Teaching

Seven Deadly Sins: Time for churches to reclaim the tradition

It's time for the church to reclaim and apply the concept of the Seven Deadly Sins or Capital Vices to spiritual formation. A feature story exploring the Seven Deadly Sins.

January 26, 2010
Planning Worship for a Seven Deadly Sins Series

So many churches have recently done a series of worship services on the seven deadly sins that you can find ample ideas for your setting. You can plan the whole service to help worshipers frame their experience of vice within the overarching story of God’s forgiveness and reconciling grace.

January 26, 2010
Parables: Reflecting their multiple meanings in preaching and music

Jesus told parables that were far more than simple stories with one heavenly meaning. Here's how preachers, musicians, and worship leaders can plan parable-based worship that lingers in people's lives.

January 8, 2010

Uuh'

It didn't happen every day, but was frequent enough that I clearly remember it. I would be sitting with my grandparents, in their house, around their kitchen table. We would be finishing a meal or even just a simple snack, and the conversation would come to a lull….

January 1, 2010

Singing More Psalms in Worship

Discover why and how more congregations are reclaiming old ways and creating new ways of singing from the songbook God gave us--the Psalms. A feature story about the importance of singing Psalms in worship.

October 21, 2009
Remembering Baptism: Living Wet

More congregations are seeing baptism as a sacrament that begins a lifelong pilgrimage. This shift leads them to pay more attention to baptismal living in worship and daily life. A feature story exploring the practices of the sacrament of baptism.

September 30, 2009

Just As It Should Be

It is called Throat Singing and I do not even know how to fully describe it. To me it sounded like a cross between an oboe and someone clearing his throat. It was fascinating to listen to. And as I sat there I found myself feeling excited, uncomfortable, confused and at peace, all at the same time.

June 1, 2009
Justice and Suffering in Worship Centered on God

Setri Nyomi, general secretary of the World Alliance of Reformed Churches, explains why confessing that Jesus is Lord applies to the economy and earth. As the Accra Confession affirms, God calls for just relationships with all creation--so our worship should reflect that faith stance. A feature story exploring Justice and Suffering in Worship centered on God.

June 1, 2009