Local Church

Members of the Comics X Theology book club discuss the graphic novel “Persepolis” on Aug. 31 at Fantom Comics in Washington, D.C. Organized by a United Methodist pastor, the book club meets once a month to discuss a comic and how its story relates to religious issues. Photo by Jim Patterson, UM News.

Comics and theology — a match made in heaven?

There are many paths to faith, and one of them may be a cluttered comic bookstore in Washington, D.C., where a group gathers once a month to discuss a comic and how its story relates to religious issues.

Church Leadership

Participants in the 2025 United Methodist Church Deacons Gathering sing during opening worship at the Upper Room Chapel in Nashville, Tenn. From left are the Rev. Shannon Howard, the Rev. Tina Marie Rees, the Rev. Sherry Brady and Candace Brady. A focus of the event was deacons’ new sacramental authority approved at last year’s General Conference. Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.

Deacons explore new sacramental authority

United Methodist deacons are discussing best practices now that General Conference has approved their new responsibility to preside at baptism and communion “when contextually appropriate.”

Church Leadership

Deacons serve diverse, specialized roles

The role of the deacon is gaining visibility and importance, but what do we really know about this ministry?

Church Leadership

Religious trauma affects clergy too

Pastors can experience trauma in local church settings as well as in the larger denominational system.

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