The Report on Arise: 92 Theses for the Church of Aotearoa
Jaimee van Gemerden reflects on the leaked Pathfinding report on Arise and what lessons it holds for all churches and church leaders in Aotearoa.
How Megachurches Further Political Agendas
Drawing off insights from political theory, Shalomy Sathiyaraj examines how megachurch culture both forms and shapes a politics of control and hegemony.
Why We’re Destroying the Church By Trying to Defend It
Michael Frost reflects how defensive Christian responses to abuses of power within church communities hinder the church’s public witness rather than help it.
So, You’re Searching for a New Faith Community. What Comes Next?
Whether from burnout, spiritual trauma, or just a change of life’s circumstance, you might be searching for a new faith community. Jaimee van Gemerden shares some stories and some advice.
Religious Trauma and the Role of Lament
Amidst the rise of ‘spiritual refugees’ fleeing church scandals and religious trauma, Lindy Jacomb offers a reflection on the biblical practice of lament by which local churches can seek to become places of refuge, wholeness, and healing.
The Dangers of Success: My Time at a Megachurch
Cameron Jones reflects on his time on staff at a megachurch, working through spiritual abuse, and finding hope and sustainability in pastoral ministry.
No More Benefit of the Doubt
In the first of our series considering the fallout of ARISE Church, Stu McGregor argues that it’s time to stop giving the worst excesses of megachurch culture the benefit of the doubt.