Pastoral Care

J. Todd Billings on Embracing Our Mortality

Unless we are very ill or old, many of us avoid thinking about our deaths. J. Todd Billings’s new book, The End of the Christian Life, explains that remembering our mortality and learning to die well will give us a more profound view of true Christian resurrection hope.

January 19, 2021 | 7 min read
Victoria White on Inclusion in Circles of Congregations

All Belong will keep helping congregations become welcoming communities for people of all abilities, especially through its innovative Circle of Congregations for Teaching and Learning program.

January 19, 2021 | 6 min read
Deanna A. Thompson on the Virtual Body of Christ in a Suffering World

In this episode, Deanna Thompson of St. Olaf College talks about her 2016 book "The Virtual Body of Christ in a Suffering World," which was written from her experience of living with cancer and now takes on additional meaning in our COVID-shaped world.

November 3, 2020 | 37 min listen

Kimberly Hope Belcher on Christian Unity and Communion

Ephesians 4 calls Christians to “one Lord, one faith, one baptism” unity. Yet many Christian traditions don’t allow full communion with other denominations. Kimberly Hope Belcher’s new book Eucharist and Receptive Ecumenism: From Thanksgiving to Communion, offers steps toward greater unity.

October 16, 2020 | 8 min read
Creative Scripture Reading for Virtual 91

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, many churches still gather through virtual worship. Finding creative ways to read the Bible for online worship services can help worshipers experience what Romans 15:4 promises: “The Scriptures give us strength to go on.”

September 9, 2020 | 6 min read
91 Resources for Pregnancy Loss and Infertility

Many church members stay silent about miscarriages and other common reproductive losses. Yet Christian traditions contain many helpful books and worship resources to aid those who have experienced reproductive loss. Your church can start with these resources to engage this issue more directly and care for those who mourn.

June 2, 2020 | 10 min read

Church Responses to Infertility, Miscarriage, and Pregnancy Loss

After decades of silence, church leaders and congregations have begun accompanying people who mourn losing children before or soon after birth or letting go of dreams to form a family.

June 2, 2020 | 9 min read
Stacey Edwards-Dunn on African American Infertility and the Church’s Response

People experiencing infertility often suffer in silence. African Americans experience more infertility than other racial groups. But churches can offer healing when they open the door for conversations and include these sorrows in worship.

April 24, 2020 | 5 min read

Recursos para iglesias en tiempos de coronavirus

Debido a la reciente pandemia COVID-19, iglesias y comunidades de adoración han sido forzadas a implementar medidas de aislamiento social y nuevas prácticas de adoración. Los siguientes recursos han sido recopilados de diferentes organizaciones, profesionales y artistas, y representan una variedad de respuestas para el ministerio cristiano en este nuevo contexto, con énfasis en el ministerio de adoración.

April 21, 2020 | 3 min read
Shaping 91 During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Sparking New Connections at New Mount Zion Baptist Church, Roxboro, North Carolina

Like many congregations, New Mount Zion Baptist Church has people with varying abilities, incomes, and technology access. In this edited conversation, LaTonya McIver Penny shares how to use a mix of digital and old-fashioned ways to help worshipers and community members stay connected.

April 14, 2020 | 5 min read
Dennis R. Edwards on 1 Peter and Good Shepherd Sunday

For lectionary Year A, Good Shepherd Sunday, the fourth Sunday of Easter, includes a reading from 1 Peter. New Testament scholar Dennis R. Edwards explains why Peter’s first letter is especially relevant as people deal with the COVID-19 pandemic.

April 14, 2020 | 4 min read