Category Archives: congregational life

Book Review: Christianity for the Rest of Us by Bass

Posted on January 17, 2008 by Israel Galindo

Much is said and written today regarding the emerging church. In Christianity for the Rest of Us, Diana Butler Bass shares stories from mainline Protestant congregations experiencing renewal and transformation through re-connection with historic Christian practices. In reality, she debunks … Continue reading →

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Book review: Fashion Me a People by Harris

Posted on January 16, 2008 by Israel Galindo

The title of Maria Harris’ work, Fashion Me a People: Curriculum in the Church (Louisville: Westminster/John Knox Press, 1989), engages the reader from the outset. Here is a work about the Church claiming its identity as the people of God … Continue reading →

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Book review: Beyond the Ordinary by Johnson and Dreitcher

Posted on January 2, 2008 by Israel Galindo

Ben Campbell Johnson & Andrew Dreitcer provide a welcome resource to congregations in practical spirituality in Beyond the Ordinary: Spirituality for Church Leaders (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company. 168 pages. $16.00. ISBN 0-8028-4773-0). The book’s unique contribution is … Continue reading →

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Birds Named More and Better

Posted on January 1, 2008 by jbennett

Maybe it’s just my imagination, but I think I heard more voices than ever this year suggesting that we consider toning down the cultural excesses of Christmas gift-giving.  We’ve certainly not eliminated gift-giving in my world of family and friends, but … Continue reading →

Posted in bible, Christian Education, congregational life, discipleship, liturgical seasons, Sunday school, Uncategorized, world view | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments Off on Birds Named More and Better

What’s in a name?

Posted on December 24, 2007 by Israel Galindo

A few weeks ago, during a visit to a local church, a deacon at that church cornered me and asked me one of those questions you know immediately is “loaded.” Loaded questions are tricky to respond to honestly given that … Continue reading →

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Book review: Bass, Christianity for the Rest of Us

Posted on December 4, 2007 by Israel Galindo

“The most important book of the decade about emerging Christianity and the renewal of mainline congregations.” “This book is so full of good news that I keep it next to my Bible.” Without denying the positive contribution and “good news” … Continue reading →

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Coming into the Life of the Body

Posted on November 20, 2007 by jbennett

In many ways my native language has always been dance.  I moved stories before I told them in words, heard music most clearly when it flowed through my body and out again into the waiting space.  In secret my deepest prayers … Continue reading →

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Higher Ground

Posted on November 5, 2007 by jbennett

Although I no longer serve as pastor of a congregation, invitations to preach come my way from time to time.  The latest instance was yesterday when I helped a Presbyterian congregation surprise their pastor with the opportunity to worship among … Continue reading →

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Educating Nomads

Posted on October 8, 2007 by jbennett

One of those “Aha!” moments came to me twenty-some years ago while staring at the blank computer screen where Sunday’s sermon should have been making its appearance.  Unfortunately, my thoughts were elsewhere; I had been dealing with the parent of … Continue reading →

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Second Generation

Posted on September 24, 2007 by jbennett

Evangelical activist for social justice Ron Sider wrote his book The Scandal of the Evangelical Conscience: Why Are Christians Living Just Like the Rest of the World? a couple of years ago. In the July/August issue of Books & Culture: … Continue reading →

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