By Molly T. Marshall A recent book by Mason Currey on the daily rituals of artistic people has captured wide attention. He chronicles the patterns — some odd and eccentric — that empower creativity of writers, painters, inventors, musicians and…
A tale of two Chucks
What a couple of agnostics taught me about congregational business. I have two friends who are particularly dear to me, both named Chuck. I first met The Chucks, as I call them, a few years ago in a writers’ group…
Megachurch trends we small churches must face
The appeal of the megachurch is undeniable: big building, large worship setting, youth and children’s programs, and a semi-celebrity pastor. Yet many smaller churches have not learned from their large counter parts. There are some things megachurches are doing well…
Giving it up for Jesus
By Vicki Brown In Romans 12:1, the Apostle Paul called on believers to be “living sacrifices,” but what does it mean for a Christian to sacrifice in contemporary times? For Roger Olson, the Foy Valentine Professor of Christian Theology and…
Seeking an authentic self
By Molly T. Marshall Although we live in a time of “endless self-documentation,” in the words of Meghan O’Rourke, few seem comfortable with the self they are crafting. Incessant posting of the beauty of vacation settings, food prepared or consumed…
Church uses vandalism as social media message
What do church leaders usually do when someone vandalizes the side of a church with graffiti? Cover it up, repaint, or remove the vandalism. A church in Randolph, New York was recently vandalized with the words, “Can I still get into heaven…
Learning from monks
Recently, I spent a few days at Mount Saviour Monastery and it was an incredible time of reflection, prayer, and spiritual enrichment. I also instituted a social media blackout. I must admit, I didn’t know what to expect. My friend and follow pastor David…
Spiritual formation growing online
By Jeff Brumley Ministers of spiritual formation are turning to the World Wide Web to counter the interference that hectic schedules, frequent traveling, social media and all the other demands of modern life can have on healthy discipleship. Jayne Davis,…
Longing for vision
By Molly T. Marshall Without it — that vision thing — we will not fulfill God’s longing for us. Indeed, we may well perish. Following the Eastertide texts in Acts, vision seems to be the catalyst for the boundary traversing…