News
Tuesday, September 17, 2024
The Missing Link in Pastoral Wellbeing: Rethinking Spiritual Health
Clergy Commentary by Pastor Steve Clark Pastor Steve Clark I thought I did everything right to avoid burnout in ministry. I had a clergy peer group. I had an accountability partner. I took a weekly Sabbath and all my vacation time. Sure, an unprecedented global pandemic happened nine months i
Thursday, September 5, 2024
The Green Mountain Online Abbey: Vermont’s Virtual Monastic Community
When everything shut down in the early days of the pandemic, Vermont Episcopalians felt a bit like monks, cloistered at home and ready to pray. Bishop Shannon MacVean-Brown provided a monkish structure to guide them: a Zoom room for daily morning prayer and compline, which monks say together before
Friday, August 23, 2024
New Study Reveals Why Post-Pandemic Worship Attendance Struggles to Rebound: Familiarity Breeds Blessings
By G. Jeffrey MacDonald A new study is helping explain why worship attendance levels haven’t bounced back to pre-pandemic levels – and what might help regather the faithful. It turns out there’s more going on than just a disruption of routines. The study, titled "See You Sunday" was pu
Wednesday, August 21, 2024
Orthodox Christian Churches Navigate Pandemic with Mixed Results, New Study Finds
Hartford, CT — A new report examining the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Orthodox Christian churches in the United States reveals a unique approach to crisis management, characterized by adherence to traditional practices and resistance to change. The study, which draws on data from the Faith
Tuesday, July 16, 2024
New Report Highlights Post-Pandemic Financial Landscape of US Congregations
Hartford, CT (July 2024) - A recent report on congregational finances authored by the Hartford Institute for Religion Research staff has unveiled key insights into the financial health of religious organizations after the COVID-19 pandemic. The report titled, "Finance and Faith: A Look at Finan
Tuesday, July 9, 2024
Workshop: Understanding the Pandemic Impact on Black and Multiracial Congregations:
Dr. B. Clarvon Watts is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow and Visiting Faculty Associate at Hartford International University for Religion and Peace. Join the Center for Congregations for a free online workshop covering how Black and multi-racial congregations have navigated the post-pandemic lands
Thursday, June 20, 2024
Navigating Technology in Ministry: A Pastor’s Reflection on Post-Pandemic Church
Explore a pastor's insights on balancing technology and traditional ministry in the post-pandemic church. Learn how congregations can stay vibrant while navigating digital tools and maintaining authentic connections.
Tuesday, June 11, 2024
How a Clergy Support Group Provided Resilience During Challenging Times
A minister reflects on the vital importance of her clergy support group during challenging times like COVID-19, social unrest, and climate change, providing community, shared wisdom, and hope to combat the loneliness many pastors feel.
Friday, June 7, 2024
Having Embraced Tech, Pastors Now Use AI to Support Ministry
Pastors embrace AI like ChatGPT to streamline administrative tasks, write better sermon copy, and improve church operations, freeing up time for more pastoral work.