Category: church
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The Problem of Plugging In
An article I wrote in January for my denomination’s magazine, The Covenant Companion, has been posted (as a PDF) online. In “The Problem of Plugging In” I drew from a couple of Wendell Berry’s essays to discuss the power of metaphors and the way our language hinders or aids spiritual growth. Your church has problems.…
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Leaving Christianity?
I’ve been a pastor in three widely different contexts and each has brought the same kind of dispiriting and frustrating conversation. Too many times I’ve listened as disgruntled or despairing men and women have wondered, nervously, whether or not they could remain Christian. I’m tired of these conversations not because I don’t sympathize with the…
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“Crowds are a worse danger…” cont.
A pastor recently left a lengthy and incredibly thoughtful comment on a post from last year. In that post I quoted Eugene Peterson twice from his memoir about the danger of churches becoming crowds. I’m copying the entire comment here as this pastor’s experience and perspective is one that should be heard. Peterson’s statements hit…
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Christian Saints vs. Cultural Celebrities
My latest article for Leadership Journal has been posted. Earlier this year, on October 5th, an influential and visionary leader died. His life forever changed the American experience, and his legacy will be felt for generations to come. An ability to see a future many thought impossible marked his work even as he inspired others…
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Christian Seasons Calendar
The Christian Seasons Calendar is now being offered with free shipping. When ours arrived a couple of weeks ago, at the beginning of Advent, we spent a few minutes looking through the beautiful artwork that will mark the church calendar for us this coming year. I love the idea behind this calendar and recommend it…
David W. Swanson 