Executive Director Mark Ramsey speaks with the Rev. Dr. Thad Austin (Ormond Center) about his new book, the importance of understanding the disconnected network of providers, and what pastors can learn from the example of Simone Biles....
Recently, while hanging out with friends, one friend was telling us all about the relationship she shares with her new significant other. We all smiled and shared her happiness as she spoke of their synergy and like-mindedness, of the ways they are different yet complimentary...
Church boards have returned from a summer hiatus only to find that the more things change, the more things are the same. Plans are uncertain. Stewardship committees are uncertain. Pastors’ energy and resilience is uncertain. Everyone’s ability to navigate the divisions of our polarized society...
Program Director Adam Borneman speaks with Carmelle Beaugelin (BeauFolio Studio) about why it's difficult for congregations to innovate, why it's important for them to do so, and what artists can bring to the flourishing of congregations. Carmelle's article in Faith & Leadership can be found here....
In his 2018 TheoEd Talk, “Resurrecting Church,” activist Shane Claiborne remarks that none of the significant problems facing our communities can be solved from a distance. Social and spiritual change requires taking the risk of getting close and making connections. We see this message playing out...
Executive Director Mark Ramsey speaks with the author and practical theologian Dorothy C. Bass about her latest book Stepmother, the 25th anniversary of her seminal Practicing Our Faith, and how reflecting on her calling as a stepmother helped her understand God's grace....
I’ve had recent conversations with several dozen pastors serving congregations in diverse settings. Their descriptions of their ministry challenges were what most of us could expect these days. One by one, they all raised the same daunting concern: broken connections. Broken connections within the congregation...
Program Director Adam Borneman speaks with Dr. Dustin Benac (Truett Theological Seminary) about his forthcoming book Adaptive Church and the importance of collaboration and community in a changing world....
45 And Jesus said, “Who was it that touched me?” When all denied it, Peter7 said, “Master, the crowds surround you and are pressing in on you!”[1] Luke 8:45 We are years into a global pandemic, and we have witnessed the resiliency and creativity of Christian communities all...