Engaging young adults in Jewish life was one of the goals of the Union for Reform Judaism's Communities of Practice, which sparked experiments in synagogues across North America.
Photo courtesy of the Union for Reform Judaism
Synagogues that participated in the Union for Reform Judaism’s Communities of Practice identified best principles to advance change.
The Rev. Brian Combs, left, and others join hands in prayer during worship services at Haywood Street Congregation in Asheville, North Carolina.
Photos by Matt Rose
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.
One significant trend within church life is the changing nature of congregating. That makes it increasingly important for congregations to experiment with new models and share what they are learning.
Drive is a social club where people can gather to play table tennis, eat, drink and meet people. Photo courtesy of Drive
Diallo and Jameel Smith have used their entrepreneurial talent in Detroit to both plant Awakenings Movement -- a nondenominational church -- and open a table tennis social club called Drive.
The Darkwood Brew set evokes a coffeehouse and jazz club. Photos courtesy of Darkwood Brew
An interactive Web television program features meditation, jazz, chat-room conversations and weekly communion.
The head of a Dallas coffeehouse/church urges the church to reclaim its role as an agent of social change, joining with social entrepreneurs to give new life to the world.
Worshippers gather for Cathedral in the Night, one of the alternative ministries of the Clearstory Collective. Photo courtesy of Clearstory Collective
In western Massachusetts, a network of ministries is drawing on ancient and modern traditions to attract young people who might not otherwise be interested in church.
Mike and Jane Lyon, Antioch Baptist Church and “the Brotherhood” show why innovation isn’t only the domain of urbanites.
Social media gives pastors a new ability to point out the presence of God in the day-to-day of people’s lives, says the co-author of a new book on digital ministry.
A church burns, but its treasures endure.