Not every headline out of Washington, D.C., or Northern Virginia is about division, Donald Trump or American dysfunction. Every now and then, the light breaks through the legislation and press conferences. Just miles from the corridors of power, in Alexandria,…
When pastors mistake theological maturity for spiritual maturity
A pastor colleague recently told me something I can’t seem to shake: “If I’m not on staff, pastoring or preaching, I don’t go to church on Sundays. I’m just not a pew person.” At first, it sounded like honesty. The…
Meredith Miller calls the church to wonder
In May 2020, many pastors held their breath as they released statements and stumbled over how to respond to the murder of George Floyd. Meredith Miller responded with formation. Making her Instagram account public, Miller began to write about faith…
A massive catechesis failure
A few days ago, I was listening to an audiobook while I drove my 5-year-old grandson, Micah, home from kindergarten. The narrator was talking about A. Philip Randolf, Bayard Rustin and the historic March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom…
What if it’s just Jesus?
If I live another few weeks, I will soon turn 70 years old. Like anyone who has lived that long, I have seen many things come and go and change, one of the most bewildering of which is the degree…
Navigators release free discipleship app
Leaders of the Navigators were concerned when research showed many Christians felt unable to help other believers grow in their faith. Then they got to work. Now, five years later, they’ve released a free discipleship app that’s designed to fill…
Truth on the scaffold: Bonhoeffer’s witness to American Christians today
Anyone watching the beginning of Donald Trump’s presidency can see that truth itself is on the scaffold. Bonhoeffer’s life and thought gives us a lens to see our present dilemma as a nation and church. Dietrich Bonhoeffer is among the…
Larnelle Harris is still making music
After 50 years in ministry, Larnelle Harris still feels called to make music. Harris has garnered accolades for his music, including four Grammy Awards, 11 Dove Awards (three for Male Vocalist of the Year) and a Stellar Award for Best…
The kingdom of God does not come through the scepter but through the Cross
Public Religion Research Institute is a nonprofit and nonpartisan research organization dedicated to conducting independent research in the fields of religion, culture and public policy. They focus on important issues that shape American culture, religious dynamics, political viewpoints and sociological…
Most Christians don’t feel adequate for sharing their faith or making disciples
Feelings of inadequacy or a case of the jitters seem to be keeping many Christians from sharing their faith with others, according to a new report by Barna Research. “Not feeling qualified or equipped (37%) is the main barrier” to…
Live from Fort Worth, it’s a more global church than ever before
When was the last time your church had 200 people show up for a Wednesday night book study? Before COVID, that never would have happened at Broadway Baptist Church in Fort Worth, Texas, said Senior Pastor Ryon Price. But recently,…
Bonhoeffer Moment No. 5: Finding a ‘will for the future’
Reflecting on the long-term impact of the Bubonic Plague (1346-1353) sweeping across Europe and ravaging his native Florence, the poet Petrarch wrote: “O happy posterity, who will not experience such abysmal woe and will look upon our testimony as a…