Church
My dad’s old Bible offers more questions than answers
What can I learn from what he underlined—or didn’t?
What’s special about a church building?
How many buildings do we pass by in our daily lives where we could simply walk in, sit down, and participate?
A pulpit without a context
I asked ChatGPT for a sermon. What it wrote seemed to come from everywhere and nowhere.
A crushing lack of humanity
Both Apple’s “Crush” ad and Catholic Answers’ AI priest alarmed people. There’s some hope in that reaction.
Ukrainian military chaplains learn pluralism on the job
What to do if a soldier from another denomination asks for a prayer?
The wilderness of a rural ministry circuit
I’m now a half-time “missional coach” to a six-church parish. I have many questions.
Making room in the UMC for the Spirit’s work
The denomination’s new regionalization plan is a marked break from its colonial hangover.
Gathering for good
On a Copenhagen street, emergency responders and passersby formed a spontaneous community.
Missed opportunities at the UMC general conference
We took some good steps. But we are too afraid to name certain truths.
Religiously fluid
Like a lot of Christian millennials, I don’t need Christianity to be everything for me.
My son the PK said no to baptism
For now, anyway. After our discernment together, I consider this a success.
Latino churches are social service hubs
Yet their extensive efforts go largely unseen outside their communities.
How might God bless a divided America?
On a recent trip to the US, I went to church—and found myself pondering three liturgical moments.
What comes after clergy self-care?
I didn’t need more candles or journaling. I needed solidarity with others.
Ministry and other difficult jobs
Pastors face intense challenges—though not necessarily unique ones.
Why I came back to the lectionary
My job as a preacher isn’t to change the game. It’s to run the plays well.
Bearing the scars
Years ago, at a barbecue in Argentina, I realized I was the only person present who wasn’t a survivor of torture.
In praise of church musicians
Great leaders of congregational song attend to the new community formed every time a church gathers.
Can inclusive churches grow and thrive?
When my spouse’s church became more affirming, the major givers left.