St Catherine Convent

Why we will no longer be a welcoming church

We’ve decided to quit being a welcoming church. No kidding. We’re giving it up. Like so many congregations, we’ve sunk an amazing amount of time and energy into becoming a welcoming church. We changed worship styles, trained greeters and ushers, wore name tags, brewed coffee, went to workshops on hospitality and put our friendliest people …

Is Your Church Ready for Generation Z?

Is the church ready for Generation Z? We sat down with some members of the generation and many don't believe the church is ready for them.

Why Church Giving Is Decreasing

There are a few key reasons why giving might be down in your church.

10 Ways to Be a Welcoming Church to Those With Special Needs

For those willing to welcome those with special needs, how can today’s churches better serve these families? One parent shares some tips.

4 Ways to Balance Leading the Church and Loving the Community

How do we both lead our church and love our community well? And how does this calling inform a church leader's priorities and daily schedule?

If We Can Worship Anywhere, Why Go To Church?

It doesn't just matter that we worship Jesus. It matters that we worship him with other people.

Should We Still Dress Our Best for Church?

I’m a millennial and I still think it’s best to wear our best to church. Recently my brother (Jonathan) and his wife (Vera) launched an online tie store called French Thread (shameless …

ID Card Benefits for Religious Organizations

Find out how religious organizations and church groups are using ID card technology to help identify church members and keep them more secure.

Asking the Clergy: How do you care for yourself?

Lay people can usually take a break from routine by exchanging work gear for beachwear and a fancy cocktail on a vacation from responsibilities. But what of clergy, for whom leaving the grid may be mo

It's Not Just Fleabag: Why Romance Novels Are Getting Hot For Clergy

There are more romances than ever that unpack religion generally, but so far, only Judeo-Christian novels will go as far as seducing religious leaders.

Design for Clergy Lifelong Learning

Lifelong learning needs to continue beyond the awarding of a degree. The CLL helps clergy pursue this goal without becoming perpetual students.

CLERGY VIEW: What if everyone took the time to affirm, rather than criticize?

A grade school teacher taught a class of third-graders. They were bright and energetic youngsters and she enjoyed teaching them. One little boy seemed infatuated with this teacher. He would

Is he my pastor or my husband? Spiritual care in the clergy marriage

What unique challenges and gifts in spiritual care come with the clergy marriage?

On Religion: The year when clergy stress zoomed to a new high

When training pastors and chaplains, educators frequently stress the need for boundaries between work and home. Clergy need — somehow — to find “personal” time, along with f…

Why Catherine Of Siena Is A Role Model For Women In A Man's World

12 Things Clergy can do to be good LGBTQ Allies

CLERGY VIEW: Knowing our history can help us all move forward together

Being a senior in her seventieth decade going on her eightieth, I can't help but look back on what is happening to our nation.

When a Young Woman Leaves the Convent

Women, especially young women, who have left the convent require a special kind of pastoral care, which is very different from working with married couples or families.

10 Tips for Creating Inclusive Religious Organizations

We are a stronger country when religious organizations of all faiths live up to our values -- when we are welcoming, diverse, moral, and respect one anot...

Whose problem is clergy burnout?

Training in healthy ministry for pastors—and congregations