“[And] they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions.” (Luke 2.46, NRSV) This month hundreds of thousands of students flock back to school ready to learn, ready to read, and ready to…
The Church’s great rummage sale
Once more with feeling: The demise of traditional Protestant congregations has been greatly exaggerated. Yes, mainline denominations have been losing members for a number of years. Yes, many churches are dwindling in number and resources and even closing. And yes,…
The outward-oriented church
By Bill Wilson Tom Ehrich, one of my favorite thinkers about church in the 21st century, recently told me he is down to one pivotal question for the congregations he works with: “Is your primary orientation inward or outward?” He…
The outward-oriented church
By Bill Wilson Tom Ehrich, one of my favorite thinkers about church in the 21st century, recently told me he is down to one pivotal question for the congregations he works with: “Is your primary orientation inward or outward?” He…
Some ideas to ponder
It is one of my favorite issues of the year! Every year The Atlantic publishes its “annual compendium of prescriptions, provocations, and modest proposals for making the world a better place.” It is always a fascinating read—something that gives the…
Worlds colliding
As a pioneer in the field of grief, Elisabeth Kubler-Ross used to hold workshops all over the world. In these workshops people didn’t just learn about grief; they had a chance to do deep grieving of their own. A friend…
Claiming our rightful place
By Molly T. Marshall A recent CBS news clip posed the question, “Is 2012 the year of women in politics?” We know that women do not predominate in the House or Senate; approximately 17 percent of elected officials are women….
Claiming our rightful place
By Molly T. Marshall A recent CBS news clip posed the question, “Is 2012 the year of women in politics?” We know that women do not predominate in House or Senate; approximately 17 percent of elected officials are women. Interestingly,…
Are there good reasons to start new congregations?
A quarter of a century ago I moved to South Carolina in response to the call of the largest Baptist body in that state. Baptists of various tribes in South Carolina lacked a commitment to starting new congregations. I was…