Theological Reflection

The gift and practice of reading together

Reading together as a congregation helps us remember what we believe, a pastor writes.

By April Yamasaki Author and minister

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God meets us in the things we love. That includes serving as a drum major

A campus chaplain reflects on his own college days and how striving toward a goal revealed God’s larger plan for him.

By Jonathan R. Whitfield Chaplain, Berea College

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‘Waking Up Ghosts: Making Peace with Ancestors’

A minister weighs the inheritance of Korean spirituality and shamanism.

By Christine J. Hong Minister and professor

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Even when we don’t hear the Holy Spirit, she is still working

On a retreat, an elusive squirrel embodies the Holy Spirit.

By Aleta Payne Senior editor, Faith & Leadership

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Autumn is all about letting go

Fall is the season of limits that reminds us of our mortality. That’s a good thing, writes a pastor and author.

By Courtney Ellis Pastor, Presbyterian Church of the Master

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Why read Wendell Berry?

Theologian Norman Wirzba reflects on what he has learned about theology and Creation as a longtime friend and student of Wendell Berry.

By Norman Wirzba Gilbert T. Rowe Distinguished Professor, Duke Divinity School

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Letting grace guide how we welcome newcomers

A pastor notices how small gestures can help visitors breathe — and feel the grace of God — from the moment they step through the door.

By Brett McKinley Pardue Writer and artist

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‘Traumatized Church: What Paul’s Relationship with the Corinthian Church Teaches Us About Helping Those Who are Hurting’

In their new book, scholar Scot McKnight and therapist Adrienne Gibson argue that the apostle Paul was a deeply wounded man and that reading his letters can help us understand the effects of trauma.

Scot McKnight Adrienne Gibson

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‘Weathering Change: Seeking Peace Amid Life’s Tough Transitions’

Adapting to difficult change is like birds’ molting — messy, undignified, vulnerable, yet necessary — writes author Courtney Ellis in this excerpt from her book.

By Courtney Ellis Pastor, Presbyterian Church of the Master

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How to pray like a psalmist

To prayerfully metabolize their experience and discern God’s presence in their lives, Christian leaders can draw on the embodied example of Psalm 31, writes a spiritual director.