New for Congregations: From Other Sites Funded by Lilly Endowment Inc.

Here are the results of some exciting projects funded by Lilly Endowment Inc.

Practical Matters Seeking Articles on Youth. With support from Lilly Endowment Inc., Emory University's Religion Division is launching an online journal, Practical Matters, that explores religious practice and practical theology. For its Spring 2009 issue, Practical Matters is seeking submissions on the religious practices of youth and on ways that religious communities engage with young people.

Faithful to the Call: Reflections on Excellence in Ministry. From 2002 through 2005, the Fund for Theological Education facilitated four Consultations on Excellence in Ministry. The Consultations addressed "what excellent ministry looks like and what gets in the way." This report summarizes the results of these Consultations by exploring what ministers do, what kind of person makes an excellent minister, what are the best—and hardest—parts about ministry, and what attributes constitute excellent ministry. Those considering a call to ordained ministry, as well as those who mentor others, will especially benefit from this rich but concise report (from the Fund for Theological Education).

How Much Should We Pay the Pastor?: A Fresh Look at Salaries in the 21st Century. This study, headed by Jackson Carroll, examines the current realities of clergy compensation and concludes that "the gap between clergy salaries and those of other comparably educated professionals continues to grow." In addition to providing economic findings, this report suggests ways for congregations and denominations to respond (from Pulpit and Pew).

Taize. Perhaps you've heard of it: a simple, contemplative service that focuses on music and chanting as forms of prayer. Taize has become popular in many congregations around the country. Songs and chants in the Taize tradition can be easily learned, and CDs of Taize music are big sellers. Here is the story behind this phenomenon in Christian spirituality (from Religion and Ethics Newsweekly).

Transition into Ministry. Congregational members often expect their pastors to be, if not perfect, certainly more virtuous (and smart and kind and understanding) than the persons next to them in the pews. When students fresh out of seminary find themselves faced with larger-than-life expectations, the experience can daunting. This report describes a program for helping students make the leap into pastoral ministry (from Resources for American Christianity).