing in worship?
  • Hamline University lawsuit
  • Temple’s president dies after event
  • Legal battle over confessional
  • Kathmandu’s kung fu nuns
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Vital Worship, Vital Preaching Grants

The Vital Worship, Vital Preaching Grants Program at the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship is designed to foster, strengthen and sustain well-grounded worship in congregations throughout the U.S. and Canada. Two streams of grants are offered: to teacher-scholars and to worshiping communities.

Grant proposal due date options include October 15, 2023, or February 15 or June 15, 2024.

Learn More