The people and ministry in small congregations are always worth fighting for. But the buildings? Not so much.
The title of this post may initially shock you but read on and learn what Karl Vater is actually proposing.The Burge Report: Are Religious People More Prone to Conspiracy Theories?
Both prophets and conspiracy theorists cater to the human desire to make sense of chaos. This connection sparks compelling questions: Do religious belief and conspiracy thinking go hand in hand, as both involve leaps of imagination? Or does a strong religious framework offer enough structure, reducing the need for conspiracy theories? Ryan Burge joins the show to discuss what the hard data reveals.
Most Americans support chaplains in schools, oppose school prayer: Poll
A newly released report shows that the American public has mixed feelings about integrating religion into multiple aspects of life, with most Americans supporting chaplains in public schools while opposing teacher-led school prayer.
2025 is a year of anniversaries. From the 1700th anniversary of the Nicene Creed to the 80th anniversary of VE Day, there are many milestones to reflect on. Another one is the 500th anniversary of the founding of the Anabaptist movement - a chapter in Christian history that is not so well known.
Theologian NT Wright defends traditional male pronouns for God amid cultural shifts
Theologian N.T. Wright recently emphasized that while God transcends gender, using traditional male pronouns like “Father” remains theologically appropriate when understood in light of Scripture. In a wide-ranging conversation on the "Ask N.T. Wright Anything" podcast, the theologian and former bishop of Durham addressed the question: Is it appropriate to refer to God using male pronouns?
VOICES: Singing is more than notes and lyrics. It’s a spiritual discipline
You were given a voice to worship. Yes, you! Maybe you think singing is for somebody else and that no one wants to hear you sing, but the Bible says otherwise. The Lord delights in the praises of His people. Or, as Psalm 22:3 puts it, He is “enthroned” upon them.
Communion in the Milk Barn
We only had communion once a quarter in those days. The Evangelical United Brethren Church, like the Methodists who we E.U.B.s merged with in 1968 to become the United Methodist Church, believed that having it more often made it less meaningful. At least that is what they always told me. I learned later that it had more to do with the schedule of the early circuit riders. Pioneer preachers served as many as 15 or 20 churches on horseback. It took two or three months to make the rounds. Baptism and communion services were held whenever the preacher came to town. The tradition of infrequent communion stuck. Now days, in most of our UM churches, it happen once a month, usually on the first Sunday.
I have sojourned with two Methodist churches during the past 25 year, a new church plant and a historical downtown church. The Episcopal church of my youth enjoyed a close relationship with the oldest Methodist church in the community. Our organist was a Methodist and our choir director became a Methodist pastor. At the church plant we celebrated Holy Communion every Sunday. At the historic downtown church we celebrate Holy Communion once a month. The local Episcopal church does not have a priest of its own and celebrates Holy Communion only twice a month as did the Episcopal church of my youth. Surprisingly it was the writings of two Methodists, James White and William Willamon that convinced me of the value of frequent communion. They encouraged more frequent celebrations of Holy Communion in Methodist churches than once a month. In my experience infrequent celebrations of Holy Communion do NOT make it more meaningful. If that conclusion was true, by the same logic churches should hold services and pastors preach sermons less frequently so as to make them more meaningful.Let’s Not Miss Our Moment: 10 Concerns about AI and the Church
In this article, I will outline ten common concerns I’ve heard over the past two years. I’ll give my perspective on the ones I can, and I’ll admit where I don’t have answers.
Microsoft Licensing Changes for Nonprofits, Explained
In May of this year Microsoft sent an email to non-profit grant customers announcing: Your Microsoft 365 Business Premium grant is being discontinued. Such words can send shivers up the spines of non-profit staff, as many depend on the Microsoft grants. First, if you’re still shivering, that’s understandable — but please wrap yourself in a warm blanket before you keep reading. Second, while this change will impact many nonprofits, there is no need to panic. We are here to help you sort out the Microsoft licensing changes.
Why Small Group Discipleship Remains a Vital Strategy for Church Growth
While no single method can fully capture the depth and breadth of Christian formation, small group discipleship has proven to be one of the most effective and sustainable strategies for spiritual growth in the local church. Let’s explore why.
St. Luke’s, Birmingham, Makes Church Work for Families
“People want to be at church,” says the Rev. Richmond Webster. “They want to be under the steeple. Unfortunately, I don’t usually see the church providing the answers to questions drawing folks to church now.” This is something St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Birmingham, Alabama, takes seriously. “The church can’t go on providing 19th-century answers to contemporary questions. Today newcomers are asking, ‘Did I find church a good experience?’ and ‘Was it useful to me?’” These days, St. Luke’s asks only one question in return: “How do we make church work for them?”
Your Greatest Setback Might Be God’s Greatest Setup
Nobody likes a setback. Whether it’s a failed relationship, a lost job, a medical diagnosis, or a shattered dream, setbacks can feel like the end of the road. They shake our confidence, disrupt our plans, and often leave us asking, “God, where are You in all of this?” But what if your setback is not a stop sign—but a setup?
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