CULTIVATE CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY
Leaders and congregations need to cultivate Christian community by listening to people, loving them, and building trust within and beyond the church.
Faithful Adaptation: Digital Community and Outreach
Stories and insights from a seasoned digital pastor to help you adapt to moving community online.
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The world is changing.
Stay up to date on the latest research, resources, and reflections exploring how to cultivate Christian faith in the 21st century.
ALL POSTS
Noticing. Naming. New Noticing.
Talking together about where we see God’s presence makes us more likely to see God showing up the next time.
Christmas Was Not Always Like This (Part One: The Beginnings of Christmas)
The story of how Christmas has been celebrated in Christian history contains surprises for most of us. Read the first of our three-part series on the history of Christmas.
How to Host an Intergenerational Art Event at Your Church
This breakthrough practice is for anyone in your neighborhood to come together and share an experience around art.
The Ancient Art of Thanking
Robert Hay, Jr. looks at the underestimated value of giving thanks to your church members, and how an old-fashioned hand-written note can build a stronger, more authentic relationship.
Watch Mary Hess’ Boston College Presentation: “Finding Faith in the Maelstrom – Storytelling as a Source of Hope”
"We know who we are in relation to God in large measure by the stories we share."
Cultivating God’s Expansive Generosity (Part One)
In part one of a two-part series, Pastor Larry Strenge shares the first of three mindset shifts he sees as being necessary for cultivating generosity.
How to Make Going to a Baseball Game a Meaningful Spiritual Practice
This breakthrough practice helps you build community, show support for your neighbors, and experience God’s presence in daily life.
How to Discern God’s Presence from a Lawn Chair
This breakthrough practice helps you discern where the Holy Spirit is at work in your neighborhood--just by sitting and observing.
New Research on the Economic Practices of Congregations
A new Study on Congregations' Economic Practices is being called "the largest and most comprehensive nationally representative study on money and congregations in over a generation."
How to Create a Neighborhood Prayer Station
Try creating a neighborhood prayer station as a simple and effective way of connecting with your community.
Will the ELCA be Gone in 30 Years?
New projections forecast just 16,000 in worship across the entire ELCA by 2041. Why is this happening and what can be done?
Gratitude & Grace
There are many G-words in the English-speaking church world; God, Good, Glory,
Loving the Least of These
Our call as Christians is to love -- not from a distance, but by breaking down boundaries and walking side-by-side with our neighbor.
Telling our Stories about God and Money
As we near the end of Advent with anticipation for another year
A Holy Process towards Stewardship Speaking: Part 1
In this week’s post, Rev. Anna Ostenso Moore describes her recent journey
Squeezed
I recently read -- get this -- a non-churchy book! Before I
Who is Giving? Part 2
Last week, Erin Weber-Johnson called us to be mindful of the particular
Who is Giving? Part 1
When I was newly ordained, I had an unexpected opportunity to preach
Cultivating Generosity in Small Town and Rural Settings – Part 2
In this week’s post, Larry Strenge suggests some practical ways pastors and
Cultivating Generosity in Small Town and Rural Settings – Part 1
In today’s post, pastor Larry Strenge considers stewardship leadership and rural ministry
