9 Strategies for Meeting People and Learning Their NeedsStreet ministry is simply walking around where people are hanging out and inviting them people into conversation.By Elizabeth Mae Magill Street ministry is simply walking around in areas where people are hanging out, inviting people into conversation where they are. Here are some things we learned through […]
Allen T. Stanton: Community Engagement and the Rural ChurchChurches can do more to engage their communities—and the effort does not need to be flashy or expensive. It can be as simple as chopping wood.By Allen T. Stanton In conversations with people across North Carolina, I’ve noticed that people speak about rural communities in one of […]
A Community Grows Its Way Out Of PovertyA pastor in North Carolina has developed a farming and beekeeping operation that improves local health and helps train young people.By Bridgette A. Lacy The Rev. Richard Joyner prefers delivering his sermons in the garden. Dressed in jeans and boots and armed with gloves, Joyner is surrounded by […]
The church exists to evangelizeEvangelization involves our being agents of the Holy Spirit in helping people have a profound experience of Jesus and his love.By Archbishop William E. Lori In 1975 Blessed Pope Paul VI, issued a landmark document, “Evangelii Nuntiandi” (“Evangelization in the Modern World”). Drawing together the teaching of the Second Vatican Council, […]
Three words of hope for the Church in transition As institutions are shaken to the core, these three New Testament words reveal “the essence of what it means to be the church.” By Mark Wingfield The words came out of my mouth before I realized what I was saying: “This is the only conversation that matters […]
Finding Space for Your SoulWe all need spaces that rest our bodies, slow our minds, and allow our souls to expand.by Laura B. Murray Space for Your Soul.Where does your soul breathe? The space where your shoulders drop, you are not thinking of the next things, the emotions show up, and your lungs expand and […]
Take a P This WeekThe five P’s of contemplation are well worth the 12 minutes they take out of an otherwise busy and stressful day.by Jack Levison …
A Dentist and AME Elder Faces Cancer and Chemo in the Era of COVID”To attain survivor status, you must first survive the treatment protocols.”By Letitia Williams Watford I am a stage 3 cancer survivor. Although I am presently on my third of six rounds of chemotherapy, and still have radiation and two surgeries over nine […]
Reclaiming an Original Methodist PracticeWhen the Wesley brothers convened meetings, they always included an opportunity for people to share their struggles and hope in Christ.By Jack Jackson Over the past fourteen months, as we’ve all tried to do the best we can during this pandemic season, I’ve missed many things about the way my Christian […]