NEWSpirit Blog
The NEWSpirit Blog shares diverse, connectional viewpoints from conference, district and local church leaders, serving as a companion blog to the NEWSpirit Weekly Digest and NEWSpirit quarterly newspaper.
From Pulpit & Pew
From Pulpit & Pew is an experimental blog through which we hope to attract and share interesting news and views from clergy and laity about key concerns in congregational and community life.
The Secret to Thankfulness
The Rev. Lloyd Speer*
“I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation.” —Philippians 4:11-12 As Thanksgiving approaches each year, it can be hard to feel thankful if we don’t have an abundance of positive things occurring in our life. Fortunately, all is not lost if that is where we… Read More
Leadership Matters: Be that candle
The Rev. Steven Morton
“One candle can light a thousand other candles and still remain lit itself. Be that candle.” —James Altucher The tale of the starfish is often told: A young girl was walking along a beach where hundreds of starfish had been washed up during a terrible storm. When she came to… Read More
Learning poignant lessons of Native American culture, history
Terri Leone*
Drew seminary student connects with Native American Ministries In the summer of 2022, Drew Theological School led students on a trip to the Blackfeet Nation in Browning, Montana. I had just completed my first year as a Masters of Divinity candidate, and was excited for this opportunity. Our group stayed… Read More
Vision + Teamwork = Success
The Rev. Steven Morton
“Be united in the same mind and the same purpose.” (I Corinthians 1:10b NRSV) A compelling vision, paired with a competent and committed team, can accomplish extraordinary feats of mission. The president of my graduate school alma mater recently shared again the strategic vision that guides everything attempted at Duke… Read More
All the World Needs Our Witness: Celebrating Laity Sunday with Children
Elizabeth Christie
Celebrating Laity Sunday 2023 Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” —Matthew 19:14 My husband and I have a small handful of parenting tenets that guide us as we raise our seven children:… Read More
Using AI in ministry the right way
The Rev. Kevin Rutledge
In today’s digitally driven world, artificial intelligence (AI) has become a powerful tool that can significantly impact your church’s communication and ministry efforts. As church leaders and pastors, you are uniquely positioned to explore the ethical use of AI, understanding its potential pitfalls and the transformative benefits it brings. This… Read More
Living into Baptism through Diakonia
The Rev. Dr. Darryl W. Stephens
Diakonia is a strange Greek word. It is often translated as service. But diakonia means much more than simply doing things for others. It is an essential part of Christian identity and discipleship. It is about who we are and what we do as followers of Christ. Through baptism, we… Read More
‘In old age they still produce fruit’
The Rev. Steven Morton
‘In old age they still produce fruit…” —Psalm 92:14 My wife Joan and I, as we approach retirement, are venturing deep into the previously-foreign world of Social Security and Medicare. Mercy! Where did the last forty years go? I recently overheard at an outdoor dinner site in Chester County a… Read More
Finding best practices of restoring mental, spiritual health
The Rev. Steven Morton
“David took the lyre and played it with his hand. Saul would be relieved and feel better, and the evil spirit would depart from him.” (I Samuel 16:23b) “‘You know you’re in trouble when your colleague recommends their antidepressants,’ begins one pastor, as he shares his tale of struggle against… Read More