Saying Ouch or Amen: How Druski’s Jokes Can Help the Church
Comedian Druski’s latest viral church parody contains some truth in its critique, however uncomfortable it may be. The Church and the Christians within it should face that openly.
Review & Giveaway: Thriving Church & Holy Disruption
Two recent books, each co-authored by two pastors, offer insight to church leaders who feel stuck and congregations struggling to muster hope in a time where maintaining a successful religious community is more difficult than ever.
Review: Some of the Words Are Theirs
Longtime pastor Austin Carty makes the case that the power of a sermon is found not in novelty, but in the mandate it gives preachers to collect their thoughts every week and put them down in a succinct, coherent fashion.
With Fewer Ordinations, Seminaries Find Ways To Serve Young Professionals in Other Fields
‘Desperation is a spiritual gift, and so it gives you a chance to experiment with things that, you know, 10 years ago were off the table,’ said the Rev. Kenda Creasy Dean, a Princeton Theological Seminary professor.
Review: The Church Must Grow or Perish
“The Church Must Grow or Perish: Robert H. Schuller and the Business of American Christianity” examines Schuller's indelible imprint on the American church.
To Feel Safe in the Pews, Trauma Must Be Acknowledged, Spiritual Directors Say
Despite the growth of trauma-informed ministry, religious leaders believe that more needs to be done for the church and other sacred spaces to be healthy, safe places of connection for congregations.
Profits Versus Prophets
When it comes to the big moral questions we face, Christians would prefer their pastors remain quiet. How exactly did we get to this place?
Meet the Pastor Behind That ‘Quitting the Church’ Essay
A pastor's last thoughts on leaving the ministry sparked a national conversation about clergy health and the future of the church.
As Churches Shrink and Pastors Retire, Creative Workarounds Are Redefining Ministry
As older clergy get set to retire, there are few younger seminarians to replace them — and few churches that can afford to pay them.
Saving the Farm: Heartland Clergy Train to Prevent Agriculture Workers’ Suicides
States such as Minnesota and South Dakota are offering suicide prevention training to clergy – a crucial, trusted presence in rural America. In the farmland, churches remain essential social gathering points.