It’s been a week, hasn’t it? We thought we were getting ready to launch our new ideas for the Fall, gearing up for Fall Kickoffs and re-opening our ministry programs in a return to “normal.” But all that is taking a back seat to a resurgent pandemic, once again… Now our families have precious little …
By Fred Oduyoye and Rick Lawrence We are not typically “big step” people—real change and growth happens incrementally, through baby steps. And it’s no different in our growth as people who reflect the heart of Jesus by intentionally reaching across our diversities. Yes, a lot has happened in the last year to rivet our attention on injustice and …
By Dr. Nancy GoingDirector of Research & Resource Development Kathleen Cahalan (professor at St. John’s University in Collegeville, MN) has a unique calling. She studies calling and vocation. She’s worked to re-articulate the theology of calling for today’s world, but also studies how and where the Christian theological theme of calling is expressed in the lives …
What We’re Learning: Surfacing God-Given Purpose In Others Read More »
By Dr. Nancy GoingDirector of Research & Resource Development One crucial aspect of the experiment that Vibrant Faith built into our Creating a Culture of Calling grant was a key structural feature that focused on congregational coaching. In retrospect, we’ve discovered that this had a singular impact on the outcomes of our work. At Vibrant Faith we’ve …
By Fred Oduyoye and Rick Lawrence In counseling and in ministry and in life, we’ve been urged to see the damaging impact of our reactions and move, instead, toward the more “mature” version—a response. But maybe—when we functionally dishonor our own reactions and those of others—we overlook (or blow past) a crucial step in the reconciliation journey. How can …
By Fred Oduyoye and Rick Lawrence As we emerge from our underground bunkers into the dawn of post-pandemic life, we’re facing a host of new challenges. For so many of us, the ability to gather in-person again is both welcome and fraught. We’re grateful to re-establish face-to-face relationships, but we’re very aware that this year, like no other, …
Building Relationships With People We Don’t Trust Read More »
By Dr. Nancy GoingDirector of Research & Resource Development When I was in college and STILL not sure what I wanted to major in, my high school pastor just happened to visit my church over the summer. When he saw me, he told me about a program he was leading that invited young adults to serve …
