Archive
Community involvement a great way to overcome divisions
This commentary was originally published in the San Diego Union Tribune by a participant in the USC Center for Religion and Civic Culture’s Compelling Preaching program. By Anastasia G. McAteer Regardless of …
We’re still fighting for migrants’ dignity in Los Angeles
This article was originally published on Religion News Service, by staff and participants in the USC Center for Religion and Civic Culture’s Compelling Preaching program. By Susan Goldberg, Najuma Smith, Soraya Ahyaudin, Guillermo Torres and Tanny Jiraprapasuke LOS …
Preaching Beyond the Walls of the Congregation: How Faith Leaders Can Use Media
Congregations are often on the frontlines of significant social issues, from poverty to immigration to polarization. Clergy’s moral leadership on these issues is grounded in both their spiritual traditions and the lived …
‘No Kings’: The Rise Of Religious Authoritarianism In America
This commentary was originally published in Religion Unplugged by a participant in the USC Center for Religion and Civic Culture’s Compelling Preaching program. By Michael J. Christensen As fascism threatens to rise …
Why The Pope Matters In A World Of Rivalries
This article was originally published on Religion Unplugged. “Cheering for the Cubs is like praying to Allah,” my cousin, a White Sox fanatic and evangelical Christian, once quipped over Christmas dinner. According to …
Flourishing in Ministry Program Offers Coaching to SoCal Pastors
Pastoring a church can be fulfilling work — and it also can be demanding. Faith leaders often feel a divine call to accompany individuals on their spiritual and personal journeys. At the …
Churches Come Together for Good Friday in Ocean Beach
The USC Center for Religion and Civic Culture provided seed funding for an ecumenical group of faith leaders serving San Diego’s Ocean Beach neighborhood through its Compelling Preaching Initiative. It seemed odd …
Wellness and Wellbeing: Caring for Self and Community
Anyone can experience burn out – pastors, preachers and even volunteers. Leaders can help their congregations thrive by maintaining their own wellbeing and helping their teams do so as well. As part …
“We Save Us” – 2025 Trends to Watch in Religion and Society
Multiple wildfires broke out across Los Angeles the day before our team was scheduled to discuss 2025 trends to watch in religion and society. Our leader canceled the meeting, while other team …
Congregations Affected by LA County Wildfires
In the wake of disasters, congregations and faith organizations often respond to the immediate physical needs of their members and neighbors, while also providing emotional and spiritual care to those who have …
Reimagining Church: A Toolkit
Even as religious affiliation declines in the United States, some faith groups across religious traditions continue to thrive. But what does it mean to thrive? How can congregations grow more vital as …
Joy Comes in the Morning: The Prophetic Social Witness of Rev. Cecil L. Murray
“Joy Comes in the Morning” is a workbook with 14 sermons delivered by the Rev. Dr. Cecil “Chip” Murray at First African Methodist Episcopal Church (FAME) in Los Angeles. It is part of the …
Preaching Into our Post-Election Divides
The following were Richard Flory’s opening remarks at the USC Center for Religion and Civic Culture’s Compelling Preaching Across Divides conference, held on November 20, 2024. Just two weeks ago, we had …
New Book Series: Bloomsbury Studies in Religion and Civic Culture
The USC Center for Religion and Civic Culture has signed a contract with Bloomsbury to produce the new series, Bloomsbury Studies in Religion and Civic Culture, with an ambitious 13 titles to …
Compelling Preaching Across Divides
The 2024 Election may be over, but our country and churches remain strongly divided. CRCC’s Compelling Preaching Initiative came together in Wednesday, November 20, 2024, to process the election, gain insights into …
Bringing Religion Reporting—and Understanding—to Nigeria
Inspired by a fellowship with CRCC’s global project on engaged spirituality (2019-2023), journalist Innocent Eteng has found ways to improve reporting on religion in Nigeria. Nigeria is a country with over 250 …
Passing the Mantle 2.0: The Murray Legacy
After decades of ministry, the Rev. Dr. Cecil L. “Chip” Murray spent his “retirement” sharing his model of leadership and vision of Christian social ethics to a new generation of faith leaders. …
AI Tips for Preachers
CRCC Affiliate Ken Chitwood hosted a zoom session on best practices for using generative AI tools as a preacher — how to think about artificial intelligence, write prompts, verify information and other …
Thriving Congregations: A Series on Leadership
The USC Center for Religion and Civic Culture supports faith leaders as they seek to reimagine their ministries and help their congregations thrive in a time of significant religious and social change. This series …
How Then Shall We Live? A Conversation Series
“How Then Shall We Live?” is a series of conversations that examines critical issues shaping how humanity lives together today: the environment, polarization and artificial intelligence. Experts will share their perspectives on …