by Peter Lau

As we read the psalms, we find the motif of panting or thirsting, which is part of a larger theme of longing for God. This article will first explore the motif of panting and thirsting in five psalms, and then trace the theme of longing through to the New Testament.

by Rebeca Radillo

The theme of this article is “Breathing.” Its purpose is to expand our thinking to allow us to better understand the complexity of the human life by seeking in the biopsychosocial/spiritual/religious model new perspectives related to the intricacy of human life. Its goal is to expand our vision to the point that we realize that nothing in our daily life, even when it is as simplistic and routine as “breathing,” can be taken for granted.

by Harold Dean Trulear

In a real sense, if we answer the question “How do we preach to them,” we run the risk of developing a formulaic response itself devoid of the Divine Breath. The answer lies not in a formula, but in an encounter with that Breath itself. Our encounter with that Breath as preachers gives freer passageway for the Breath to enter the places in congregants’ souls deprived of spiritual oxygen.

by Reginald Brantley

If we believe that God’s heart is a dwelling place for justice and grace big enough for us who were once estranged from God, then surely we know our expression of God must include making our hearts dwelling places of justice and grace for those whom we would call strangers.

by Mark C. Johnson

The notion of sacred places generally makes for good religion but poor theology. Great stories such as the one of the burning bush, Peniel, and the Mount of Olives, offer wonderful and metaphors, but what do they draw us toward? What makes a conference center hosted library for example, or a sanctuary, a dwelling place, sacred spaces?

by Rick Ufford-Chase

A proposed resolve to commit to actively learning and embracing one another’s rhythms and practices, both religious and traditional, appreciating one another’s core motivations and convictions, with the understanding that all are cherished and sustained by God.

by Tamara Henry

While churches have often focused on engaging in care for creation by directing attention to issues of environmental justice (i.e. stewardship of the earth’s natural environment) an equally important aspect of affirming the sacredness of creation today must also include emphasis and regard for the dignity of lives of vulnerable human populations, including young persons of color in the United States who have increasingly become victims of socio-historic modes of racism.

by Jill Schaeffer

A city is the whole shebang living within the Word of God. Preaching to and out of an urban scene locates the lives and stories generated in that scenario dwelling within the Word. There is nothing that cannot be said or proclaimed that lies outside that Word. And nothing foretold that has not been anticipated through that Word.

by Peggy Adrien

The Book of Genesis describes a beautiful story about the beginning of life on earth. However, it is also a story anchored in debate, fueling conversation known as “the battle of the sexes” and addresses the ongoing issue of female leadership. Should women hold positions of authority in the church?

by Lura Pierce

I like to say that Eleanor Roosevelt chose me. I certainly didn’t know that studying the woman I had disliked as an adolescent would renew my faith and spur me to action. I didn’t know she would become my mentor across time and help me to answer, “Who am I now?”

by Kevin Yoho

Do you believe that anything is possible? Pastors and church leaders in very diverse ministries consistently tell me they want to make a difference in their community. Many do, but others retreat into their sanctuaries when unexpected obstacles and challenges arise.

by Insook Lee

We have shifted from the industrial age to the digital age of connectivity. Some people welcome the sense of connection beyond time and space while others are ambivalent and fearful of “techno-colonialism” and a “global cyberimperialism.” Whatever the consequences of digital connectivity are, “internet access springs from a powerful longing for community—the very same force that drives church congregations.”