Congregations

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

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

Image link to article: One year after Hurricane Helene, two churches share space and a renewed sense of mission

An affordable housing project uses its faith-based history to grow into the future

Now a secular nonprofit, Harborlight Homes has expanded to address a housing shortage while holding onto its church roots.

By G. Jeffrey MacDonald Journalist and UCC minister

Image link to article: An affordable housing project uses its faith-based history to grow into the future

Pizza, WWJD bracelets and bad theology: How a church’s youth group throwback night became a space for healing

Young adults at an Atlanta church reenacted their youth group experiences in a safe, adult space. What happened felt both cathartic and complicated, writes a program coordinator at Candler School of Theology.

By Ryan Snider Program coordinator, BRIDGE Young Adult Innovation Hub, Candler School of Theology

Image link to article: Pizza, WWJD bracelets and bad theology: How a church’s youth group throwback night became a space for healing

A church and health center collaborate to provide care for people with substance use disorder

The trust built by a church in Galveston, Texas, is translating into better access to treatment at a free clinic staffed by health care providers and housed in former Sunday school classrooms.

By Lindsay Peyton Journalist

Image link to article: A church and health center collaborate to provide care for people with substance use disorder

Many churchgoers are engaging with multiple churches, new research finds

The study led by the Hartford Institute for Religion Research reveals new data about today’s church attendance and commitment levels.

By Leslie Quander Wooldridge Journalist

Image link to article: Many churchgoers are engaging with multiple churches, new research finds

What you need to know about the recent IRS proposal

Faith communities should continue to engage in issue advocacy, but endorsing or opposing candidates for political office is a bad idea, writes the general counsel and associate executive director of Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty.

By Holly Hollman General counsel and associate executive director, BJC

Image link to article: What you need to know about the recent IRS proposal

How itinerancy taught me to give up the illusion I’m in charge

The United Methodist Church’s system of itinerancy means accepting that I don’t have control over my life. But after all, nobody does, writes the wife of a UMC pastor.

By Sarah Grace Thompson Writer, editor and chaplain

Image link to article: How itinerancy taught me to give up the illusion I’m in charge

Healing America’s broken heart, one neighborhood at a time

After a church member’s murder, a Massachusetts pastor developed a strategy to help communities deal with collective trauma. It can also be applied within our national landscape of division and anxiety.

By Liz Walker Founding Director, Cory Johnson Program for Post-Traumatic Healing

Image link to article: Healing America’s broken heart, one neighborhood at a time

Is your organization’s base strong enough to answer God’s call?

A painting must be created on canvas sturdy enough to support it. Likewise, congregations and organizations need a solid foundation if their ministries are to flourish, writes a director of programs and grants for Leadership Education at Duke Divinity

By Mycal X. Brickhouse Director of programs and grants, Leadership Education at Duke Divinity

Image link to article: Is your organization’s base strong enough to answer God’s call?

Entertaining angels can be harder than it sounds, but it’s also worthwhile and important

While the Bible encourages us to be hospitable to strangers, the possibilities can be frightening. Some churches provide models for bringing people together beyond weekly services or liturgical ties.

By Sarah E. Forsyth Associate Director, Thriving Congregations Coordination Program

Image link to article: Entertaining angels can be harder than it sounds, but it’s also worthwhile and important