Reflections & Research
Discover what we are learning about what helps pastors thrive
October 13, 2020
Money, mission and meeting in person — a new study looks at COVID-19’s effect on churches
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 sermon she’d prerecorded […]
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
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. He pauses and […]
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
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 the makeshift counter and tent outside Humphreys Street Coffee Shop in Nashville, Tennessee. The business is here to stay. That renovated green house is a symbol of permanence, commitment and […]
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
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 a reluctant singer, not […]
read moreabout Baptism as sacramentally, essentially anti-racist