Swartzendruber Morris E Rev

Why we will no longer be a welcoming church

We’ve decided to quit being a welcoming church. No kidding. We’re giving it up. Like so many congregations, we’ve sunk an amazing amount of time and energy into becoming a welcoming church. We changed worship styles, trained greeters and ushers, wore name tags, brewed coffee, went to workshops on hospitality and put our friendliest people …

Is Your Church Ready for Generation Z?

Is the church ready for Generation Z? We sat down with some members of the generation and many don't believe the church is ready for them.

Why Church Giving Is Decreasing

There are a few key reasons why giving might be down in your church.

10 Ways to Be a Welcoming Church to Those With Special Needs

For those willing to welcome those with special needs, how can today’s churches better serve these families? One parent shares some tips.

What is baptism in the Holy Spirit?

Baptism in the Holy Spirit is the means by which God places new believers into the body of Christ. As the Holy Spirit regenerates and indwells our human spirits, bringing us new life and ensuring our everlasting fellowship with God, the Spirit also immerses us into the universal church.

How To Be a Bad Church Member

Ever wanted to set your church back and create an unhealthy culture? Here is a short list of things to do to: 1. Constantly point out what should be done, but never volunteer to actually do anythin…

If We Can Worship Anywhere, Why Go To Church?

It doesn't just matter that we worship Jesus. It matters that we worship him with other people.

ID Card Benefits for Religious Organizations

Find out how religious organizations and church groups are using ID card technology to help identify church members and keep them more secure.

10 Tips for Creating Inclusive Religious Organizations

We are a stronger country when religious organizations of all faiths live up to our values -- when we are welcoming, diverse, moral, and respect one anot...

What TechSoup Offers Religious Organizations

This article provides an overview of the TechSoup product donations and learning resources that can help your religious nonprofit get the most out of its technology.

Asking the Clergy: How do you care for yourself?

Lay people can usually take a break from routine by exchanging work gear for beachwear and a fancy cocktail on a vacation from responsibilities. But what of clergy, for whom leaving the grid may be mo

Why Doctrine and Pastoral Practice are Indivisible

There has been a great deal of talk in the Church lately about a supposed opposition between rules and reality, theology and life, doctrine and pastoral considerations. Some of the talk has gone to extremes, suggesting that rules, doctrine, and organized thought matter little in comparison with the pastoral needs of the immediate situation. Such …

It's Not Just Fleabag: Why Romance Novels Are Getting Hot For Clergy

There are more romances than ever that unpack religion generally, but so far, only Judeo-Christian novels will go as far as seducing religious leaders.

Design for Clergy Lifelong Learning

Lifelong learning needs to continue beyond the awarding of a degree. The CLL helps clergy pursue this goal without becoming perpetual students.

The 3 Things I Miss Most About Pastoral Ministry

If you’re in pastoral ministry, what do you think you’d miss most?

CLERGY VIEW: What if everyone took the time to affirm, rather than criticize?

A grade school teacher taught a class of third-graders. They were bright and energetic youngsters and she enjoyed teaching them. One little boy seemed infatuated with this teacher. He would

How the Word “Pastoral” Has Been Distorted by Progressivists in the Church

How the Word “Pastoral” Has Been Distorted by Progressivists in the Church. In current ecclesiastical language, the word pastoral tends to gradually take on

Is he my pastor or my husband? Spiritual care in the clergy marriage

What unique challenges and gifts in spiritual care come with the clergy marriage?

A pastoral crisis the Church cannot (yet does) ignore

On Religion: The year when clergy stress zoomed to a new high

When training pastors and chaplains, educators frequently stress the need for boundaries between work and home. Clergy need — somehow — to find “personal” time, along with f…