Reflections & Research:
Articles
October 13, 2020
Money, mission and meeting in person — a new study looks at COVID-19’s effect on churches
iStock / Bortonia More than 550 congregations took part in Lake Institute’s survey about the pandemic. While their finances have been impacted, many faith communities are adapting, which will be critical moving forward. The Rev. Dr. Shelly Wood sat alone in the sanctuary of Orchard Park Presbyterian(link is external) on Easter morning, listening to the […]
read moreabout Money, mission and meeting in person — a new study looks at COVID-19’s effect on churchesSeptember 29, 2020
Who cares for the shepherds? The secondary trauma of faith leaders must be addressed
iStock / JurgaR The toll of the last six months on clergy requires a sustained response, from the seminary and denominational levels as well as congregations, writes an expert on faith and mental health. I call a pastor friend to ask him for a favor, and we’re engaging in pleasantries. “How are you?” I ask. […]
read moreabout Who cares for the shepherds? The secondary trauma of faith leaders must be addressedSeptember 15, 2020
‘Here for you, not because of you’ — Nashville nonprofit serves up coffee, soap and empowerment
Production manager Ruben Torres roasts coffee beans at the Harvest Hands facility using a roaster donated by Cal Turner, former chairman and CEO of Dollar General. Photos by John Partipilo Building on strengths and taking the long view, a Christ-centered South Nashville nonprofit emerges as a catalyst for holistic community development. Don’t be misled by […]
read moreabout ‘Here for you, not because of you’ — Nashville nonprofit serves up coffee, soap and empowermentSeptember 15, 2020
Baptism as sacramentally, essentially anti-racist
Unsplash / Jason Leung The promises made through baptism must reflect Christians’ commitment to justice and peace for all people, writes the director of the Thriving Congregations Coordination Program at Duke Divinity. When my son was in first grade, he joined the chorus at his public magnet school for performing and visual arts. He was […]
read moreabout Baptism as sacramentally, essentially anti-racist