Browse Archives
Check out news and opinion posts across the years
Wednesday Night Church Still Common Among US Protestants
Nine out of 10 Protestant churches in the US continue to hold Wednesday night activities, a LifeWay report said, with small group Bible studies coming out on top as the most common midweek activity.
September 16, 2019
U.K.: Church of Scotland Sues for Share of $2.2 Million Viking Treasure Trove Unearthed on Church Land (CNN) Jerry Falwell’s Liberty University Dogged by Growing Claims of Corruption (The Guardian) John Schnatter. Papa...
Your Pastor Isn’t Immune from Mental Health Issues
The ministry can be lonely. It can become even lonelier when ministers battle emotional and mental illnesses, such as depression. During those times, ministers cannot afford to cut themselves off from those who can help them.
US Food Insecurity Drops; Over 14M Households Still Insecure
Food insecurity in the US declined in 2018 to levels prior to the Great Recession of 2007, the USDA reported. Among U.S. households with children, 13.9% were food insecure in 2018, down from 15.9% in 2017.
Look Back | Following 9/11, Let Jesus’ Teachings Guide You
The images of burning and collapsing buildings now forever etched on our souls have left our nation thick-tongued and tired. In times of such horrific violence and unspeakable sadness, Jesus’ teachings must be our guiding rule.
September 13, 2019
‘Half-Wit’ and ‘Social Misfits’: Emails Show Falwell Mocked Students, Staff for Years (Talking Points Memo) Liberty Students Plan a Protest After New Falwell Revelations (Religion News Service) Jerry Falwell Jr. Shows...
Brexit, Globalization and Gospel
Implementing Brexit illustrates what happens when we give in to populists’ fears about the world and reject global community and cooperation. Even Jesus eschewed the isolationists of his day and embraced a global vision.
Emerging Voices | Pastors Lack Training to Advocate for Victims
Many pastors lack the training and skills needed to counsel and advocate for victims. It’s why too many pastors tell wives to stay with abusive husbands, continue in leadership when they abuse others and shame women from the pulpit.
USDA Projects Significant Decline in Global Food Insecurity
Over the next decade, the number of people who are food insecure, which means they don’t have access to 2,100 daily calories of food, is expected to decline globally, a USDA report says.
September 12, 2019
American Pastors Network: God Doesn’t Approve of Christians Who Criticize Trump (Right Wing Watch) This Wisconsin Church is Brewing Beer to Help Create Fellowship and Fun (Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel) In St. Louis,...
When politicians do religion a favor, beware!
By John D. Pierce Politicians across the spectrum have long curried favor from religious voters — some finding the particular context, practices and language more comfortable than others. Sometimes it’s even humorous...
Profiles in Goodwill: Carol Ann Vaughn Cross
Carol Ann Vaughn Cross is an assistant professor in the Howard College of Arts and Sciences at Samford University in Alabama, studying social history at the intersection of religion, technology and culture, sex and gender.
When Did Simplistic Words Replace Simple, Eloquent Ones?
Expressing an idea, concept or feeling in uncomplicated language lets something profound rise above the craft of constructing a meaningful phrase. The simplest words – as opposed to simplistic words – are often the most eloquent.
The Recipe to Finding Your Authentic Preaching Voice
Finding your voice as a preacher takes time. It can be more challenging for women who have fewer role models in the pulpit. How do you find your unique voice? Know yourself, play to your strength and preach the good news.
September 11, 2019
Trump Accidentally Tweeted an Insult to a Pastor. Here’s How the Pastor Responded. (The Telegraph) Why Evangelicals Won’t Care About Jerry Falwell Jr.’s Apparent Sex Scandal (Salon) Southern Baptist Megachurch to...
Will Need and Privilege Come Together for Common Good?
Ethnicity, gender, nationality and frameworks of opportunity influence whether a person bears the burden of need or enjoys the benefits of privilege. How do we bridge the gap to achieve a community focused on a common good?
5 Steps When Your Church or Minister Needs an Intervention
Churches or ministers can head down a path of destruction that requires stepping in with an intervention. If you think your church or minister is in trouble, proactively and humbly raise the possibility of seeking professional care.
Gender Discrimination ‘Root Cause’ of Stateless Children
Gender discrimination is a ‘root cause’ of stateless children, the UN refugee agency reported, leaving many of them with no official nationality and possibly resulting in wide-ranging violations of children’s rights.
September 10, 2019
‘Someone’s Gotta Tell the Truth’: Jerry Falwell’s Aides Break Their Silence (Politico) Baptist Pastor Plans Anti-Muslim Event to Commemorate 9/11 (New York Daily News) National Baptist Convention Stops in Oklahoma City...
Delayed, deserved affirmation
By John D. Pierce Ginny Bridges Ireland and I first got acquainted long ago when we were both campus ministers. Together we led a weekend retreat and Sunday worship for a church in the North Georgia mountains. Through...
Working Together to Help Those Stranded by Hunger Disaster
Nearly one out of six US children lives in a food-insecure household. Hunger stimulates physical pain, anger, lethargy and depression. To make a dent in hunger and poverty, we need to work together in a coordinated capacity.