ideas! For Church Leaders

Who, What, When, Where, Why, How Is the Church?

by Joseph D. Small
Director, Theology Worship and Education

What do we mean when we speak the word church? In everyday speech the word evokes a variety of conceptions and images that are maintained kaleidoscopically, with ever-shifting changes in pattern and hue: buildings, people, congregations, organizations, denominations, communions, and more. The situation is only marginally better when the word is used theologically, necessitating qualifiers and alternates to specify what we mean by our use of the word.  [Read more]

An Advent Candle-Lighting Liturgy

Advent is a season of watchfulness. Advent candles help us keep watch. Each week the light increases as a new candle is lit to join the ones that have already been illuminated. [Read more]

About ideas!      

What is ideas! For Church Leaders?
Ideas! For Church Leaders  is a publication of Congregational Ministries Publishing, a ministry of the General Assembly Council of the PC(USA). It provides congregations and church leaders with fresh ideas and information that enrich and deepen their ministry. Printed copies are distributed to all PC(USA) congregations, POINT representatives and resource centers. The e-zine features all the material from the printed version along with additional material and resources that are available only through the Web site.

How do I subscribe?
Currently, one copy of ideas! is sent free of charge to each church. Subscriptions are available for $7.00 annually, and additional copies are $1.75 plus shipping. Learn more about subscriptions.