In January 2009, we posted the first story on Faith & Leadership -- aptly titled “Starting Well.” In the decade since, we’ve offered almost 1,600 pieces of original content, including feature stories, essays, interviews, sermons, videos, photo essays and a podcast. In addition, we’ve curated the News & Ideas newsletter every weekday morning to help you stay informed about the church and the world as you lead.
By equipping Christian leaders with new language, mindsets and ideas, we aim to strengthen the ecology of Christian institutions that enable U.S. congregations and pastors to flourish. Our work is part of a larger project -- Leadership Education at Duke Divinity -- that is funded by Lilly Endowment Inc.
We hope that you feel connected to the network of contributors to the site -- the thinkers and writers, artists and theologians, leaders and followers who are engaged in the creative, innovative and holy work of ministry.
In honor of our 10th anniversary, we offer you 10 memorable pieces that represent the way we try every day to respond to your needs, offer a mix of perspectives and lean into hope.
What’s your favorite piece from a decade of Faith & Leadership? Join the conversation on our Facebook page or on Twitter with #FaithLeadership10. And if you’re not already on our mailing list, sign up here.
Who is my neighbor?
After years of decline, a congregation in Houston has been experimenting with a new ministry with refugees in a nearby neighborhood. This collection tells a story of reclaiming a mission, navigating change, nurturing innovative leaders and embarking on the patient work of building friendship.
L. Gregory Jones: Traditioned innovation
A way of thinking and being that holds the past and future in tension, not in opposition, is crucial to the growth and vitality of Christian institutions. L. Gregory Jones explains the phrase he coined.
Welcome to the church of ‘holy chaos’
Prepare to be blown away by the Spirit at this church in Asheville, North Carolina, where a radical experiment in street ministry is supported by a mainline denomination.
Monica A. Coleman: Jesus is here, even for those silenced by depression
In Holy Week, a favorite gospel song reminds the author that God loves even those who cannot cry out in praise, those whom depression has left as silent as stones.
Can These Bones
This Faith & Leadership podcast asks a fresh set of questions about leadership and the future of the church. The Rev. Bill Lamar and the Rev. Laura Everett talk with people of faith inside and outside the church -- conversations that breathe life into leaders struggling in their own valley of dry bones.
Dave Odom: RIP, average attendance
That number means much less today because the definition of an active congregation member has shifted. So, what numbers should we track now?
Songwriting internship empowers young Christians to write ‘soundtrack of reconciliation’
At the Urban Doxology Songwriting Internship, young musicians study theology and collaborate on worship songs that speak to the challenges of a diverse community.
Andrea Palpant Dilley: Change wisely, dude
A young writer has some advice for church leaders trying desperately to attract and retain young people: change carefully and wisely. What young people say they want in their 20s is not necessarily what they want 10 years later.
MORTAR’s entrepreneur training helps longtime residents ride the wave of revitalization
Too often, neighborhood revitalization leaves behind the people who already live in urban neighborhoods. A new model in Cincinnati seeks to train and support locals so they can benefit from the economic boom.
Krista Tippett: Will religious institutions rise to the occasion?
Young people today may be questioning the church, but they are doing so in a way that is faithful to the heart of the tradition. This has the capacity to fuel real spiritual renewal for our institutions, says the host of “On Being” in this interview.
