Congregationalism & Churches
Congregationalism is a Protestant faith that originated during the 1500s. It is a form of church government. Congregational churches assert the autonomy of the local congregation. Each congregation manages its own affairs. Members believe in a covenant of loyalty and mutual edification, emphasizing the importance of discerning God’s will whilst ‘gathered’ together in Church Meeting.… Read More
A blessing is a prayer asking for God’s protection, or a little gift from the heavens and an infusion of something with holiness, divine will, or one’s hope or approval. Blessings come under the category of sacramentals. A sacramental is a special prayer, action or object which, through the prayers of the Church, prepares a… Read More
The United Church of Christ (UCC) is based in the United States and is a Protestant denomination. It was formed in 1957 by the union of the Evangelical and Reformed Church and the Congregational Christian Churches. The Congregational Churches trace their roots to the English Reformation and to Puritan New England. The United Church of… Read More
Evangelical leader Erwan Cloarec shares his reactions to the opening ceremony, why he is enjoying the games, and how he hopes the church is seizing the moment to live out its faith. On Sunday, at the start of the second week of the Olympics, France won its 44th medal, surpassing its previous record total for… Read More
Survey: Majority Asian churches are half as likely to have leaders under 30. One of the first spiritual formation books written for Asian American Christians, released by InterVarsity Press in 1998, is entitled Following Jesus Without Dishonoring Your Parents. Even in its title, the book acknowledges how Asian Americans’ faith and discipleship are inextricably intertwined… Read More
Survey: Majority Asian churches are half as likely to have leaders under 30. One of the first spiritual formation books written for Asian American Christians, released by InterVarsity Press in 1998, is entitled Following Jesus Without Dishonoring Your Parents. Even in its title, the book acknowledges how Asian Americans’ faith and discipleship are inextricably intertwined… Read More
The public square is increasingly hostile to religion. But don’t be surprised when Olympic athletes overflow with thanks to God. The opening ceremonies of the Olympics are extravagant celebrations of national glories and global unity. But if you watch past this week’s opener to the Games themselves, you’ll notice an unusual pattern: Athletes are always… Read More
After 60 years of division, leaders hope that coming together will strengthen the church’s witness. On March 25 of this year, a group of Pakistani Presbyterian church leaders gathered in one of their homes. There, the 20 or so people decided to bring their factions together after years of contentious division. Later, they gathered for… Read More
The Catholic convert brings a fighter persona and outsider’s view to politics. Donald Trump’s first running mate, Mike Pence, appealed to conservative evangelical voters by offering what Trump lacked: political experience, a pro-life record, a steady demeanor, and outspoken Christian faith. Two presidential elections later, Trump’s 2024 pick for vice president, J. D. Vance, appeals… Read More
In a case that alluded to the investor’s faith, a federal jury convicted Bill Hwang of market manipulation and defrauding banks. Supporters of Christian investor and philanthropist Bill Hwang closed their eyes and prayed in federal court as they waited for a verdict on a case accusing him of massive Wall Street fraud. Hwang himself,… Read More
He “made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant.” I dread admitting I don’t have a fancy new job. This past spring, I finally finished my master’s program—adviser emailed, final submitted, graduation forms signed. But instead of relief or accomplishment, the primary thing I’m feeling is dread. After 50 applications and multiple… Read More