The word ‘contentment’ carries for many of us a negative connotation of complacency and ease that is the enemy of progress and productivity, so we’ve been disciplined to resist it. We are driven, motivated, accomplished, and busy. There is always something more to do, another...
In part one of this conversation, Program Director Adam Borneman speaks with the Revs. Amy Starr Redwine (First Presbyterian, Richmond, VA), Susan Rogers (The Well at Springfield, Jacksonville, FL), and Kjell Ferris (Peace Lutheran, Plymouth, MN) about their recent sprint cohort experience, truth telling, whiteness,...
Last week, I had the chance to spend some time with a large group of ELCA pastors from the Midwest. Despite being from the heart of Lutheran country they, like the rest of us, are facing the full litany of declining things: members, attendance, budgets,...
Shout out, do not hold back! Lift up your voice like a trumpet! - Isaiah 58:1 About the last thing most pastors feel like right now – along with their church boards – is a trumpet. Worn down by months of uncertainty, discord over masks and more,...
Executive Director Mark Ramsey speaks with Dr. Donyelle McCray (Yale Divinity School) and the Rev. Dr. Tom Long (Candler School of Theology) about their new book of Advent Devotions, the "disappointing Jesus", and what's required of us....
We are fast approaching the American holiday that will launch thousands of tweets, posts, and photos with largely the same theme: a crowded table of people and food and some sentiment on how the person posting is “feeling grateful.” Culturally, that may work. Biblically, it completely...
For many congregations, the counting season has begun. Boards and committees are trying to determine the dollar amount of incoming pledges, gifts, and commitments for 2022. This has never been an exact or scientific process, and the past two pandemic years have stirred in huge...
Program Curator Jennifer Watley Maxell shares her reflections on Saul, managing multiple pandemics, and Tina Turner. This writing originally appeared on our blog in February....
When I wake up in the afternoon Which it pleases me to do Don't nobody bring me no bad news ‘Cause I wake up already negative And I've wired up my fuse So don't nobody bring me no bad news When you're talking to me Don't be cryin' the blues 'Cause don't nobody...