Ministry Matters - Plotting a leader's course | Is virtual being there real pastoral care?

How will the church define its identity? Plotting a leader's course by Karoline Lewis   In a day and age when the church tries to maintain its relevance in an increasingly secular world, it is no wonder the church’s leaders turn to means by which the rest of society’s leadership seems to have gained a footing. Companies and businesses appear to have a better sense of how to navigate effectual leadership in the midst of changing times. Employing their failsafe strategies can only help the church and not hurt it, right? Read here

Is virtual communication viable for substantive, life-giving care? Peril: is virtual being there real pastoral care? by Evon Flesberg   Being physically present with people who are suffering is (must we risk a “has been” here?) what compassionate people do. It is the specific calling of religious leaders and people of faith to offer “tender, solicitous concern” to those in need of hope and healing. When disasters strike—individuals, families, communities, and nations—the religious communities and leaders are among the first to respond. Read here

How can knowing a more complete story help us move forward today? Understanding 'incompatibility' and United Methodist history by Wesley Bros   Wesley Bros Comics, a webcomic project using illustrations to communicate the beauty and complexity of the communion of saints, has embarked on a project to show the complicated history of how 'incompatibility' became the buzzword of United Methodist struggle and division. Here is the first part, showing the roots of the changes starting back with 1972's General Conference. Read here

Finding what's lost with your preaching this Sunday Helping kids engage in worship this Sunday

Elements for what matters most in worship this Sunday

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