First Baptist Church of Pasadena, Calif., is succeeding by doing everything wrong. Wrong, at least, by conventional standards of what leads to church growth and health today. The church has no social media presence, intentionally. Video of Sunday morning worship…
The white church isn’t dying; it’s in exile
In mid-September, I returned to the church of my childhood, McLaurin Memorial Baptist Church in Edmonton, Alberta. The last time I had been inside the church was for the 1998 funeral of my mother. There are still a handful of…
Churches must learn to adapt to ‘permanent transition,’ Leonard stresses
Churches must tap into the core of their identity, as well as their calling to ministry, commitment to education and religious experience if they are to survive “permanent transition,” church historian Bill Leonard told participants at the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship’s…
Maybe seminaries should offer a class in mergers and acquisitions
I should have figured this out right away, but it took me several months of driving by the mid-sized Baptist church building on the busy freeway to connect all the dots. The church I knew had been battling decline for…
Choosing us: What we didn’t know then about marriage and how we would grow and change
“People change. Maybe you should give this some time to figure out who you are before you get married,” she said. We had flown to California for me (Gail) to introduce Brian to a few of my aunts and extended…
We need a new set of metrics for the spiritual life
I recently found this photo of my mom standing with my sisters and me on an Easter Sunday morning around 1964. Aside from my stunning fashion statement, I want to point out the Bible firmly grasped in my right hand….
The secret to congregational vitality revealed
The secret is really not a secret. It is well known by many congregational leaders. But, they do not accept it because they are looking for a magic act that brings quick vitality without deep commitment and persistent action. Too…
Every pilgrim needs a notebook
Hebrews 11: 8: “He set out, not knowing where he was going.” Parker Palmer: “From our first day in school, we are taught to listen to everything and everyone but ourselves.” Hardy Clemons: “Treat your journal as a sacred object.”…
The best/worst graduation speech ever
A couple of years ago, I attended a graduation ceremony at Emory University. The keynote speaker was the chief of surgery at one of the nation’s leading hospitals. I didn’t know him, but apparently he was a huge deal. As you might…