Coop's Column - Glorify the Lord with Me
Modernity has a kind of airy weightlessness, a lack of seriousness and significance. So, when it comes to the matter of “setting their minds on things eternal”—that is, of paying any heed to the world beyond sight and sound—most contemporary people are pretty breezy and airy.
Coop's Column - Jesus Yes-Church Yes!
In the Western hemisphere, especially in Europe and considerable sections of North America, vigorous contempt toward and sleepy disregard of the Christian church are widespread and increasing at an ever-accelerating rate.
From Blogs to Tweets: Wise Use of Social Networking Technology in Your Worshiping Community
Social networking tools like Facebook and Twitter are changing the way we connect, stay in touch, and share ideas and resources. What are the benefits and what are the dangers of these tools for churches and organizations? This presentation featured examples and guidance based on what some churches are doing.
Why Churches are Engaging Hip Hop Culture
Now that the gospel and hip hop have gone global, churches are exploring how to reach hip hop culture with the good news that another world is possible. A feature story exploring hip-hop culture.
Trusting God in Youth Ministry: Living Our Faith Together
Want to do youth ministry with more trust, less anxiety? A feature story with practical tips for developing sustainable youth ministry in which congregations experience themselves as one body growing together in love.
Singing the Psalms Against a Backdrop of Persecution: A View from Pakistan
Find out how the psalms bring hope to suffering Christians in Pakistan and how the psalms can challenge theologians, poets, and musicians around the world to strengthen faith, ministry, and worship.
The Religious and Spiritual Lives of Emerging Adults
This workshop focused on understanding the latest social scientific research on the religious beliefs and practices of young people as they transition to adulthood.
A Worship Leadership Dilemma: Are consumers still able to worship?
How do I as a pastor or worship leader engage a congregation in deep, rich worship when their hearts have been shaped by consumeristic spirits that tell them to be shallow and self-serving? And how do I lead in such a way without being negative or preachy?
The Church for the Sake of the World: Urban Challenges Today
This workshop focused on discerning and acting on the call to integrate worship with ministry in order to be with those who are least and last through the example of LaSalle Street Church in downtown Chicago with a 40 year history in social engagement.
Contemplative Youth Ministry: Listening to God together
Where else in their multitasking 24/7 lives can youth find loving adults who join them in meaningful prayer, silence, and conversation to connect with God? A feature story exploring what makes an effective youth ministry program.
How to Connect Church-Based Community Ministry Programs to Corporate Worship
Starting with his own very diverse church and community connections, Tony Campbell explored the many different ministry opportunities Christians have to deepen relationships between church and community, and offer a variety of ways to celebrate those relationships in worship.?
Faith Formation in Worship
Faith formation is not just for children—all of us are shaped in our faith by the way we come to God in worship. This session considered what it might mean if we have a faith formation focus as we plan worship.