Csaba Veres / UnsplashSagrada Familia is one of the most awe-inspiring manmade structures on earth. More than 140 years in the making, Barcelona’s towering cathedral attracts faithful pilgrims and curious tourists from around the world. Driven by the vision of architect Antoni Gaudí, Sagrada Familia is stunningly beautiful. To create such beauty in a world that is filled with despair is an illustration of what Scripture refers to as “hope.” | Alban at Duke Divinity School
Mario Amé / UnsplashAt a time when our culture (and world) feels increasingly fragmented, God continues to call the church to engage more deeply with its neighbors. Many congregations struggle with how to do this work in a way that is faithful to God and authentic to their identity. Trying to cut and paste a program from another congregation rarely works; there are too many variables. Given this reality, one of the most important issues is whether the congregation is ready for this work. | Alban at Duke Divinity School
Elijah Austin / UnsplashThe middle of the year may seem like an odd time to talk about starting something new — summer is usually when church programs shift into a lower gear. While it is important to build in a rhythm for downtime, let’s not forget that God’s timing takes precedence over the church’s calendar. Before you let yourself be lulled into a predictable routine that sustains the status quo, be discerning enough to ask yourself a critical question: “what’s God up to now?...| Alban at Duke Divinity School
The Jopwell Collection / UnsplashThe Phoenix Suns recently traded their superstar player, Kevin Durant, to the Houston Rockets in exchange for eight players (two current players, a first-round draft pick and five second-round draft picks). Trading one player in exchange for eight sounds like a lopsided deal, but it made sense to the coaches and owners who know how important it is to do whatever you can to form a great team. | Alban at Duke Divinity School
Suzanne D. Williams / UnsplashAre you the same leader you were five years ago? What kind of leader will you need to be five years in the future? | Alban at Duke Divinity School
Ben White / UnsplashIn “The Pastor,” a memoir on the pastoral life, Eugene Peterson has this to say about his role: | Alban at Duke Divinity School
Small Group Network / UnsplashHow is your church making disciples? What pedagogical methods do you use to nurture faith among children, youth and adults? How has your congregation revised its approach to Christian formation in the last 10 to 20 years? | Alban at Duke Divinity School
Haley Rivera / UnsplashWorship is at the center of who we are and what we do as communities of Christian faith. From a biblical perspective, whenever God’s people missed the mark in relationship to worship, things did not go well. (Do you remember that unfortunate incident with the golden calf?) In this week’s episode of our podcast, Leading and Thriving in the Church, John Witvliet talks about what matters most in worship.| Alban at Duke Divinity School
