Ministry Matters - It begins with us, part 2 | So much for dialogue

How can we approach ministry in a way that offers space to heal from complex trauma? Foundations for trauma-informed ministry: It begins with us, part 2 by Amanda Rigby & Elizabeth Watters   What does this reality of complex trauma mean for us as ministry leaders (and as human beings)? What is particularly important to understand about complex trauma is that there can be many overlapping contributors for any given person, so any number of factors may be at play in the people we encounter—whether we can observe them ourselves or not. Read here

Where can unity be found on the ground? So much for dialogue by William P. Brown   Christians tend to mirror America’s culture wars. Worse, the Christian Bible, the church’s “founding document,” is often deployed to fuel division. James Calvin Davis identified in 2010 the “big four” issues that have divided Christians for many years: abortion, stem-cell research, euthanasia, and gay marriage. One could add climate disruption and white supremacy. Over such issues, Christians have become strangers to each other, even within families. Read here

Where is our center these days? Hardened hearts by Jabe Largen   Far too often these days, it seems like even the clergy offer responses that look and sound and read a lot more hatefully. Many justify their rage by calling it (or at least alluding to it as) “righteous anger.”  Righteous anger can be important, especially for those utilizing a prophetic voice. However, there is a difference between righteous anger and hatred. Read here

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Looking ahead to Sunday's lectionary readings Called to be ready for Christ's coming

Elements for what matters most in worship this Sunday

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