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The Spiritual Practice of Pilgrimage: An Interview with
Arthur Paul Boers
| Arthur Paul Boers, author of The Way is Made by Walking, discusses his 500-mile pilgrimage along the Camino de Santiago in June of 2005. He explains what he learned about Christian practices, "focal living," the habit of trusting in God, and how this ancient practice relates to contemporary life. A set of links to relevant resources is included.
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Evaluation: Some Basic Principles
| Seeking to do an evaluation of your congregation and its leadership, but wondering where and how to start? Ian Evison, Congregational Services Director of the Central Midwest Unitarian Universalist Association, offers some basic principles to keep in mind. Important reminders—such as to collaborate and to avoid anonymous feedback—are featured. |
Cyclone and Earthquake Disaster Relief
| The cyclone in Myanmar (Burma) and earthquake in Sichuan (China) claimed thousands of lives, and thousands more people lack food, shelter, and medical care. CRG staff offer a list of organizations—many of them faith-based—that are seeking to relieve the suffering. Contact information and links are included. Also listed are organizations that evaluate charities. |
The Problem Trap: Escaping Our Limiting Stories
| If problems in your congregation seem intractable, perhaps it's time to re-frame the stories that are told about them. Senior Alban Consultant Larry Peers offers his approach to helping congregations re-tell their stories from new perspectives. Reflection questions and a set of related resources are included. Also available as a print-ready download. |
Spring Reading Recommendations
| Looking for something to read that will challenge and inspire you? The Congregational Resource Guide staff offer you our "top pics" for the spring. Whether your interest is caregiving, social justice, discovering glimpses of God's grace, or reading some good poetry, you’ll find this season's most recommended books. Check out the annotated titles and linked Web sites! |
Latest Pew Forum Report on U.S. Religion
Prayer, Miracles, and the Science of Healing—Reflections of a Scientifically Trained Methodist Pastor
| Drawing on stories of healing, as well as the insights of past and present theologians and scientists, research physicist and Methodist pastor Walter Shropshire, Jr. offers new ways to think about the nature of miracles, the role of faith, and the value of prayer in the healing process. Questions for reflection and discussion are included. |
Beyond Reading: Using Books as Resources
| Books can serve as excellent tools for congregations seeking to address a variety of challenges. But what should you seek in a book, and how can you and other leaders use a book most effectively? The Indianapolis Center for Congregations offers sound answers to these questions, as well as some questions for you to consider. |
Creating the Conditions for New Pastors' Success
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Convinced that the first two years of full-time ministry are critical to the long-term success of pastors, Carol Pinkham Oak describes the factors that promote a rewarding transition into ordained ministry—including a safe learning environment, a helpful mentor, solid peer relationships, and a life-giving faith community. |
"So that..."—Leadership, Accountability, and the Future
| CRG staff interviewed Lovett Weems, Executive Director of The Lewis Center for Church Leadership. Topics discussed included the challenges facing young clergy, the importance of youth ministry, and the nature of leadership and change. Find out why Weems believes that the two words, "so that…" are significant. And remember to check out our list of related resources! |
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