Meet the Author Jim Wallis is president and CEO of Sojourners where he is editor-in-chief of Sojourners magazine. He has written ten books including two New York Times bestsellers: The Great Awakening: Reviving Faith & Politics in a Post–Religious Right America (2008) and God’s Politics: Why the Right Gets It Wrong and the Left Doesn’t Get It (2006). Wallis regularly teaches a course on “Faith, Social Justice, and Public Life” at Georgetown Read More …
Are Christians Loving? (#1091)
A recent research project directed by David Kinnaman (president of Barna Group) in conjunction with John Burke (author of Mud and the Masterpiece) explored "whether Christians have the actions and attitude of Jesus as they interact with others or if they are more akin to the beliefs and behaviors of Pharisees, the self-righteous sect of religious leaders described in the New Testament." The Christian participants responded to 20 statements regarding their actions and attitudes. The Read More …
Will Hymnals Survive? (#1090)
In the June 2013 issue of Reformed Worship magazine, John D. Witvliet explores reasons why he believes hymnals have a future. Witvliet is director of the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship and professor of worship, theology, & congregational and ministry studies at Calvin College and Calvin Theological Seminary. Witvliet offers 10 reasons why hymnals have a future, including: hymnals are especially well suited to good group singing of many kinds of songs (though Read More …
Pastors & Member Giving (#1089)
The May 2013 edition of Christianity Today includes a conversation about whether or not pastors should know how much church members give (p.16). The piece features six perspectives placed on a continuum from yes to no. So What? Over the years, I have been involved in many conversations about this topic. It is one about which many people have very strong feelings. Which of the following best describes what you believe is appropriate? Which best describes your local congregation's Read More …
Review of Ministry in the Digital Age (#1088)
Meet the Author David T. Bourgeois is director of innovation and associate professor of information systems at Biola University. Every summer, he teaches an online course at Biola’s Talbot School of Theology called “Digital Ministry.” Additionally, he consults with churches, ministries, and other faith-based organizations on how to use digital tools more effectively. Previously he worked in information systems at Fortune 500 companies in roles that included systems analyst, Read More …
Things to Hate About Spiritual Formation (#1087)
John Ortberg is the Senior Pastor of the 4,000 member Menlo Park Presbyterian Church (PCUSA) and the author of multiple books on spiritual formation. Recently in a Leadership Journal article, he revealed 7 things he hates about spiritual formation. His list includes: I hate how spiritual formation gets positioned as an optional pursuit for a small special interest group within the church, and I hate it when we forget that the goal is producing truly good people, Read More …
Every Kid Needs a Champion (#1086)
In recent years Rita Pierson has drawn on over four decades of educational experiences to conduct professional development workshops and seminars for thousands of educators. A former teacher (elementary, junior high, and special education), testing coordinator and assistant principal, Pierson believes that every kid needs a champion. Watch her recent 8 minute long TED talk on the topic now. So What? In this talk, Pierson challenges her listeners to rethink their roles in the Read More …
Review of The God Argument (#1085)
Meet the Author A. C. Grayling is Master of the New College of the Humanities, and a Supernumerary Fellow of St Anne's College, Oxford. Previously, he was Professor of Philosophy at Birkbeck College, University of London. Grayling is the author or editor of 30 books; a frequent contributor to the Literary Review, Observer, Independent on Sunday, Times Literary Supplement, Index on Censorship and New Statesman; and is the Editor of Online Review London Read More …
A Religious Double Standard (#1084)
While one would hope that Americans hold informed, respectful, and tolerant views of persons of all religious traditions (including those who have opted to not follow a religious paths) numerous studies indicate that most people have very limited levels of religious literacy. Sadly, one recent study found that there is a religious double standard regarding religious violence. More specifically: when people claim to be a Christian and commit violent acts in the name Read More …
Unity in Your Church (#1083)
Thom Rainer, president and CEO of LifeWay Christian Resources, recently shared four ways you can advance the cause of unity within your local congregation/church/community of faith: preach on it, talk about Jesus' emphasis on it, model it, and get everyone on the same page -- literally (using a single resource for congregation wide study). So What? While I usually use this blog as a forum to promote Christian unity on a broader scale, it is of great significance that this begin Read More …