I’m a “church leader” who doesn’t really go to church
I love the church. It's harder to love specific congregations.
Don't worry, give money
Organizations rating nonprofits appeal to the results-oriented. But is that what charity is about?
Offering condolences in a digital age
Sometimes social media and texting aren't appropriate when someone's grieving. Sometimes they are.
The soft skills of teaching
It’s a joy to engage face-to-face again with students in the classroom. But it also brings a constant stream of decisions about how to build a learning community.
A broader appeal: How crowdfunding inspires creative ministry
Decades ago, when a need arose at a church in rural Kansas, the finance chair would ask, "Who'll give 25 dollars?" Today, we have Kickstarter.
Down with learning objectives
Ever since I started teaching I’ve always had a skeptical view of the very foundation of most college courses: learning objectives.
Until recently, I’d be happy to go off on learning objectives without any very nuanced reason why. Now, finally, I think I’ve found a way to articulate my contradictory point of view.
My classroom is not a safe space
Usually, it’s a man who says it. He wants conversation to go deeper. He’s hoping for more self-disclosure. With the best of intentions, he wants to move past the mundane. He desires this time to be different. So he says, “Go ahead. Share. This is a safe space.”
Except, no, it isn’t.
No more "volunteers" at church
Language matters. Particularly, the language we use in worship matters. So, my ears perked up recently when in worship congregation members were besieged by many, oh so many, opportunities to “volunteer.”
Engaging hate online: Respond & reframe
When pastors make the news, it’s often bad (e.g. murderous DUI, sexual abuse, or curious stunts). It was particularly interesting, then, to read the positive coverage of #usemeinstead—initially positive, at least.
Has church branding progressed too far?
Branding is all about claiming distinctiveness. What can your product do that others can’t? What looks or feels better than the others? What tastes stand out? Sometimes we treat faith communities the same way.