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 …
This article is originally published by republished from The Conversation. Jimmy Swaggart, one of the most popular and enduring of the 1980s televangelists, died on July 1, 2025, but his legacy lives. …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …