RICHMOND, Va. — A couple of years ago, ministry leaders at Pleasant Valley Baptist Church in Liberty, Mo., began to notice how many members were driving from an area near Kansas City International Airport, a nearly 30- minute drive. Knowing…
Reading the Bible through the eyes of poverty yields different interpretations
Status in society can influence how people read and interpret the Bible — and often how they will act on it, according to some Christian leaders. Miguel de la Torre, associate professor of social ethics at the Iliff School of…
RESURRECTION DAY MEDITATION: After Easter, be more like Jesus
The highest holy day of the year for Christians is here. Christians will rightfully celebrate God’s sacrifice in the death of His Son on a ghastly cross. We will remember His death reverently and soberly. But we also will rejoice…
A time to laugh: What’s the role of humor for Christians?
“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…
Humor an important spiritual practice, theologian asserts
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…
Laughter is the best medicine … except when it’s a bitter pill to swallow
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…
‘A time to be born, a time to die’ holds true for churches, some experts insist
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…
Is forgiveness always appropriate for Christians? Yes, but …
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…
Relationships, reconnection foster restoration
Relationship is at the heart of the restorative justice philosophy — restoring an offender’s relationship with self, family and community. The reconnection often begins in prison, through state-provided programs and/or jail and prison ministries. Then individuals need assistance to reinforce…