For the last few months, I've watched as dozens of workers have used a variety of equipment to prepare a piece of land just outside my front door for the construction of a building. In recent days all of that work has culminated in pouring a strong foundation. Jesus talked about everyday topics often, including building. In the Parable of the Wise and Foolish Builders (found in the Sermon on the Mount: Matthew 7:24-27 and Sermon on the Plain: Luke 6:46-49) he compared those who hear his Read More …
It’s Lent Again (#1978)
Lent has always been a big deal to me. I grew up Presbyterian. I spent 20+ years in parish ministry. And, I tend to appreciate anything that inspires more focused action in life or in the life of faith. Lenten Reflections: The Last 10 Years Not surprisingly, I've written quite a bit about Lent here at So What Faith over the years. A sampling from odd numbered years follows: 2011 - Social Media: Fast or Engage? - consideration of a then current article and interview with Bruce Read More …
Great New Books – March 2022 (#1977)
The best new books I’ve read in the last month are (5+) 20 Myths About Religion and Politics in America by Ryan P. Burge (Fortress Press, 2022)(5.0) Fight Like Jesus: How Jesus Waged Peace Throughout Holy Week by Jason Porterfield (Herald Press, 2022)(4.5) Good Enough: 40ish Devotionals for a Life of Imperfection by Kate Bowler and Jessica Richie (Convergent, 2022)(4.5) God is a Black Woman by Christena Cleveland (HarperOne, 2022)(4.0) The Resilient Pastor: Leading Your Church in a Rapidly Read More …
Lifelong Retention: A Religious Challenge (#1976)
Do you still affiliate with the general religious tradition of your childhood? If so, you are among the majority. In his new book, 20 Myths About Religion and Politics in America (Fortress Press, 2022), Ryan P. Burge includes the myth that the growth of the nones (those with no religious affiliation) is largely from people leaving the church (Myth #15, p.165-174). Using widely available data, Burge shows that the growth of nones is actually due to generational replacement and high retention Read More …
Contrasting Missional Priorities (#1975)
What do you consider to be the church's top missional priority? According to a survey conducted by Barna in 2020, Protestant pastors answers differ dramatically depending on whether or not they are affiliated with a Mainline denomination or not. The chart below summarizes those Barna findings and is one of a number of Barna surveys found in Glenn Packiam's new book, The Resilient Pastor (Baker Books, 2022). So What? As someone who works in the area of local poverty alleviation, Read More …
UCC Membership Decline: 2,193,593 to 773,539 (#1974)
Membership in all Mainline Protestant denominations has been in decline since before I was born. The United Church of Christ's membership decline is not extraordinary or unusual when compared to other Mainline Protestant denominations. Like many authors, I write about what I know and about what matters to me. As a result you'll find the greatest amount of information about membership decline in the two denominations I've invested more of my life in than the rest: United Church of Christ Read More …
Great New Books – February 2022 (#1973)
The best new books I've read in the last month are (5.0) Cathonomics: How Catholic Tradition Can Create a More Just Economy by Anthony M. Annett (Georgetown University Press, 2022)(4.5) Freeing Congregational Mission: A Practical Vision for Companionship, Cultural Humility, and Co-Development by B. Hunter Farrell and S. Balajiedlang Khyllep (IVP Academic, 2022)(4.5) Invisible Child: Poverty. Survival & Hope in an American City by Andrea Elliott (Random House, 2021)(4.5) Closing Costs: Read More …
Worship Attendance Cut in Half (#1972)
Three common measures of success for local churches are worship attendance, annual budgets, and facilities (sometimes referred to as butts, bucks, and buildings). Worship Attendance Congregations vary widely in size. Comparing them based on membership appears attractive until you learn that membership means different things in different traditions, and even within a given denomination individual congregations have different expectations of how one becomes a member and what one must do to Read More …
Be Ready – Hope (#1971)
Be ready. This is a message I've heard since I was a child. Always be ready. Be ready for everything on your calendar. Be ready for opportunities that are just around the corner. Be ready for the unexpected. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respectI Peter 3:15b, NIV Be ready to speak up and tell anyone who asks why you're living the way you are, and Read More …
Be Yourself (#1970)
Passage for reflection: Hebrews 12:1-8 In the 1980s and 1990s the United States Army recruiting campaign was “Be All You Can Be.” Through television commercials, print advertisements, and a wide-ranging messaging tools the Army delivered ads designed to connect with a broad audience and to encourage them to consider the Army as the place where they could maximize their potential. Over the course of my lifetime, I’ve come to know another entity with an even more compelling message: “Be Read More …