Boundary Leadership: a Video-Based Small Group Curriculum
BOUNDARY LEADERSHIP AT EMORY The past three years of course work and research in the Emory University community have deeply shaped my view of how community is formed and how Continue Reading
GIVING CULTURE A VOICE IN CHURCH: An Exploration of Popular Music and Holy Scripture
INTRODUCTION There are many personal theologies present among the congregants of First United Methodist Church of Chipley (FUMCOC) due to fluid movement between denominations over decades. One of the many Continue Reading
Sometimes You Lead By Listening: Introducing Ministry Innovations in a New Ministry Setting
A Boy and His Idea When I was the pastor of St. John’s United Church of Christ in Easton, Pennsylvania, I had a great idea about doing church. In fact, Continue Reading
From Politics to the Pews: Loyal Partisans Becoming Faithful Politicos
Introduction As a progressive congregation in a state that strongly identifies as conservative and evangelical, Mayflower Congregational United Church of Christ in Oklahoma City offers an unexpected expression of Christianity Continue Reading
ENGAGING RURAL CONGREGATIONS TO EMBRACE RACIAL DIVERSITY
ENGAGING RURAL CONGREGATIONS TO EMBRACE RACIAL DIVERSITY: THE EXPERIENCE OF A UNITED METHODIST PASTOR SERVING IN CROSS-RACIAL/CROSS-CULTURAL APPOINTMENT WITHIN THE GREAT PLAINS ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH INTRODUCTION Continue Reading
#Blessed: Grace and Privilege in the Church
#Blessed: Grace and Privilege in the Church The Context Northside Church is nestled within the Buckhead Community of Atlanta, Georgia. Among the wealthiest neighborhoods in the United States, Buckhead is Continue Reading
Re-membering Who We Are: Congregational Care in the Face of Dementia
By Jared R. Wortman Background Bread and cup are lifted high above the expansive marble altar every week at Peachtree Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Atlanta, Georgia. The Eucharist liturgy Continue Reading
Leadership Development Among Early Career Adults
A Challenge Let’s get right down to it: early career adults are less likely to make themselves available as leaders in their communities and congregations. Likewise, as society becomes even Continue Reading
Sowing the Seeds of Friendship: Cultivating Hospitality Across Class Lines
How can an affluent congregation build friendships with persons living in poverty in their neighborhood? First United Methodist Church serves the mission field of Monticello, Arkansas, a county seat town Continue Reading
Preaching to All Ages
The Problem I had recently begun my role as the lead pastor for the small contemporary service, “The Bridge,” at our large traditional church. One Sunday after worship, a young Continue Reading
Reproductive Loss & Story Sharing
1 in 4 pregnancies ends in miscarriage. 1 in 5 couples experience infertility or struggle to become pregnant. Reproductive loss, including miscarriage and infertility, impact a large portion of our Continue Reading