Wednesday, April 09, 2025

Wednesday's Catch: '3 Ways to Lead Well When a Ministry Closes' And More


3 Ways to Lead Well When a Ministry Closes
Church leaders must evaluate ministries to ensure they align with current and future community needs. Sometimes, this means closing a beloved ministry, which can be met with resistance. Desmond Barrett writes that church leaders must navigate these transitions with compassion, transparency, and steadfastness in the Spirit. Sharing decisions openly, embracing criticism with grace, and serving faithfully to the end allows the church to move forward recognizing that every ending creates space for new beginnings in ministry.

3 Reasons Contentment Ought To Set Christians Apart (And Why It May Not)
The resurrection of Jesus ought to foster contentment among Christians, yet many still struggle to choose contentment over consumerism.

After the Cuts: How a Parish and Diocese Support Federal Workers
Around the time the Trump Administration began laying off federal workers through the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), parishioners of St. Peter’s began talking to their rector, the Rev. Jenifer Gamber, likely seeking guidance or encouragement.
Related: How to use social media to join the resistance by God’s people
The Remaking of Theological Education
The news of Trinity Evangelical Divinity School’s plan to leave Chicagoland and to merge with Trinity Western University in Canada marks a watershed moment in theological education. It would be difficult to overstate the significance of this move, for many TEDS has been a symbol of evangelical identity and theology for generations.
Related: Trinity Evangelical Divinity School To Become Part of Trinity Western University; Trinity Evangelical Divinity School will move to Canada in acquisition deal; Trinity Evangelical Divinity School will merge into Canadian school; and A Closer Look at the Nation’s Largest Seminaries
Calif. city can't ban church from 'professional district': court
A judge has ruled that a city in California cannot stop a church from holding worship services at a property solely because it's located in a specific neighborhood. United States District Judge John W. Holcomb for the Central District of California issued a preliminary injunction on Monday on behalf of Anchor Stone Church in its lawsuit against the city of Santa Ana. At issue was a zoning ordinance that prohibited houses of worship from operating in a “professional district” without getting a specific conditional use permit, with local officials refusing to approve the permit when the church applied.
County and municipal building and zoning codes are increasingly becoming a obstacle to churches renting space and acquiring property and constructing buildings
New Social Security Rules Block Benefits for Millions, Report Shows
New Social Security identity proofing rules due to come into force next week could create significant hurdles for millions of beneficiaries, a new report has found.

Former Surgeon General: Health Is a Shared Priority, Not a Privilege of the Few
Recent job and funding cuts at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under the current administration have sparked widespread concern over the future of public health in America. Significant reductions affecting vital institutions like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the Office of Minority Health raise questions about whether there is a sincere plan to improve America's health or if the intent is simply to dismantle existing infrastructures.
Related: Experts fear rise in diseases as layoffs halt health research: ‘Incredibly bizarre gaslighting’; Food Safety Was Slipping in the U.S. Then Came Mass Layoffs; RFK Jr. cuts lead poisoning team helping tribes, local health departments; and Groups Demand RFK Jr. 'Immediately' Restore CDC's Axed Blood Division
Ego’s Antidote
While combatting egos is a lifelong journey, anyone can take steps forward to improve. Here are five practical tips for keeping an ego at bay....

Make Preparation: Liturgy Planning Notes
While this resource was compiled principally for the Anglican Church of Canada, it may prove a helpful resource for worship planners in other Anglican churches and churches of other ecclesiastical traditions. Free for download in PDF format.

Embrace the Fullness of Holy Week
Holy Week is more than Palm Sunday and Easter—it’s a transformative journey. As Holy Week approaches, Andreá Cummings invites us to expand our Holy Week practices as we journey to the cross with Jesus. Engaging fully in Holy Week through daily devotions, communal reflections and more can lead to a richer understanding that strengthens our faith and connection to Christ and one another.

9 Reasons for the Purpose of Choir in Church
I like a church choir, and I think a church without one might be missing something. Why get a church choir? I am not arguing here that every church should have a choir (I, in fact, attend a young church that does not have one), but I do think there’s a purpose of choir in church. Here’s why.

The Case for Tech-Wise Churches
Nothing has shaped our view of church (or ecclesiology) the way technology has, especially over the past five years, and we need to pay attention to what’s happening. Before we jump to creative ways digital technology can help the church do things, we need to wisely consider what the church is and how we can carefully deploy technologies in ways that enhance—rather than undermine—the church’s nature and mission.
Related: How Local Churches Help Us Reclaim Meaningful Life in a Digital World
Do Your Church Members Prefer Text or Email?
In an age of instant communication and digital overload, churches face an important question: how should they stay in touch with their members? From event reminders to prayer requests and weekly updates, communication is vital to keeping a church community connected and engaged. But what’s the best method — text or email? Understanding your congregation’s preferences can significantly impact how well your messages are received and responded to.

No comments: