united church of christ – Page 5

How to Stifle a Culture of Call

Here’s an obvious thing: those who discern a call to ministry, do so in a variety of ways. The shape that a calling may take is unique to the gifts, life experience, and interests of the particular person discerning it. For as long as most church structures have existed, the primary form that such aContinue reading “How to Stifle a Culture of Call”

We’ve Tried Nothing and We’re All Out of Ideas

You’ve likely seen them if you’re a regular TV viewer. They tend to show up as online ads as well, including various streaming platforms if you haven’t chosen the commercial-free package. They often start with some touching scenes or images of people showing love to one another, or talking about their struggles with loneliness orContinue reading “We’ve Tried Nothing and We’re All Out of Ideas”

I’m Willing to Wait for It

I haven’t always appreciated the month of January. It’s the “winter but never Christmas” month of the year, when many (including me) may find it difficult to find joy. More recently, the joy that is possible in this month has been more apparent to me, for which I’ve been thankful. Whenever a more reasonable outlookContinue reading “I’m Willing to Wait for It”