By George Bullard The secret is really not a secret. It is well known by many congregational leaders. But they do not accept it because they are looking for a magic act that brings quick vitality without deep commitment and…
Ayn Rand, the reluctant apostle of the Religious Right
How did Ayn Rand become an icon of the Religious Right? It’s not what she would have wanted, Lord knows, and yet, there it is. Ayn Rand despised Jesus, and would have despised him all the more if she had…
19.6 million — and my dad
By John Jay Alvaro Today is Veteran’s Day. Anyone who is a veteran, or who has friends and family who are, doesn’t need to be reminded of the importance of this day. But for those folks with no connection to…
‘Underside’ ministry may redeem Christianity’s reputation
By Marv Knox American culture has turned upside down. What an ironically invigorating development. Validation of cultural upside-downness arrived from unexpected quarters — the Southern Baptist Convention Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission’s recent conference on homosexuality and the future of…
The secret to congregational vitality revealed
The secret is really not a secret. It is well known by many congregational leaders. But, they do not accept it because they are looking for a magic act that brings quick vitality without deep commitment and persistent action. Too…
‘Gone Girl’: Money, marriage, madness and media in Missouri
By David Gushee Follow David: @dpgushee So, what else shall we talk about? How about a tame little movie/book review? Well, perhaps not so tame. My family has recently spent far too many hours watching, reading and talking about Gone…
I can’t just leave
By Helms Jarrell Have you read The Help? I am Mae Mobley. Miss Eva hugged me close as I read to her from my kitty cat book, words she could not read herself. Miss Carolyn cleaned the scrape on my…
This kind of denomination is dead
By George Bullard Anyone who has followed my lifelong trek through the maze of denominational staff service and consulting and coaching with denominational organizations knows that I believe in denominations. I also believe they have a future that respects their…
Learning to think more clearly about death
By Russ Dean She was surrounded by family and friends in the warmth of her own home. Her breathing stopped; the light went out; she was at peace. It was apparently just that simple when Brittany Maynard ended her fight…