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Who is my neighbor? This article is part of a collection of Faith & Leadership articles, essays, excerpts and other content »
CongregationsInnovationCongregational innovation

Deep Listening: Fondren Apartment Ministry

A 5-minute video by Houston filmmaker Marlon F. Hall offers a glimpse into this innovative ministry, which is based in deep listening, prayer and openness to the Holy Spirit.

VideoFrame1.png

Ben Smith, a volunteer with the Fondren Apartment Ministry. Photo by Mark Mulligan
Tuesday, April 5, 2016

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Image link to article: Westbury UMC's apartment ministry has helped resettled refugees -- and the congregation -- find new life in Houston

Westbury UMC's apartment ministry has helped resettled refugees -- and the congregation -- find new life in Houston

The church is located in one of the most multicultural cities in America, yet the congregation was not as engaged with its diverse neighbors as it could have been. That changed when they hired an associate pastor to live in intentional community in apartments three miles and a whole world away.

More on Congregations

What happens when the pastor’s family isn’t perfect?

For ministers who carry private family pain, shame can be overwhelming. But our difficult lives might make us better clergy, writes a pastor and mother of a child with emotional and behavioral challenges.

Shaina Ciaccio Link to author Shaina Ciaccio
By Shaina Ciaccio Minister and associate professor, University of Valley Forge
Image link to article: What happens when the pastor’s family isn’t perfect?

Responding to AI concerns is a matter of pastoral care

As with any significant community change, clergy need to support their congregants through the personal, ethical and social implications of AI, writes a pastor who also directs the Technology, Innovation & Digital Engagement Lab at Union Theological Seminary.

Gabby-Cudjoe-Wilkes-m.png Link to author Gabby Cudjoe Wilkes
By Gabby Cudjoe Wilkes Pastor, author and educator
Image link to article: Responding to AI concerns is a matter of pastoral care

A recipe for thriving rural congregations despite shifting demographics

Faced with declining attendance and aging membership, rural pastors can invite reflection on congregational history and community needs to adapt for new opportunities.
 

headshot of Trisha Wheelock Link to author Trisha Wheelock
By Trisha Wheelock Program director, The Moses Project
Image link to article: A recipe for thriving rural congregations despite shifting demographics
More on Congregational innovation

A congregation renovates the old and builds something new to serve its members and community

Facing years of deferred maintenance and repair costs, a church in Lexington, Kentucky, looked outward as well as inward to make the best use of its historic space while expanding to meet a pressing local need.

headshot of Kory Wilcoxson Link to author Kory Wilcoxson
By Kory Wilcoxson Pastor and journalist
Image link to article: A congregation renovates the old and builds something new to serve its members and community

Why religious leaders need to understand agentic AI

To ignore or remain silent about the agentic revolution is to forfeit the ability to shape and speak into the moral framework of a world already being reshaped by agentic intelligence, writes a scholar.

 

Heidi Campbell Link to author Heidi A. Campbell
By Heidi A. Campbell Professor, Texas A&M University
Image link to article: Why religious leaders need to understand agentic AI

Why are Christian congregations important today?

The Forum for Congregational Life will work to facilitate learning among all types of congregations in ways that strengthen and support them.

Alaina Kleinbeck David L. Odom
Image link to article: Why are Christian congregations important today?
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Apply now for the Forum for Theological Educators in Denver, Nov. 18-20. This gathering is an opportunity for underrepresented first and second-year doctoral students to network with emerging scholars, discover professional development opportunities, and explore vocation in a supportive environment. 

Travel, lodging, and meal costs will be covered. Apply by Sept. 30, 2026.

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