Introduction One step into the soul is more valuable than a thousand steps anywhere else. This statement sums up my congregation’s journey over the last six years. Early… read more

(R­NS) — Messaging is incredibly important in American religion. Phrases like, “It’s not a religion, it’s a relationship” are pervasive in… read more

A favorite question of judicatory leaders to local church members is: What is the most important thing to you about your church?” Can you guess the most typical answer… read more

I grew up in the church singing the familiar song, complete with hand gestures, that goes, “The church is not a building, the church is not a steeple. The church is not a… read more

Discussions around what makes a church or pastor LGBTQ+ affirming sparked online when progressive pastor and author Brian Zahnd was asked if his church was LGBTQ+ affirming. He… read more

As a delegate to the United Methodist General Conferences in 1984 and 1988, I voted to reaffirm and expand the restrictive language regarding homosexuality. I did so out of… read more