Carol Howard Merritt
Shared space, shared vision
In Asheville, one church was dying while another was being born.
Political slogans and the nature of God
When an anthropologist wants to understand a culture, he or she studies its gods.
How should we respond to new media?
Can we begin to incorporate the best practices of decency and truth in our new media? Can we become more adept at incorporating social media into our larger plan as we hold propaganda machines accountable?
Bearing God in Advent
As I lifted the chalice, the baby began to play soccer under my ribs.
Three things to know before starting a church
New churches and the people supporting them need to understand the commitment they're making.
In praise of institutions
We’re watching our country go through the rejection of its political and religious institutions. Why are they important?
Where is the longing?
This year, as I meditated on my longing, my pregnant hope, I located it on that table, somewhere between the salad and the ravioli, when our imperfect lives came together.
A time to heal
It’s hard to ignore the crushing, emotional response from many of the evangelical movement’s leaders.
Waking up with Donald Trump
As we wake up to the election results, and the news that a large chunk of the voting block were white Christians, we see that the soul of our nation is hollowed and charred.
Taking risks to heal hurt
It's a church—and a yoga studio, psychotherapist's office, and Reiki healing space.
Vulnerability and readability
Do women have to trade intimacy for trust in ways that men do not? If we do, should we stop? Are we playing into stereotypes? Are we inviting people to take us less seriously?
Christian women respond to Donald Trump
The consequences of this election have been dire for a long time.
The evangelical response to Trump
We have now heard Donald Trump’s words, literally ad nauseam, as he boasted about forcing himself on women, kissing them and grabbing them. Now, while the Republican Party implodes, many conservative evangelicals are brushing off the comments.
New rituals for new realities
People achieve different milestones, in different orders. Can churches celebrate this?
The great power of nostalgia
My daughter and I were listening to the radio, when the prerecorded radio show commercial butted in to say, “We only play NEW music.”
Can we stop caring yet?
I chatted with a friend about inspiring women in the religious realm, and since he doesn’t have any experience with the world I work in, I showed him some pictures.
...Controlling our inner control freak
Judy preached a sermon in which she told a story about herself, a lovely narrative that helped us connect with her on a personal level and supported the scripture lesson well....
Learning to be wrong
I was working with a group on racial reconciliation, and I felt frustrated. I mostly listened, but then every time I spoke, the words coming out of my mouth were all wrong....
The stewardship opportunity
There's a budget shortfall. What's the congregation going to do?
Anxiety
I’m not sure why the pastorate produces so much anxiety. I suppose you have the performative aspects of it....