The writer of Ecclesiastes tells us there is “a time for every purpose under the heaven,” which includes “a time to be born, and a time to die… a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance” (Eccl. 3:1-2,4 ESV). While the inescapable reality of death loomed heavily over the imaginations of older civilizations throughout history, modern western man has sought to insulate and distract himself from this tragic truth through various forms of busyness and entertainment. The overall effect of this trend in modern society has been to minimize modern man’s exposure to, and contemplation of, the inevitable end of his life, which has in turn robbed the church of a powerful, natural apologetic for the faith. This trend has manifested even within the life of the modern church, which has in practice seemed to affirm there is no time to die as the streamlining of religious funerals becomes normalized.
Mourning in Minnesota
America is witnessing more than an immigration enforcement surge — we are witnessing an escalation of unchecked federal force that is deadly.
Civil rights leaders issue warning, call for Noem’s impeachment
Federal attacks against refugees and undocumented immigrants represent an imminent threat to the constitutional rights of all Americans, UnidosUS President Janet Murguia said.
“The government overreach and abuse of power we have seen from the Trump administration is unlawful, unacceptable and un-American, and we would note that the overreach and abuse of power are harming not only our communities but also our country as a whole,” Murguia said during a Jan. 15 virtual press briefing with leaders of numerous civil rights and advocacy organizations.
Also See: ‘This is a five-alarm fire’Two Episcopal bishops say clergy may have to put 'bodies on the line' to resist ICE
‘I’ve asked (clergy) to get their affairs in order, to make sure they have their wills written,’ said the Rt. Rev. A. Robert Hirschfeld, the Episcopal bishop of New Hampshire.
Also See: N.H. Bishop: Prepare for Martyrdom; Thousands join Episcopal Church vigil to lament violent immigration enforcement actions, unite in pursuing justice; and Some Episcopal clergy invoke faith to counter ‘fascism’ after ICE killing of citizen in MinnesotaTrump Administration Restores Funding to Planned Parenthood, Troubling Pro-Life Advocates
Pro-life advocates are reacting to the news that the Trump administration has restored tens of millions of dollars in Title X grants to Planned Parenthood and other grantees. The administration had suspended the funds last spring but restored them in December, reported Politico.
Church of England ends Living in Love and Faith process
The Church of England's House of Bishops has announced it is bringing the Living in Love and Faith (LLF) process to a close.
LLF was launched by the Church of England in 2017 to explore questions of human identity, sexuality, relationships and marriage through study, listening and discernment. Ultimately it wanted to consider whether the Church should bless same-sex relationships and marriages, and permit clergy to be in same-sex unions.
Also See: Bishops Bid Farewell to Living in Love and Faith9 Things Church Law & Tax is Watching in 2026
Church Law & Tax will track these issues—and many more—throughout 2026. You can sign up for the free weekly e-newsletter to keep up.
When Should a Church Hire an Executive Pastor?
As churches grow, leaders often reach a tipping point where the senior pastor can no longer carry the full weight of vision, preaching, pastoral care, administration, staff oversight, and organizational leadership. That’s when the question arises: Is it time to hire an Executive Pastor? In this episode, Josh and Sam unpack what an Executive Pastor actually does, why this role has become more common across church sizes, and how to know whether your church is ready for one.
12 Trust Killers Pastors Miss Until It’s Too Late
Trust rarely disappears overnight. It erodes quietly, one small disappointment at a time. That’s why pastors who genuinely want to build trust as a pastor are often shocked when confidence suddenly seems gone. They didn’t intend harm. They simply overlooked habits and decisions that slowly weakened credibility.
Pastoral trust is fragile because it’s personal. People entrust you with their faith, their families, and their wounds. When trust cracks, it’s usually not because of one dramatic failure, but because of patterns that went unaddressed for too long.
A Worship Rehearsal Plan That Respects People’s Time: A Simple System That Works
If you’ve ever stood in front of a group of worship volunteers watching the clock tick louder than your drummer’s metronome, you know the pain of bad rehearsals. That’s exactly why having a solid worship rehearsal plan isn’t optional for a healthy ministry. You don’t want distracted musicians checking their watches or volunteers who feel like you just stole two hours of their week. People’s time matters. Your rehearsal should honor that while still preparing the team spiritually and musically.
College Minister, Consider Why Students Come to You for Counsel
Campus ministers are frequently the first responders to students in crisis. When Christian students come to us with their private struggles, how will we respond?
Clean Your Bookshelves and Your Soul
On the first day of January, I was a bit late getting to my morning prayer. Thinking I needed to hurry, God once again reminded me that he could not be rushed. It took me a while to slow my mind. Reading through the Old Testament currently has me in the Psalms and that helped slow me to a reflective tone.
Digital Evangelism That Works: Moving from Posts to Real Conversations
Digital evangelism isn’t just about visibility. It’s about vulnerability, listening, and walking with someone from curiosity to conviction. If all we offer online is polished content, we miss the messy, beautiful work of forming real relationships.
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