Monday's Catch: 'ACNA court acquits bishop, blames ‘narrative capture’ and social media' And More

ACNA court acquits bishop, blames ‘narrative capture’ and social media
The Anglican Church in North America’s court for the trial of a bishop has unanimously acquitted Bishop Stewart Ruch III of the Diocese of the Upper Midwest on all charges of misconduct, concluding a tumultuous trial by blaming social media and advocacy groups for creating a “toxic public circus.”

Two hundred years of the Brethren: who are they and what do they believe?
One of the lesser known movements of Christian history is the Brethren, also known as Christian Brethren or sometimes (unhelpfully) Plymouth Brethren. They are known for their Bible knowledge, their commitment to global mission, and their belief that local churches (often called ‘assemblies’) can function perfectly well without the need for ordained clergy to lead them. But why do they often call their buildings ‘Gospel Halls’? What is the difference between Exclusive Brethren and Open Brethren? And why do some Brethren congregations prefer not to be known as ‘Brethren’ at all?

Five Reasons Why Many Pastors Are Inadequately Paid
Pastors enter ministry knowing it will be demanding, but few expect the financial pressure that follows them week after week. Still, it’s a reality in far too many churches.

Most of the time, the issue isn’t intentional neglect. It’s a mix of assumptions, old habits, and blind spots. Many churches simply haven’t updated their thinking about what it costs for a pastor and family to live today.

Is a Preaching Calendar Really Necessary?
Every Sunday comes with its own set of joys and pressures. You’ve wrestled with the overnight scramble for Sunday’s message, felt that creeping panic around Wednesday afternoon, and maybe asked yourself at least once if a preaching calendar is really necessary. That simple planning tool often feels like extra work piled on top of already overflowing plates. But what if the right kind of calendar doesn’t just keep you organized but actually strengthens your preaching, deepens discipleship, and preserves your soul?

How to Use Stillness and Silence in Your Worship Set
Stillness and silence in worship may feel like soft whispers in a culture that prizes volume and motion. Yet these quiet moments can act like spiritual anchors, grounding hearts in God’s presence and helping worshipers transition from distraction to devotion. When we intentionally weave stillness and silence into a worship set, we create breathing room for the Holy Spirit to work and invite our congregation into deeper attentiveness.

AI comes with a built-in worldview. Christians need to understand it.
Christians must engage to remain a cultural force for good in our technology-infused world.

Does Every Outreach Event Require a Gospel Presentation?
When your team gathers to plan the next outreach event, a question often comes up: “Do we have to include a clear gospel presentation every single time?” It’s tempting to think that a fun festival, block party, or service project alone is enough to spark spiritual curiosity. But the heart of outreach isn’t measured in foot traffic or smiles—it’s measured in life-change rooted in the good news of Jesus. That means the answer isn’t always a simple yes or no, but it does demand intentionality about how the gospel is honored.

See Also: 10 Creative Evangelism Ideas to Share the Gospel in Your Community; Dave Ferguson: The Key Steps to Building a Culture of Outreach

What if the Good Shepherd is closer than you think?
There is a quiet, often unnoticed truth at the heart of Christian life: the Shepherd who once walked beside His disciples now walks within His people. The same voice that called fishermen from their nets, the same gentleness that restored the broken, the same steadfastness that carried Him to the cross and through the grave - this Shepherd has not retired from His work. His care has simply moved location. What He once did among the hills of Judea, He now does within the hearts of those who belong to Him.

This changes everything about how we understand care, friendship, ministry, and the ordinary kindnesses we offer to those around us. Pastoral care is not a task reserved for a handful of gifted individuals; it is the life of Christ, quietly at work inside ordinary believers, expressing His character through their words, presence, and attentiveness. The Shepherd’s vigilance hasn’t dimmed; it has, in a very real sense, become embodied in His people. What He continues to do, He chooses to do through you.

Image Credit: Trinity Anglican Seminary