One of the things we’re learning during COVID-19 is that many in our communities are longing for “thirdspaces.” Thirdspace is a term used by sociologists to describe where we spend time when we’re not at home (“first” space) or at work (“second” space). Thirdspaces can be...
In a conversation recorded back in May, Executive Director Mark Ramsey spoke with Amy Starr Redwine (pastor, First Presbyterian Church of Richmond, VA) about collaborative leadership, avoiding echo chambers, and how 2020 has revealed our societal broken places....
As I sat down to write today’s article pondering the prompt, “What have we learned?” I immediately began pulling up emails, and scouring studies, and statistics. I then turned to several bloggers I respect and read their brilliant think pieces. I even logged onto some...
The significant role of smaller congregations across our country cannot be overstated. Yet so often, these critically important ministry contexts are overlooked when we consider the trends, innovations, and creativity evolving in 21st century ministry. What are the specific challenges facing small church pastors in...
The year 2020 has launched an armada of articles that bear the same rippling banner. “The coronavirus could be the crisis that finally propels X industry into the 21st Century.” This week’s flotilla led off with a New York Times piece by Stefanos Chen about...
Program Curator Jennifer Maxell speaks with authors Dr. Monica A. Coleman (Professor of Africana Studies, University of Delaware) and Rev. David Finnegan-Hosey (College Chaplain, Barton College) about longing for honesty, destigmatizing mental health conversations, and addressing the systemic issues that perpetuate the stigma....
As we enter the last stretch of 2020, we want to share what we’re seeing and learning about pastors and congregations across the country. I’m sure we’ll get into to some nuts and bolts analysis of these themes in the coming weeks, but I simply...
“Missional Theology” is a phrase and framework that has proven immensely valuable over the years, carrying with it such an important impetus and calling. Yet it is often a concept that is at risk of being so over-used and mishandled that we can lose sight...
They had become so focused on the aches and pains in the system that they had been thrown off course by the complaints. They had stopped supplying vision or had burned out fighting the resistance; they had ceased to be the strength in the system....