By Molly T. Marshall Looking almost combustible, the red and gold paraments, banners and streamers swirled through our sanctuaries as we celebrated Pentecost once again. I am grateful that Baptist churches have grown more engaged in this liturgical season, which…
Who left on those lights?
By George Bullard During a recent research visit with a congregation, I was waiting in the hall for the pastor to finish a conversation with a staff person before we began our dialogue. A well-dressed older gentleman —probably in his…
Why do I still go to church?
When one Christian meets another Christian, a common question is, “Where do you go to church?’’ The intent of the question may be ambiguous. Is the questioner asking about one’s participation, membership, or worship attendance? Very often, it relates to…
Wedding words
By David Gushee Follow David: @dpgushee Not long ago I had the privilege of officiating at a wedding. It had been a while since this ministerial task had fallen to me. This particular assignment reflected many of the trends affecting…
The fire below
By Bill Wilson As I met with a congregation’s leadership team in preparation for making a presentation to their congregation about the state of the church in American culture in the 21st century, I mentioned that a primary issue we…
Filling the gap for dads
By Will Baker It was a hot, sticky evening as the fathers worked with their sons over those ancient sawhorses. There were about 12 young men hard at work with their dads, creating their own canoe paddles from unshaped planks…
Who left on those lights? That electricity costs the church money!
During a recent research visit with a congregation, I was waiting in the hall for the pastor to finish a conversation with a staff person before we began our dialogue. A well-dressed older gentleman–probably in his late 70s– came up…
Churchcraft
By Marion Aldridge I have coined a new word: Churchcraft. What I mean by Churchcraft is an individual’s ability to say and do the things that will help to build the organized church. My observation is that a lack of…
Ministry and mental illness
By Kris Aaron Last week was an interesting one. On Wednesday, I met with a young man that had visited our church a few times. After answering a few basic questions about the church, I asked him to tell me…
A word for the graduates
June is traditionally the month when graduates are recognized. College grads have already walked the fateful stage and most high school grads either have or are preparing to do so. Major life transitions like this are often fraught with challenges…
Retooling your ministry: A necessary joy
By Jerrod Hugenot Around this time of year, we celebrate graduations. From kindergarten to grad school, family members gather round the graduate to affirm an achievement. Whether it is the high school graduation or the hooding of a newly minted…
The problem with gay marriage
By Kyle Caudle The recent story about a Southern Baptist pastor’s son coming out as gay has garnished quite a buzz in Baptist circles and beyond. On first glance this story did not seem especially newsworthy. After all, this is…