It’s both an imperative and an invitation: Chris Heuertz’ conviction that the cultivation of unlikely friendships lies at the heart of God’s dynamic vision for the church and the world. Chris, of The Word Made Flesh community, has seen firsthand the blessings of relationships with those who are different than he, and thinks more congregations [...]

St. James’ Cathedral in Seattle, WA has tripled in attendance during the two-decade leadership of Fr. Michael Ryan- growth, he says, that was ignited only after the building was renovated. Sure the building needed renewal, but Fr. Ryan says so did the parish, so the building was designed to foster Christian community in ways that [...]

23 books and 53 recordings later, 0ne of Contemporary Christian Music’s pioneers, John Michael Talbot, is still going strong. The 58 year old Talbot tours most of the year, allowing the Spirit to breathe through his heart-touching gift of meditative music. He does it out of obedience to a Francis-esque call to ‘rebuild God’s Church.’ [...]

While famed Jesus Seminar co-founder John Dominic Crossan is well known for his weighty analysis of the historical Jesus, he warns the Church not to spend so much time on the Messenger that we miss the Message. Crossan, a former Catholic priest and prolific writer, (out with a brand new book called The Power of [...]

Bringing a deeper sense of community to the thousands who come to church isn’t just a mega-church lament. Fr. James Mallon, pastor of Saint Benedict’s in Halifax, Nova Scotia, yearns for a parish full of deeper connection, heightened spirituality, and more infectious outreach – and he’s getting there! Fr. James is a pioneer in the [...]

How does a church with only two clergy host 5,000 people each Sunday, run a 1,300 student youth ministry, and keep 8 choirs in check? Fr. Paul Williams of St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church in Dalton, Georgia says it’s all about letting the people lead. Catholic parishes, which are often this large and often this [...]