I remember when the Columbine High School shootings happened in 1999. Schools across the country went into lockdown. Most of us were left mouths open watching news reports, trying to process and understand what happened and why. Schools and other…
Beginning a journey
By Amy Butler Dear Riverside Community, There are moments in life when we know that we are standing on holy ground, when we are overtaken with the knowledge that God is here, and when the call of God in our…
A word for the graduates, part 2
As graduates around the country begin making plans for the next phase of their lives, it will be worthwhile for them to take some time to prepare for the challenges that will come with it. For Christian young people in…
Come, Holy Spirit
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…