by Dale T. Irvin

Citing the work of George Simmel, one of the founders of modern sociology, the author leads us from the simple concepts of doors as either entrances or barriers that firm up separations to bridges as building connections among people, churches, and denominations. The point readers are swept along to see reflects the need for openness and welcoming in their quest to serve God.

by Donna Schaper

This instructive, insightful article is by a senior pastor who has dealt with interracial matters for much of her life. Unafraid to address both the pitfalls and the successes of speaking about race from the pulpit, she offers sage advice as she recounts personal experiences and opinions that pastors may find useful in their own ministries.

by Keith Russell

When a congregation is short on funds, there may be a temptation to rent the Sanctuary and/or spaces to another church group. The author offers alternative ideas for growing a church that avoids the possible pitfalls of rentals and yet creates opportunities for new worship experiences with their own rewards.

by Moses O. Biney

This powerful article is based on a project with theological, ethical, and sociological underpinnings that successfully explored new ways of engaging ecumenical relationships and fostering congregational inclusiveness. It can be eye-opening and offers useful insights for those who live in divided neighborhoods and larger areas—all of us.

by Jerry Reisig

The author shares his experiences while riding the subway to and from work every day as to the valuable and useful insights he gained concerning race relations, raising self-awareness, as well as observing others who share space while hitchhiking cross country and traveling under diverse neighborhoods across the city.

by Ernest H. Jones

In his argument for choosing cooperation as a useful way to build and expand a ministry, Jones delves into a theory by author Alfie Kohn whose thesis was that competition is not innate or organic but often a failing strategy. Using cooperation as a tactic was Paul’s successful way of expanding Christ’s ministry.

Reviewed by Neal Presa

Fuller Theological Seminary president Mark Labberton and Redeemer Presbyterian Church pastor Timothy Keller each provide the Church at-large with a clear articulation of how the Gospel influences our walk with Jesus Christ in the public square. What is at stake for all Christians is living faithfully and credibly with the hope that is in us.

selected by Darla Turlington

Here are quotations from the Bible and from secular writings that pastors and others may find useful in sermons, essays, or other venues.

by Jin Hee Han

Our spring offering of 2015 brings together articles written by scholars and practitioners whose work can be nicely summed up as that of bridge-building. This theme is in line with the kind of service rendered for the reign of God by preachers of local churches, facilitators of lay empowerment, and others who are engaged in specialized ministries in our multifaceted society.

Our contributors to this issue may appear to be realists when they shed light on challenges that abound. Their key points, however, underscore that “in all these things we are more than conquerors through [God] who loved us” (Rom 8:37).

by Alfred Correa

Genesis 2:18 tells us: “it is not good for humankind to be alone.” So communication among youth and adults in our churches is vitally important for the growth and strength of congregations, but there is often a disconnect between these two groups. This article explores ways in which the two seemingly disparate groups can come together for their common good.

by Rebeca M. Radillo

Here is an insight into and a reflection upon a non-physical event crucial to becoming a mature spiritual and socially responsible human being. From the time of our birth, we are surrounded by cultural, political, philosophical, and religious forces. We tend to internalize our milieu and often become comfortable with the status quo. Our risk is to become complacent and self righteous if we fail to thrive in our own social and spiritual development.

by Michael J. Gorman

The incarnation and the atonement are like bookends in the Jesus-narrative, and each of them is also linked closely to Jesus’ life. Jesus became one of us to change peoples’ perspectives and expectations, and he did that throughout his ministry. It is precisely because of his actions that he was crucified as a threat to the religious and political status quo.