Authors /
Peter L. Steinke
Peter L. Steinke is a congregational systems consultant and ordained Lutheran (ELCA) pastor.
Buckle up: Congregational change isn’t easy
Change sets off a burst of emotional energy. In working with
congregations, I'm occasionally surprised by the vehemence or the source
of the emotionality, but never by its presence.
November 4, 2010
Free meal: Isaiah 55:1-9
The prominent place of food and meals in the Bible may be surprising to us fast-food and take-out eaters. Back in biblical times, gathering and preparing food took time and occupied a significant part of Israel’s life. The danger of famine (due to natural calamities or crop failure) gave special importance to food. Water was drawn from a well or spring, not a faucet or commercial bottle. Bread was baked from scratch, and beans and lentils simmered for hours.
February 20, 2007
Fear factor: Psalm 27:1-14
I was at a class reunion with several former classmates when one of them, a professor of philosophy, asked an unusual question: “What fears have you conquered over the years and what new ones have you acquired?” Not eager to make our private fears public, each of us waited for someone else to open up the discourse. One person finally listed some familiar fears, including “mice,” “being left out or abandoned” and “the dark.”
February 20, 2007
Seminaries in pain: Talking through conflict
I recently began consulting with three seminary faculties that have gone through significant changes and crises in the past three years....
February 21, 2006
When congregations are stuck
We often hear that two-thirds to three-fourths of American congregations are in decline or at a plateau with regard to membership....
April 7, 1999
Free Newsletters
From theological reflections to breaking religion news to the latest books, the Christian Century's newsletters have you covered.