By Molly T. Marshall “A soft answer turneth away wrath, but grievous words stir up anger” (Prov. 15:1, KJV) was one of the first Bible verses I learned as a child. Not only were we instructed to memorize this instruction,…
Sharing seeds of hope
By Nora O. Lozano La versión en español está disponible aquí. Two weeks ago I once more had the privilege of leading the Latina Leadership Institute Training in Texas. This year was particularly special because we launched the celebrations of…
Compartiendo semillas de esperanza
Nora O. Lozano An English version is available here. Hace dos semanas tuve el privilegio, una vez más, de dirigir el entrenamiento del Instituto de Liderazgo para Latinas (Latina Leadership Institute) en Texas. Este año fue particularmente especial porque iniciamos…
Avoid thy neighbor?
By Corey Fields I sometimes attend neighborhood watch meetings. The idea behind such gatherings is a very good one. When neighbors know each other and work together, the neighborhood is stronger and crime rates decrease. Most folks I encounter are…
From despair to hope, sans seraphim
By Aileen Lawrimore “In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lofty; and the hem of his robe filled the temple. Seraphs were in attendance above him; each had six wings:…
10 ways pastors can engage church conflict
By Bill Wilson It was early in my pastoral ministry. I still thought my primary job was to please people and make them happy, ensure their comfort and leave them liking me. Thus, when someone disagreed with me or criticized…
Among the not-yet-housed
By Bill Leonard Each January for several years, I’ve joined a group of theology students for a Wednesday visit to the Haywood Street Congregation in Asheville, N.C. I can’t help but write about it, since the experience is always “transforming,”…
5 ways to respond when your pastor actually turns out to be human
By Amy Butler Before you begin reading this column, I want you to know that I’m assuming we’re all clear on the fact that the pastor is a human being. This might sound like a strange way to start off….
52 questions Jesus is still asking
By Jayne Hugo Davis “How would you dispose of a dead body?” Our staff team was playing a board game called Loaded Questions last week. We had gotten together for a meal and some forced family fun and that was…