Anabaptist and Quaker essays, sermons, and other writings
In just under a month, we will celebrate another Earth Day. Many of us associate the formation of Earth Day on April 22, 1970, with Senator Gaylord Nelson from Wisconsin. But did you know that the original concept for Earth Day was developed by a man who grew up a […]
A few weeks ago in worship, my congregation allowed me to forego a traditional sermon. Instead, after the scripture was read from John 3:1-21, I came out in one of those ridiculous Bible character costumes that have no doubt appeared in many churches. Taking a seat on a raised stool, […]
This month marks six months into my first pastorate. As I continue to settle into my new role as Co-Pastor at Harrisburg First Church of the Brethren and integrate myself into different aspects of the city, I am constantly reminded that there is never a dull moment in urban ministry. […]
As previously examined, EYN is experiencing a paradigm shift regarding pulpit ministry. The contemporary pastors of the Ekklisiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria are dilapidated, and the pulpit ministry is about to collapse. The EYN modern pastors are increasingly abandoning the responsibility of keeping the flock attentive to God. Many who are engaged […]
Introduction This was a sermon preached on my first Sunday back after maternity leave. That week as I transitioned back into ministry, I found myself reflecting on my new dual roles: mother to my new son Leo and pastor to Pomona Fellowship Church of the Brethren. I have been the […]
Recently, several of us had an extended conversation after church, regarding church theology. Part of the discussion centered on comparing the Church of the Brethren and Orthodoxy on church hierarchy and power relationships. The comparison was not aimed at defending one or the other or proving one was better but […]
As I sat and began to think about what to write for this second article with the goal of some kind of practical equipping, I thought back on some of the most important lessons that I’d learned – some of the most memorable and influential aspects of my spiritual life. […]
My name is Joanna Willoughby and I am a lay-leader at Common Spirit Church of the Brethren in Grand Rapids, Michigan, a microchurch in the Michigan District that started 10 years ago. Together with Roya Stern and Randall Westfall, we make up the leadership team using a Nonsalaried Team Ministry […]
I recently moved from the Washington metropolitan area (aka the DMV) to Polo, a small community in rural northwestern Illinois. I’ve become the pastor of the Polo Church of the Brethren. It’s a big change in a lot of ways, and my wife and I are still making the adjustment. […]
Philippians 4:4 – “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say rejoice!” We sing songs about this verse, we memorize it, we embroider it on pillows and hang it in picture frames. Yet like any familiar verse in scripture, we can gain a deeper appreciation for this text as […]