Beth Moore’s recent defection from the Southern Baptist Convention has been a long time coming. Moore built her career modeling Southern Baptist, submissive womanhood, but her public witness has challenged the gender roles that she, until very recently, defended. Moore’s…
The new secretary of education should listen to our teachers
Much of a pastor’s ministry happens in “behind-the-scenes” moments of pastoral care, and much of that care involves deep listening. Listening carefully and intently is a learned skill for many extroverted pastors like myself. But, especially in this moment of…
Children’s minister has taken a long journey close to home
As the crow flies, Kasey Eller hasn’t wandered too far from her roots in Little Rock, Ark. “I actually teach at the same middle school I went to, so I haven’t gone very far,” she explained. But Eller, 39, has…
In ‘Whiplash,’ a stark reminder: Teachers have power to abuse
Teachers live in duality with their students. The students either love or hate the teacher, depending on how the teacher is perceived. Some of that is well earned. Teachers have the power to make or break students. They can be…