Laity

A church offers training in faith and finance

Kingdom Fellowship AME Church helps its members thrive through financial literacy classes that help build economic stability and faithful generosity.

By Leslie Quander Wooldridge Journalist

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Churches became one-stop shops at the height of COVID-19, but that is not sustainable

The pandemic pushed clergy into multiple new roles, and they responded. Now some of that work should be redirected to people better trained to do it, writes a director of grants for Leadership Education at Duke Divinity.

By Victoria Atkinson White Director of Grants, Leadership Education at Duke Divinity

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Dignity and respect are the key to a multimillion-dollar ministry supported by a successful thrift shop

Dorcas Ministries attracts hundreds of volunteers who work at its secondhand store — and believe in its larger mission as one of the region’s premier social welfare agencies.

By Yonat Shimron Journalist

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Celeste Kennel-Shank: ‘It was the safest place I knew as a child.’

A pastor and journalist tells the story of the Community of Christ in Washington, D.C., in which she grew up. It was a five-decade-long experiment in living and worshipping in a neighborhood parish that intentionally ended in 2016.

Bearing fruit beyond having children

Some churches may prioritize families with young children, but they should also remember to value all members, an Episcopal priest writes.

By Elizabeth Felicetti Priest and author

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‘Napkin Theology: Small Drawings About Big Ideas’

In this excerpt from their new book, two North Carolina writers describe how God’s love is manifest in creation.

Emily Lund Tyler Hansen

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Incubator for discipleship

Rather than investing in a single, institutionally driven project, an Austin church is inviting parishioners to come up with innovative ways to serve their city — and providing initial funding.

By Edie Gross Journalist

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The Gallatin hotel as an economic engine for ministry

A real estate developer who has transformed Nashville churches into boutique hotels has created the Rooms for Rooms program, which donates a portion of hotel profits to organizations working with people experiencing homelessness.

By Fiona Soltes Journalist

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Falling in love again — with a congregation

Now could be the time to rediscover why we chose a faith community in the first place and to consider what’s next, writes the director of the Thriving Congregations Coordination Program at Duke Divinity.

By Kelly Ryan Communications Specialist, The Evaluation and Communications Project at the Center for Congregations

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Strengthening churches by encouraging complaints

Faith-based organizations are well-served when people know their concerns are welcome, writes an attorney in the nuclear power industry.

By Lisa Vaughn Attorney

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How can congregations help Black clergywomen flourish?

Intentional self-care, a church’s ethos of care and congregational openness to new approaches are notable factors that contribute to the thriving of Black clergywomen, a researcher has found.

By Alexis Carter Thomas Writer and researcher

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