It wasn’t until later that week that I realized why people like him, hackers, don’t come to church. They are labeled and boxed up by the church as mad, demonic people. The church and the leaders within really don’t know what to do with them. Out of insecurity and fear we shun people wearing these goofy hats of white and gray. We keep them at a distance, crammed into dusty, dumpy rooms away from the general congregation. Read more
We are born to create. It's a part of who God creates us to be. Stepping into creativity challenges us to work on finding our voices. Read more
I’m just thankful for a church that notices its neighbors and then asks questions. I think that’s really how some of the best new works of God among us begin—open doors of hospitality and taking notice. Read more
Advent is about more, but it is not the more of our culture. In fact, we do not need more Christmas as usual. We need a rebellious Advent season. We need a time where the materialistic norms are challenged, questioned, and cast aside. Read more
As a hospice chaplain, are there times when I am sad? Absolutely. Do some losses sting deeply? Yes. Are there some patients I fail to connect with? Daily. Is there anything else I would rather do? No. #hpm Read more
Grief comes in waves. It isn’t enough to find hope once, to remember God’s love once. We get knocked over by another wave and have to remember all over again. But falling back into the anger and sadness doesn’t mean we have lost faith. It is part of a true, even biblical, faith. Read more
Perhaps our expectancy this Advent should be accompanied by a consideration of our role as we prepare the way for God’s great acts in our world. Just as John’s birth represented, we, the Church, are called to pick up our tools and pave a path of peace. We, just as Elizabeth and Zechariah’s child, are an important part of the story of God saving the world. God’s redemption of the world includes prophets who go before and pave the way. Are we listening to the songs of the prophets in our churches this Advent? Read more
I am increasingly grateful for the gift of the church year to remind us of this. It grounds us. It offers perspective. It binds us together. It reminds us who we are and what we are, and it keeps us moving. Read more
The women who wore pantsuits with hope and excitement on November 8th are not giving up. For now, it may feel like my dream, and the dream of many who support gender equality is dead. We will keep praying, keep working, and keep supporting each other. No matter how long it takes, we will forever be in a pantsuit state of mind. Read more
The most important task of a minister? Build trust with and among people in the church. Laura Stephens-Reed shares suggestions for pastoral leaders to cultivate this much-needed trust. Read more
Cooperative Baptist Fellowship
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