Gospel of Luke

‘Balcony time’ offers a fresh perspective

After metaphorically moving from the “dance floor” to the “balcony,” a pastor refocuses on personal connections with parishioners and priorities for the church.

By Henry G. Brinton Pastor

Image link to article: ‘Balcony time’ offers a fresh perspective

Michael Pasquarello: So what are we waiting for?

As the prophet Habakkuk discovered, waiting is the most important thing we do, says a professor of preaching.

By Michael Pasquarello Methodist Chair of Divinity, Beeson Divinity School

Image link to article: Michael Pasquarello: So what are we waiting for?

Luke A. Powery: TGIF

One does not obliterate and destroy the past or the tradition, but one works to restore its joy; thus, we are open to divine disruption, says the dean of Duke University Chapel.

By Luke A. Powery Dean of Duke Chapel

Image link to article: Luke A. Powery: TGIF

William B. Kincaid: Three words for your ministry

By William B. Kincaid Associate professor, Christian Theological Seminary

Clarity, agility, proximity -- the director of field education at Christian Theological Seminary offers these words to a pastor beginning her ministry.

Stanley Hauerwas: Recognizing Jesus

By Stanley Hauerwas Gilbert T. Rowe Professor Emeritus, Duke University

How are we to account for Simeon’s and Anna’s failure to respond to this baby as we would expect? Why do they, ignoring all suggestion of cultural convention, see this baby Jesus as God’s long-awaited salvation for Israel?

Samuel Wells: Let Earth and heaven agree

Why should Christians care about the fate of Earth? Because cherishing creation is the way we show God our gratitude, the way we humbly acknowledge our creatureliness, and an important way in which we worship, says the former dean of Duke Chapel.

By Sam Wells Vicar, St Martin-in-the-Fields, London

Image link to article: Samuel Wells: Let Earth and heaven agree

Catherine A. Caimano: Christianity in six words

By Catherine A. Caimano Free Range Priest

“Jesus is risen from the dead.” Nothing makes sense without those six words, says the canon for regional ministry for the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina.

Michael Pasquarello: An impossibly pregnant church

Like Mary, we have been called to be fertile, to be a church from which the Spirit brings forth much fruitfulness and life, says the professor of preaching at Asbury Theological Seminary.

By Michael Pasquarello Methodist Chair of Divinity, Beeson Divinity School

Image link to article: Michael Pasquarello: An impossibly pregnant church

Nancy S. Taylor: Magnify

Mary’s Song is a reminder to all Christians that in saying yes to God, Mary also said no to all that is ungodly, says the senior minister and CEO of Old South Church in Boston.

By Nancy S. Taylor Senior minister and CEO, Old South Church

Image link to article: Nancy S. Taylor: Magnify

The view from the ditch

From the perspective of the man in the ditch, the story of the Good Samaritan asks something more profound than whether you’re willing to help: Are you ready to be rescued?

By Richard Lischer James T. and Alice Mead Cleland Professor Emeritus of Preaching at Duke Divinity School

Image link to article: The view from the ditch

Temptations and triumphs of ministry

For those claimed and called by God, every exalted position has its shadows. When faced with the temptations of power, remember your baptism, says Kenneth L. Carder.

By Kenneth L. Carder Retired United Methodist bishop

Image link to article: Temptations and triumphs of ministry