Rafael Malpica Padilla: A particular way of embracing Christianity
The executive director of Global Mission for the ELCA says denominations are a source of identity, the lenses through which everything is viewed: Scripture, church and society.
Congregations
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Congregational concierge
Pastors need to fight the impulse to fulfill congregants’ unrealistic expectations. In order to do that, they must understand that they are players in a number of powerful systems that reward such behavior, writes Nelson Granade.
John L. McCullough: Our faith draws us to witness
Maintaining and strengthening denominations’ prophetic voice is critically important, says the leader of Church World Service.
Plugged in . . . to the future
In the heart of tobacco country, a United Methodist church is helping create a new economic future by providing adult computer training. Some members weren’t sure, but most agreed: It’s exactly what the church should be doing.
Tom Arthur: Does vision come from the leader or the people?
If vision comes from the pastor, how can the pastor discern where his or her blind spots are?
Jeffrey Leath: The craving for truth
All people crave the truth, says AME Bishop Jeffrey Leath. And one of the key roles for denominations is to be a reliable source of that truth, an arbiter of its trustworthy presentation.
Church decline of another kind
Church membership and attendance declines are often blamed on the increasing secularization of American society. But, Michael Emerson writes, one important factor has been overlooked: population decline.
Mark Chaves: What makes congregations march?
Not surprisingly, abortion and homosexuality. More surprisingly, international aid and poverty. And few actually demonstrate over anything.
Richard J. Mouw: What makes for an "indigenous" hymn?
American visitors to churches in China can be surprised to hear them singing “our” hymns. Until we realize they aren’t “ours.” They have become “theirs.”
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The gifts of the small church
Jason Byassee recalls the Sunday morning when he called a time-out during his sermon. In that moment, he discovered grace -- and an unexpected lesson in leadership.