By: Rev. Jerry Chiles Each of us uses patterns to make sense of our lives. Patterns are helpful; however, some patterns can be harmful. Some patterns are our own making, and other patterns are determined by others. Think for a moment about how your time is managed. Look at any single day and discover the […]
Using Patterns to Direct Our Lives Read More »
By: Rev. Dr. Paul Raybon We emerged from COVID with a new understanding of how much congregational life had changed. The line from Wizard of Oz has never been more true; “Toto, I’ve a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore!” But when we have time to reflect, we realize that what we’re seeing now is
By Rev. Dr. Ron Cava In many churches, staff expectations live in job descriptions, policies, or unspoken assumptions. When things go wrong, we tend to address behavior as an isolated issue—this person needs to communicate better, that person needs to be more accountable. But what if the deeper issue is not behavior, but formation? Ministry
The Staff Covenant as a Spiritual Discipline Read More »
By: Rev. Steve Zimmerman I was busy this spring helping to administer and lead some Virginia training sessions that we offered. From all the feedback we received, the events were well received. Of course, being good church folks, we had to get a head count of all those who participated on those Saturday mornings. At
Going by the Numbers Read More »
By Rev. Dr. Rick Jordan As we grow older, we sometimes look back on our experiences as superior to those of “kids these days.” However, there is at least one area of training that today’s divinity school students get that was nearly absent in my theological education: the spiritual life. I had courses in the Bible, of
What I Didn’t Learn Read More »
By: Rev. Dr. Paul Raybon For a number of years our church has observed what we call the “Season of Baptism” between Epiphany and Lent. It gives us time at the beginning of each year to revisit the particularly Baptist parts of our congregational identity. Our theme this year is Having Been Baptized: We Covenant Together. Those
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By Rev. Dr. Rick Jordan On most Monday mornings, you’ll find me at Moore Magnet Elementary School, volunteering in the first grade. I volunteered in the fourth-grade last year. I guess the word got around that this placement was too advanced for me, so they “promoted” me to first grade. Everybody wins. I was once
By: Rev. Dr. Paul Raybon Recently I have been reflecting on folks who were once at the very center of life at church. Many have gone on to their eternal home, where they wait for us to arrive one day. Others have moved away and created stories of love and ministry in new church homes.
Connecting with Your Legacy Read More »
By: Rev. Steve Zimmerman “If you take care of the small things, the big things take care of themselves.” Emily Dickenson In light of the recent tragic shootings of the last few weeks in our country, it seems hard for us as brothers and sisters in Christ to have a clear path going forward. The
By Rev. Dr. Rick Jordan “Could you lead the science unit for Vacation Bible School again this year?” our children’s minister asked me. “Sure,” I said, “I enjoyed doing that last year. I’d be happy to give it another go.” Leaders of science and faith have often conflicted, as we know from ancient and contemporary events.
Try Something New! Read More »
