Vicki Brown

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Humor doesn’t show up on any spiritual practice list. But Richard Olson hopes to make that happen. “Humor is a very important spiritual practice, especially for those under stress and turmoil,” he said. Richard Olson Listing…

Something that strikes one person as funny—even something heard at church — may seem inappropriate to another. How can believers strike a balance as they use h — mor and laughter in ministry? Individuals need to understand the human experiences…

“For every thing there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven … a time to weep and a time to laugh,” according to the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes. What is the role of laughter and…

Is a church’s death inevitable? Who can give congregations permission to die? Should church members feel guilty for closing their facility’s doors? Peter Bush, author of In Dying We are Born: The Challenge and the Hope for Congregations, believes every…

Sermons on forgiveness often emphasize the Lord’s Prayer — “and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.” But should Christians always forgive, regardless of circumstances? Is granting forgiveness always appropriate? “Yes, but …,” four Christians…

Ministry to inmates’ children and spouses can help keep families together through incarceration and after release.  Generally, offenders are placed in prisons away from home — often across the state or even in another state. Reed Hanna of St. Louis…

Relationship is at the heart of the restorative justice philosophy — restoring an offender’s relationship with self, family and community. The reconnection {mosimage}Then individuals need assistance to reinforce new behaviors and to return to their communities as productive citizens worthy…

The woman sobbed quietly into her hands for a few minutes. Composing herself as best she could, she looked into the eyes of the 18-year-old. “I forgive you,” she declared. “But you are going to have to prove to me…