Rev. Christian Coon, the NIC director of congregational development, once thought there might be some yet-to-be-discovered magic program or resource that is going to help the church turn its fortunes around. "I have to be reminded time and again, however, that we already have historical traditions that are sometimes underutilized or forgotten; practices hiding in plain sight," he says. Here are some suggestions.
Read MoreRev. Christian Coon shares a childhood “come-to-Jesus” moment and reflects on how that early experience continues to shape his faith. He urges clergy and laity to move beyond the “how” of evangelism and first reclaim the “why” by naming their own Jesus stories and the hope that anchors them. He invites clergy and lay leaders across the conference to share their own “Jesus stories,” asking why they first said yes to Christ.
Read MoreRev. Christian Coon challenges a familiar Wesleyan phrase by urging churches to make their mission more local and personal. Instead of starting with the world, he encourages congregations to see their immediate communities, their streets, neighborhoods, and towns, as their parish. This shift, he suggests, leads to deeper relationships, more meaningful ministry, and a renewed commitment to social holiness
Read MoreThe Prairie Central District Shepherding Team is bringing Rev. Jim Ozier back to Northern Illinois for Culture Shift: Cultivating Healthy Congregations, a one-day experience focused on helping pastors and lay leaders assess, shift, and shape their church culture toward vitality and growth. The event is open to church leaders from any district.
Read MoreOur church buildings have a lot of doors. To a first-time visitor, this can be a little intimidating.
Read MoreRev. Christian Coon reflects on witnessing a young man in a Chicago train station pause to clean up his spilled coffee—an ordinary but inspiring act of care in a messy world. He connects this small gesture to the call of faith: continuing to serve, heal, and bring hope even when society feels broken or efforts seem small. Like that man with his napkins, Christians are invited to do their part each day to make the world more hopeful and grace-filled.
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