Ministry Matters - Introducing Methodist house churches | Navigating the future

What role can house churches play in our future? Introducing Methodist house churches by Dave Barnhart   “Methodism” has a distinctive theology, but we acquired the name because it was our practices that set us apart more than our beliefs. Like the early Methodist movement, house churches focus on how we practice being the church together instead of the facilities or programs we offer. It is a shift from consumer-driven religion to communal and collaborative faith. Read here

Can we develop institutions that bear witness to purpose and cultivate flourishing? Navigating the future for Christian institutions by Greg Jones & Andrew Hogue   We love to hate the institutions we need. In the midst of modernity’s ruins, we are aware that we do not have the social infrastructure that we need to flourish. We look for quick fixes: we want networks instead of institutions, we want to be spiritual without being religious, we want a future that has no connection to the past, we want policies that will achieve justice and eliminate suffering. Read here

How does healthy leadership impact stewardship in our local churches? Thoughts on stewardship leadership by Timothy Siburg   Within stewardship then, if one of the potholes is that too often congregations and communities of faith focus only on money, a leader or leadership needs to emerge to help navigate around this pothole. Yes, it is important to articulate why money is needed and important, as well as why it's important to talk about. Read here

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Sermon notes for Ordinary Time's 8th Sunday Preaching on the rich fools parable this Sunday

Elements for what matters most in worship this Sunday

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