By Susan Andrews

The Rev. Dr. Andrews identifies herself as an evangelical liberal called to proclaim the “good news” of the Gospel. Her proclamation is not about proselytizing but incarnation—the liberality of God’s love and power in all of life.

By E. Elizabeth Johnson

The Scriptural focus here is on the different endings of Mark’s Gospel that have been hotly debated since the Second Century CE or before. The author offers a convincing argument that the implications of which ending is used is significant for preachers and scholars.

By Joseph V. Crockett

The author contends that the report of the demise of the Mainline Church is premature and inaccurate. To the contrary, he sees growth in some sectors. His article also offers pastors and other church leaders strategies for growth.

By Kevin Yoho

With the current news of the mainline churches facing crises of diminishing membership, the author offers many fresh ideas for changing the focus and looking at church in a whole new way as well as offering concrete suggestions on how to become more relevant and effective, to help stem the exodus.

By Deirdre Good

This article is useful to develop strategies for Bible Study in Christian Churches. The author shares different approaches including techniques for enriching the experience plus comments by pastors on how bible study has enhanced the life of their churches and congregations.

By Flora Wilson Bridges

The focus here is to recognize that mainline churches are transitioning out of archaic organizational models to become more inclusive, more diverse, and more open to God’s transforming grace though sound, energetic biblical engagement. Rev. Bridges is urging clergy to reaffirm and reclaim the power of the Spirit that speaks to us through the Bible.

By Remington Slone

This lectionary guide covers Sundays in the months of October 2012 through January 2013.

Collected by Darla Turlington

These quotations, on the general topic of Renewal, were selected from the Bible as well as a variety of authors, and speakers; they may be useful to pastors, theologians, seminary students, and others in their research, writings, or reflections.

By Jin Hee Han

The conference, “A Season for Renewal”, focused on ways that could help stop the fall in membership of U.S mainline churches—perhaps even reverse it! The October issue of The Living Pulpit offers the articles by the Conference speakers.