By Bill Wilson I have worked with numerous congregations to clarify their identity and lean into the future proactively. When it goes well, one consequence is nearly always true. The fresh vision requires a significant shift in the organizational life…
Reclaiming congregants
In a recent article in The Christian Century, Phyllis Tickle recounted what many of us have believed over the years: “The old saw is that after they married and had children, people would come back to organized faith. It is…
How seminaries fail
By Brett Younger A light shines on them. A voice calls their name. The Spirit ignites their hearts. They feel compelled to follow Jesus, challenge the church and change the world. They long to proclaim good news to the poor,…
Between heaven and hell
By Leroy Seat Americans remember Nov. 22, 1963, as the date of the assassination of President Kennedy. And the public media has widely publicized today’s 50th anniversary of that tragic event. Some Christians will remember that Nov. 22, 1963, was…
Wise decisions about charitable holiday giving
As the holiday season approaches, my inbox and our mailbox seems to fill quickly with Christmas greetings and with requests for money. We love getting Christmas cards and letters. After reading them, my wife displays them around the living room…
You know we can hear you
By Bill Leonard “You know we can hear you, right?” That’s what Daily Show “reporter” Aasif Mandvi recently asked Don Yelton in response to the Buncombe County Republican’s assessment of voter ID regulations imposed this year by the North Carolina…
The hardest job in the world
A pastor has one of the hardest jobs in the world. When I was a pastor, I was not willing to say that sentence. It seemed self-serving and whiny. I heard other people say how hard a pastor’s work is,…
Missing the beach chair in the Bahamas
By David Burroughs Ending a sabbatical with a visit to the Bahamas seemed just right. Dreams of loads of time for personal reflection while lounging on a beach chair filled my mind. The reality turned out to be a bit…
Forever Changed #11: How do you comfort the wounded?
This week I really do not have a message to send home to you. Instead, I just need to grieve a little bit. This column is so healing for me because I get to share with you information that 1….