Posts in the ‘Articles’ Category

“Amidst increasing security issues in several African countries plagued by violence, political turmoil, religious intolerance and lack of democratic governance, churches are called to engage in peace-building”

Circuit Rider: “We celebrate our diversity as a unique gift from God to serve people in an ever more diverse world and at the same time we struggle with the fact that it hurts our longing for harmony when we are divided in our understanding of the Bible.”

Christianity Today: Chris Smith tells the story about how the practice of dialogue and conversation transformed his urban congregation, and as a result, transformed their broader community.

UMNS: We all look at the world from our own unique perspective, and I have been truly blessed to be surrounded by others who have opened up and shared their lives with me

King explains that while he opposes violent tension, he believes there is “a type of constructive, nonviolent tension… the need for nonviolent gadflies to create the kind of tension in society that will help men rise from the dark depths of prejudice and racism to the majestic heights of understanding and brotherhood.

(From UMR) William McElvaney – “Peacemakers are blessed because peacemaking at its best is theologically faithful to the core beliefs of all our religious traditions.”

For her work in peace-building and championing women’s rights in Liberia—and in turn, inspiring women around the world—Liberian president and Nobel Peace Prize-winner Ellen Johnson Sirleaf is the Reporter’s 2011 United Methodist of the Year.

It is easy for leaders to avoid becoming involved in disagreements or to overreact to staff conflicts. Neither approach is healthy. Here are some reminders for leaders who are more than just staff referees. Let’s get rid of our whistles and striped shirts and meet staff conflicts head-on.

Church staffs come in many different forms. Staff may already be in place when a pastor arrives. In other instances, one or more staff members may need to be selected. Some staffs operate as well-oiled team machines; others are the height of dysfunction and manipulation. Just thinking about them may make you want to scream and run for the hills.

The witness that Christians can most powerfully offer the world is not that of a perfect people, but of a people always fully engaged in the reconciliation experience.