Home » Archive by Tags

Articles tagged with: Pastoral Reflections

The Importance of Self Care for Ministry Leaders
July 2, 2012 – 10:44 am | Comments Off on The Importance of Self Care for Ministry Leaders
The Importance of Self Care for Ministry Leaders

By Donald L. Odom

Caregivers are often guilty of not practicing what they preach. They make sure appointments are kept; and point out the little things that could be overlooked to ensure everything is in order. We ministers as caregivers and may find our plates overflowing and yet unable to say no, or to ask for help. To achieve maximum efficiency, we need to take care of ourselves beyond our responsibilities to the church and ministry

Preaching and Living the Resurrection Today
April 4, 2012 – 1:30 pm | Comments Off on Preaching and Living the Resurrection Today
Preaching and Living the Resurrection Today

By Michael Gorman

Whether we think of the first century or the twenty-first, the resurrection is both a central and a controversial part of Christian theology and experience. Today, however, we often hear about those who challenge the possibility of resurrection—whether Christ’s or ours—both outside and inside the Christian church.

The Resurrection of Jesus: A Love Supreme
April 4, 2012 – 1:24 pm | One Comment
The Resurrection of Jesus: A Love Supreme

By Earl Kooperkamp

A crucial question is whether resurrection can make a difference in our world and our lives. Paul’s witness gives insight on resurrection as powerful transformation or transformational power. Resurrection is standing for solidarity in the midst of struggle—perhaps even the Occupy Wall Street Movement…

Identity and Methodology in Biblical Studies
February 9, 2012 – 2:25 pm | Comments Off on Identity and Methodology in Biblical Studies
Identity and Methodology in Biblical Studies

By Baruch Levine

Scholars have achieved a common discourse that enables them to study the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament together, despite confessional differences. This article explores how this is possible and what benefits may evolve.

Built on the Word: The Bible and Christian Formation
February 9, 2012 – 2:24 pm | Comments Off on Built on the Word: The Bible and Christian Formation
Built on the Word: The Bible and Christian Formation

By Joseph Crockett

Bible engagement is an intentional, goal-directed activity. As language shapes an individual’s thought categories and empowers him or her to transcend those categories, engagement with biblical narratives involves social processes that can build and transform character. Individuals and communities have the capacity to be informed by the Word and the narratives of Judeo-Christian faith traditions—to become like Christ.

Trauma as Barrier—and Springboard—to Scripture Engagement: Unleashing the Power of God’s Word to Heal
February 9, 2012 – 2:23 pm | Comments Off on Trauma as Barrier—and Springboard—to Scripture Engagement: Unleashing the Power of God’s Word to Heal
Trauma as Barrier—and Springboard—to Scripture Engagement: Unleashing the Power of God’s Word to Heal

By Harriet Hill, with Peter Edman

The focus here is on the crisis barriers that severe trauma constructs between victims and an encounter with God’s Word; and how the project of American Bible Society, She’s My Sister, helps these people learn that crimes committed against them do not bring them shame and shows them how to be set free from their pain.

The Bi-Vocational Preacher
November 3, 2010 – 2:27 pm | Comments Off on The Bi-Vocational Preacher
The Bi-Vocational Preacher

By Robert LaRochelle

Current economic realities and trends in church demographics have led an increasing number of churches to consider downsizing the job description of their pastors from full-time to part-time.

Communion: What’s It All About?
September 29, 2009 – 6:01 pm | Comments Off on Communion: What’s It All About?
Communion: What’s It All About?

By Joleyn T. Stokes

If you come to this Table with the passion of Christ, with a sincere heart, willing and open to unite with Him, then you will eat this bread and drink this cup as a sign of your sincere commitment to seek and experience the presence of God. Communion: What’s it all about? It’s about joining as one with God.

Sacraments: For God So Loved the World
September 29, 2009 – 6:00 pm | Comments Off on Sacraments: For God So Loved the World
Sacraments: For God So Loved the World

by Minka Shura Sprague

We had a sacramental blitz in my church one weekend late in summer this year. Within 24 hours, we had celebrated 4 of the 7 traditional sacraments of the church – Holy Baptism, Holy Eucharist, Holy Matrimony and Unction, the anointing of one who is ill. In this last instance, we went straight to Burial.

Living in Place
June 27, 2009 – 2:14 pm | Comments Off on Living in Place
Living in Place

by Nancy Bloomer

It is difficult to conceive of a single, isolated human in a state of shalom. An important aspect of shalom—which I understand to mean
perfection, wholeness, health, and fullness—is belonging. Being rooted in and connected to a community in all its particularity of people,
place, and things is a necessary ingredient for a sustained sense of well-being.

Home: Where We Abide
June 27, 2009 – 2:12 pm | Comments Off on Home: Where We Abide
Home: Where We Abide

by Linda Lee Clader

Our Christian home is now, in ministry with Christ and through Christ, as members of his living Body. And that means that we are constantly on the move—not because we are on a quest for some distant prize or goal, but because we share Christ’s continuing mission of service.

The Challenge of Easter Preaching
April 5, 2009 – 11:57 pm | Comments Off on The Challenge of Easter Preaching
The Challenge of Easter Preaching

by Dr. Keith A. Russell

I hope that you will find this issue of THE LIVING PULPIT to be a stimulating discussion of the challenge of Easter preaching. There is no doubt across diverse Christian traditions about the centrality of Easter for Christian faith and practice. The question raised in this issue of our journal is not about the importance or centrality of Easter but about how to present this event at the end of the 20th century.