Theological Reflection

Entertaining angels can be harder than it sounds, but it’s also worthwhile and important

While the Bible encourages us to be hospitable to strangers, the possibilities can be frightening. Some churches provide models for bringing people together beyond weekly services or liturgical ties.

By Sarah E. Forsyth Associate Director, Thriving Congregations Coordination Program

Image link to article: Entertaining angels can be harder than it sounds, but it’s also worthwhile and important

Spiritual leadership is always contextual

It’s tempting to think there’s a formula for leading people, but it’s important to read the context to understand how the Spirit is moving, writes the vice president of spiritual foundations for InterVarsity Christian Fellowship/USA.

By Jason Jensen Vice president of spiritual foundations, InterVarsity Christian Fellowship/USA

Image link to article: Spiritual leadership is always contextual

Pentecost reminds us that God speaks in the ways that we each hear best

We can look to faith communities that welcome people well for models of listening and speaking differently through ministry, writes an associate director of the Thriving Congregations Coordination Program.

By Angel Eaglin Associate Director, Thriving Congregations Coordination Program

Image link to article: Pentecost reminds us that God speaks in the ways that we each hear best

Pentecost and the power of silence

The church’s most formidable response to injustice might be a countercultural silence that speaks volumes, writes the pastor of St. Andrews AME Church in Sacramento.

By Jason D. Thompson Pastor

Image link to article: Pentecost and the power of silence

Easter offers hope in a chaotic world

For people suffering in this season, Easter reminds us that hope comes in many forms, including in the ways we are present to one another, writes the executive director of Leadership Education at Duke Divinity.

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

Image link to article: Easter offers hope in a chaotic world

The work of preparing for leadership changes has biblical roots and modern models

Decentralized networks and intergenerational storytelling better prepare organizations for leadership succession, writes a director of programs and grants for Leadership Education at Duke Divinity.

By Elizabeth Tamez Méndez Director of Programs and Grants, Leadership Education at Duke Divinity

Image link to article: The work of preparing for leadership changes has biblical roots and modern models

Building a great affirmation: 3 postelection truths every church can claim

In the midst of ongoing political turmoil, pastors can step back and cling to three affirmations.

By Andy Stanton-Henry Co-director, Quaker Leadership Center at Earlham School of Religion

Image link to article: Building a great affirmation: 3 postelection truths every church can claim

Failure as faithfulness

The parable of the sower and modern-day design thinkers challenge us to take risks rather than fear failure, writes an associate director for Leadership Education at Duke Divinity’s Thriving Congregations Coordination Program.

By Sarah E. Forsyth Associate Director, Thriving Congregations Coordination Program

Image link to article: Failure as faithfulness

Trusting the winds of God in leadership

Winds offer both assistance and resistance. Being open to them as direction from God can inform how we lead, writes a Chicago pastor.

By Frazlier L. Pope III Executive pastor, Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church

Image link to article: Trusting the winds of God in leadership

It’s time to reclaim creativity

Christians should embrace creativity as a way to make space for God and to imagine things beyond their own capabilities, writes a pastor and denominational leader.