Our Latest Perspectives
Inequality, Polarization, and Congregational Life
Economic inequality has increased, even inside congregations.
The Purple Church
Why do so many congregations brand themselves as “progressive” or “conservative”? Isn’t a more diverse, heterogenous congregational identity preferable?
Reaching Across Boundaries of Faith
Religious diversity is a gift. Even for those of us who are profoundly convinced of the “rightness” of our tradition, conversation with people of other faiths often provides moments of startling insight, not just into the beliefs and rituals of those who think otherwise but into the deepest heart of our own beliefs.
Project, Spinoff, or Partnership?
Churches and synagogues often serve as incubators for soup kitchens, food pantries, nursery schools, retirement homes, arts programs, and other worthy ventures. Once those ventures are established, how much control should a congregation have over them?
Visioning is a Team Sport
Nearly every congregation has a mission statement. A good mission statement reminds leaders of who their congregation is and what it does in the world.
Fixing a Toxic Team
Transforming the culture of a toxic team is hard work, and it begins with looking at the team’s behavioral norms.
Spiritual Self-Care For People With No Time
I needed something like Will Strunk’s Elements of Style for spirituality—pithy rules like “use the active voice” or “omit needless words,” to reorient my life the way Strunk’s book has sharpened up my writing. Here’s what I came up with.