Mighty wind and quiet stream

Reflecting on the recent Asbury revival, Bishop David Alan Bard invites us this Lent to look for spiritual transformation in both dramatic experiences and everyday disciplines.

Drawn into the circle of God’s family

Ash Wednesday is a chance for Christians to reflect on how our practices of faith can become gestures of love and inclusion, bringing hope and healing.

Heart work, soul work, community work

In this month’s Joyful Journey, Bishop David Alan Bard reminds us that the gospel is about heart change, which is an important part of tackling issues like racism and violence… Continue Reading Heart work, soul work, community work

Time to stop gawking and get moving

Rev. Jerry DeVine encourages us, despite the cobwebs and sorrows of denominational divisions, to embrace the new things God is doing in the church and get to work.

‘We shall overcome someday’

Have we made progress in realizing Martin Luther King, Jr.’s dream? Cheryl Bistayi reflects on this question by telling the painful story of her granddaughter’s husband and the racism he… Continue Reading ‘We shall overcome someday’

Building Beloved Community

The Rev. Paul Perez points to King’s sermon on having a tough mind and a tender heart as a timely message for those working to build Beloved Community.

Making a case for our children’s spirituality

Forming a deep spirituality is just as important to our children’s development as learning to read or grasping math equations, and the Michigan Conference is helping families and churches do… Continue Reading Making a case for our children’s spirituality

Foster a dialogic culture in the church

In this month’s Joyful Journey, Bishop David Alan Bard asks us to dedicate ourselves to creating a spacious church with a dialogic culture where conversations are respectful, rich, and deep.

It’s time to set a ‘souls goal’ for 2023

Church leaders may be surprised how few people need to join your chuch in order to be a missional “success” this year.

A change of heart that’s never too late

The Rev. Paul Perez reflects on his family’s tradition of watching Christmas movies and names this year’s favorite, a movie that depicts a Christmas conversion of the heart.