by Rhonda Abbott Blevins | Sep 11, 2019 | Opinion
I was a junior in college when I saw something I’d never seen before: a woman preacher. Growing up Southern Baptist, it never even crossed my mind that a woman could preach or be a pastor. And then I saw her. It was at a state collegiate Baptist campus-ministry...
by Rhonda Abbott Blevins | Jul 23, 2019 | Opinion
It’s the summer of 2019, which means we’re a few short months away from the “silly season” of politics as a U.S. presidential election draws nigh. Pastors of mixed-politics congregations, “purple churches” if you will, may wonder how to hold a diverse congregation...
by Rhonda Abbott Blevins | Jun 17, 2015 | Opinion
I’ve had three parishioners within the past couple of months express their desire to have a small group where they could explore spirituality. They don’t want Bible study, per se, and they don’t want a contemplative prayer group. We tried that a...
by Rhonda Abbott Blevins | Feb 4, 2015 | Opinion
I heard a pastor once emphasize the need for a “theology of place.” His statement was a reaction to a discussion about Emergence Christianity, a movement within the faith with a particular aversion to buildings and real estate. Emergence Christians tend to...
by Rhonda Abbott Blevins | Nov 13, 2013 | Opinion
When you think about the seasons of the church year, what comes to mind? Certainly Advent and Christmas, Lent and Easter, and perhaps even Pentecost makes your list. But no one ever talks about a “Season of Thanksgiving.” In fact, Thanksgiving gets one day...
