In our work as formation leaders, we will encounter opportunities to talk about death and minister to people who are grieving. It …
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Cultivating Adventurous, Missional Leaders
Few will remember it—and fewer still will believe it—but when I was a seminarian at Virginia Theological Seminary, I was president …
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Intergenerational Insights: A Vision Rooted in Scripture, Theology, and Sacraments
This article is part of a series on Intergenerational Formation Insights written after a literature review by the Roots & …
Intergenerational Insights: The Age-and-Stage Ministry Model
This article is part of a series on Intergenerational Formation Insights written after a literature review by the Roots & …
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Keeping Watch: Suicide Prevention and Youth Ministry
Content warning: This article discusses the topic of suicide. It’s been 21 years since my first youth ministry job and three …
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When an Image of God Is Not Safe: The Impact of Trauma on Spirituality
Content warning: The following article mentions abuse as well as specifically sexual abuse. “I’m evil. My mom said I shouldn’t …
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A Free Tool for Formation Planning: The Ministry Planning Calendar
"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens" (Eccl 3:1, NIV). A time for worship, study, …
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Courageous Companions: Reimagining Discernment about Mentors for Youth
I have been privileged to lead training events about the best practices in youth ministry for years. A topic always addressed is …
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Prayers for Christian Formation Leaders
As the start of a new formation program year draws near for many Christian communities, we at Building Faith want to offer some …
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Coming to an Inclusive Table: A Reflection on UMC General Conference 2024
On the eve of April 23, 2024, the long-awaited beginning of the General Conference that had been postponed from 2020, United …
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