Christian Leadership

Martin Luther King Jr. is a hero who was also human

The people we admire must reflect a faithful commitment to ongoing spiritual formation despite their flaws. That is more important than perfection, a Methodist pastor writes.

By Justin Coleman Senior pastor, University United Methodist Church

Image link to article: Martin Luther King Jr. is a hero who was also human

Top 10 Faith & Leadership stories from 2025

Faith & Leadership highlighted faith leaders who have adapted to a new reality through a challenging year. Here are some highlights.

Leadership grief is the sorrow of unchosen possibilities

Leaders should acknowledge the sense of loss that comes with having to let go of some opportunities so that they can focus on others.

By Kate Rae Davis Executive Director, Center for Transforming Engagement

Image link to article: Leadership grief is the sorrow of unchosen possibilities

Joy and play are defiant ‘acts of dignity’

Celebration and imagination fuel resilient, faithful leadership, writes a director of programs and grants for Leadership Education at Duke Divinity.

By Elizabeth Tamez Méndez Director of Programs and Grants, Leadership Education at Duke Divinity

Image link to article: Joy and play are defiant ‘acts of dignity’

Compassion as a sacred source for spiritual leadership

We must be present and undistracted in order to practice compassion. The result can be transformative.

By Aizaiah Yong Executive Director, Collegeville Institute for Ecumenical and Cultural Research

Image link to article: Compassion as a sacred source for spiritual leadership

How to lead as a pastor when you’re uncertain of your own future

A Scottish pastor facing possible deportation because of a backlog in visas for religious workers reflects on leading a congregation amid deep personal uncertainty.

By Gary D. Noonan Senior pastor, First Presbyterian Church, Kirkwood, Missouri

Image link to article: How to lead as a pastor when you’re uncertain of your own future

Cultivating networks of impact

In times of celebration and in times of crisis, networks help provide connection, resilience and stability.

By Angie Kay Hong Director of Educational Programs, Leadership Education at Duke Divinity

Image link to article: Cultivating networks of impact

Jazz doesn’t just teach leaders the importance of improvisation. It also teaches the necessity of imitation

Imitation lays the foundation for improvisation, a lesson for leadership as well as for music.

By L. Roger Owens Hugh Thomson Kerr Professor of Pastoral Theology, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary

Image link to article: Jazz doesn’t just teach leaders the importance of improvisation. It also teaches the necessity of imitation

Ryan Burge and Tony Jones: Understanding people’s engagement with religion is far more nuanced than current conversations would indicate

Two of the nation’s leading experts on people who have disengaged from organized religion say that trend is both more complex and simpler than some church leaders realize.

Image link to article: Ryan Burge and Tony Jones: Understanding people’s engagement with religion is far more nuanced than current conversations would indicate

Better leadership through better listening

When leaders seek out and pay attention to unexpected voices, wisdom follows, writes a director of grants for Leadership Education at Duke Divinity.

By Victoria Atkinson White Director of Grants, Leadership Education at Duke Divinity

Image link to article: Better leadership through better listening

One year after Hurricane Helene, two churches share space and a renewed sense of mission

Two congregations, one United Methodist and the other Episcopal, have worked together since the devastating storm flooded one church and turned the other into a community relief center.

By Stephanie Hunt Journalist