addressing the long arc of ministry >> Explore
administered by CTS for Lilly Endowment >> Explore
"The gospel, spoken well" -- Augustine >> Explore
a new model for theological education in the 21st century >> Explore
By Robert C. Saler | The question of whether pastors should strive for “excellence” in ministry seems as though it would have a straightforward enough answer: of course! To the extent that pastoral ministry is a profession, and “excellence” in the professions is recognized as a good thing, then it seems obvious that pastors (and congregations) would value it.
By Deborah Arca, guest blogger | The Internet today is a unique and extraordinary space for Christians to practice love and model compassion, charity, and hospitality to the rest of the world. And we need to learn how to do this amidst conflict. Unfortunately, we don’t tend to do a very good job of it most of the time.
By Lawrence Peers | I heard a collective sigh of recognition when reading these words from Barbara Brown Taylor’s memoir, Leaving Church, in which she narrates her reasons for leaving parish ministry: "With just seven days in a week, where is the time to be a good preacher, teacher, pastor, prophet, celebrant, prayer, writer, foot washer, administrator, community activist, clergy colleague, student of scripture, and wholesome exemplar of the gospel?" (45-46)
The Pastoral Excellence Network is pleased to award a Catalyst Grant to The Ministers Council of the American Baptist Churches to launch the Clergy Health Initiative on August 13, 2014. The initiative seeks to take a holistic approach to clergy health, focusing on the areas of self-care, physical wellness, financial wellness, and retirement readiness.
In what ways might peer learning strengthen the teaching of preaching today so that preachers are better prepared for the opportunities and challenges facing the North American church? This was the central question that brought Chris Braudaway-Bauman and Lawrence Peers of the Pastoral Excellence Network (PEN) to the Colloquium on Strengthening Christian Preaching, which was hosted by the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship in Grand Rapids on May 28-29, 2014.
Christian Theological Seminary and the Center for Pastoral Excellence are pleased to launch the newly named Academy of Preaching and Celebration. Led by Frank A. Thomas, the Nettie Sweeney and Hugh Th Miller Professor of Homiletics at CTS, the Academy seeks to generate excellence in preaching and worship through deepened faith and biblical practice.
Introduction to The Five Most Common Preaching Mistakes series, by Frank A. Thomas. Watch on YouTube.
MLK Jr. “I have a dream” speech video: produced by Salt Project, WFYI, and CTS Watch on YouTube
Nadia Bolz-Weber, Eugene Cho, and Tony Lee share best ideas for social media (short) Watch on YouTube
Eleven noted contributors join a growing current that sees conversation as an image to refresh our thinking about the nature and purpose of the church. Read >>
This book examines the role of Martin Luther King Jr. as both thought-leader and activist and the convergence of ideas and action in his life. Read >>
Re-Storying Your Faith helps people discover multiple faith stories to give meaning to their spiritual journey. Read >>
We will draw upon wisdom of clergy peer learning groups. What are the foundational practices and distinctive approaches for designing and sustaining clergy groups as communities of practice.