Saturday Good Reads

A study of mainline churches was undertaken in Canada to determine what made some churches grow in membership while so many more have been declining. Thomas Kidd at The Gospel Coalition has the story, and the answers may be surprising.

Perhaps it’s the election, perhaps it’s just coincidence, but some really good poetry is being written right now. I’ve included four below – but there are so many more.

Louise Gallagher remembers her mother, Jerry Barrett thinks the skylight is falling, Eric Geiger on why routines are so vital for leaders and creators, and more.

Faith

Seeing Seamlessly – Dr. Steven Garber and The Spiritual Gift of Creating Beauty – Beccas Hermes -- both at The Washington Institute for Faith, Vocation, & Culture.

‘Ideas Have Consequences:’ The Common Ingredients of Growing Churches – Thomas Kidd at The Gospel Coalition.

12 Brilliant New Study Bibles Coming OutThis Year – Stephen Altrogge at The Blazing Center.

Are We Playing Church? – Becky Hastings at Altarwork.

The Skylight is Falling, the Skylight is Falling – Jerry Barrett at Gerald the Writer.

Hillsong & God - Cameron Buhttel and Jeremiah Johnson at Grace to You.

Poetry

On My Late Grandmother Still Receiving Mail – J.P. Celia at First Things.

Witness removed – Barbara Mackenzie at Signed…BKM.

Lovesong – Aaron Belz.

Key to the Kingdom – Ted Mathys via Academy of American Poets.

Advent Haiku and A Psalm for POTUS – Tim Good at Pics, Poems, and Ponderings.

Life and Culture

5 Reasons Why Leaders and Creators Need Routines – Eric Geiger.

The memory of my mother – Louise Gallagher at Dare boldly.

Writing

5 Ways to Help Your Readers  Suspend Disbelief – Mike Duran.

One by One – Music by Paul Cardall, Words by David Bednar

And the back story on One by One.

Painting: Interior with Artist’s Daughter, oil on canvas (1935-36) by Vanessa Bell.