Division is real. We see it every day in our politics, in our group texts and on our social media feeds. And here’s what I’ve come to believe after decades of leading and observing the American church: Disunity is the greatest threat to the mission of Jesus in our generation.
We are also living in a moment of surprising spiritual awakening among young adults across the Western world. But if, in their search for truth and transcendence, they discover a divided church, they may never find the Jesus their hearts are longing for.
How to Handle Church Conflict Before It Goes Nuclear
Church conflict resolution rarely begins when voices are raised or emails get forwarded to everyone with an inbox. It usually starts weeks or months earlier with small frustrations, unspoken assumptions, and quiet resentment. By the time conflict explodes publicly, the real work has already been neglected.
Healthy churches are not conflict-free churches. They are churches that address tension early, clearly, and pastorally before it metastasizes into something destructive.
US Catholic cardinals urge Trump administration to embrace a moral compass in foreign policy
'Our country’s moral role in confronting evil around the world, sustaining the right to life and human dignity, and supporting religious liberty are all under examination,' they warned.
‘Morally acceptable’ for US troops to disobey orders, archbishop says
The Catholic archbishop for the U.S. military services said it “would be morally acceptable to disobey” orders if troops considered them against their conscience as the Trump administration intervenes in Venezuela, readies troops for a possible deployment to Minnesota and threatens to seize Greenland.
ICE broke into Minnesota home, forced barely clothed man outside into snow
A Minnesota man told Reuters on Monday he felt fear, shame and desperation a day after ICE officers broke down his door with guns drawn, handcuffed him and forced him outside into the snow wearing shorts and Crocs.
ChongLy Thao, 56, a naturalized U.S. citizen who goes by the name Scott, was returned home later on Sunday without explanation or apology, he said.
Also See: Girl, 6, found wandering the streets alone in tears after dad seized by ICE; Second man dies at Texas ICE detention facility in two weeksBlack church leaders aid Minneapolis, seek laws curtailing federal agents' mask usage
Minneapolis-area AME Church officials stated Renee Good’s death 'never should have happened' and listed more than a dozen ways they have tried to meet community needs there.
Memphis churches demand justice for Afghan refugees
A coalition of churches in Memphis, Tenn., has joined the chorus of voices demanding justice for lawfully resettled Afghan refugees targeted for detention and deportation by federal immigration authorities.
Episcopalians ‘protest faithfully’ against authoritarian abuses, bearing Christian witness
This month, after ICE’s killing of a 37-year-old Minnesota woman led to escalating clashes between protesters and federal immigration authorities, The Episcopal Church encouraged Episcopalians to review its “Protesting Faithfully” toolkit.
Also See: New Hampshire bishop warns clergy to prepare for 'new era of martyrdom'ACNA College of Bishops calls for Provincial Assembly
The College of Bishops of the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA) concluded its semiannual meeting yesterday, January 16, 2026 where it unanimously reaffirmed its confidence in the interim leadership of Bishop Dobbs, advanced discussions for improved vetting of bishops in episcopal and archepiscopal elections, and took steps to fast-track the enactment of proposed new disciplinary reforms in June 2026. The gathering convened more than 50 bishops from across North America for five days of prayer, discernment, and ecclesiastical action to advance mission and address key issues facing the College and the wider Church.
Alleged victim of CofE clergy abuse claims Sarah Mullaly ‘misled public’
The incoming Archbishop of Canterbury, Sarah Mullally, has been accused of misleading the public over the status of a clergy abuse case. A complainant, known as Survivor N, has said the denominational leader's claim that the case had been “fully dealt with” is contradicted by ongoing proceedings.
Church Rights in an Age of Protest: What Pastors Need To Know
What are church rights under the laws? Following the disruption of worship at a Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) church in St. Paul, Minnesota, yesterday (Jan. 18), experts are advising pastors and lay leaders about the legal rights of churches. With protesters claiming the right to free speech, churches should understand their own protections under federal and state law.
The group' disruption of the worship service of Cities Church was ill-advised as it plays into the hands of Trump administration which characterizes lawful protests of how ICE conduct its operations as the work of left wing agitators and the like.Do Americans Trust the Bible? (And What This Means for the Church)
Although many don’t wholeheartedly trust the Bible, the average American may be more open to Scripture than you would assume.
When You Do Not Know How to Pray
The psalms of lament and the intercession of Jesus show that God's grace is working for you even when you do not know how to pray.
Great Youth Pastor: 6 Ways to Improve
Eager to become a great youth pastor or church leader? All youth pastors want to be good at their job. In fact, we all want to excel at what we do. This applies to all occupations, both inside and outside the church.
Now, I don’t claim to be a perfect youth pastor. Way more people out there are better at the role than I am. I make mistakes…lots of them. But I’m working on six things to become better at what I do.
The School Choice Debate
Just because you send your kids to a Christian school does not guarantee they will serve Jesus, and just because you send your kids to a public school does not guarantee they will rebel against him.
Autism Outreach: Becoming a Special Needs Missionary
Interested in autism outreach? Want to serve people with special needs? Then read this guest post by Kelly Sapp, director of the Champions Special Needs Ministry for Capital Christian Center in Sacramento, California. As one of the most progressive inclusion ministries in the United States, the Champions ministry succeeds by including children and students with autism.
Providence & Provocation: On the Jehovah’s Witnesses
My old friend Jeff Boldt recently wrote an article here on Covenant about a surprising encounter with a Jehovah’s Witness in Egypt. I agree entirely with his critique of Witnesses’ heretical doctrine, and yet I’d like to complicate the story a little. To be clear, my allegiance is with Jeff and the orthodox Christian tradition that both he and I endeavor to uphold. I aim not to offer a rebuttal of my theologically astute friend, but a companion reflection that proposes what I will call a teleodicy of Jehovah’s Witnesses (JWs) and their persistence.
Also See: A Jehovah’s Witness in Egypt
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