CCBlogs thinking critically, living faithfully

Rachel Hackenberg's blog

A walk "through the valley of the shadow of death" has poetic beauty
that does not resonate with my soul
and I resent being here.
I resist the chasm that is this heartache,
this devastation,
this loss.
I can only assume that the Shepherd's staff supports me
because I haven't fallen face-first
into any pools of still water.... READ MORE.

Rachel Hackenberg's blog

I've been pondering what makes any given congregation feel vital and vibrant, a living and active part of the Body of Christ. Now, an abundance of programs and professionals currently thrive on the business of shaping & encouraging life within congregations---my home congregation participates in one such program, with valuable insights gained and wonderful results seen. Although I am a church professional, I am not one of these Church Professionals, so I offer these observations primarily as a church goer and church lover (though my "pastor voice" is never far behind!).

On occasion, I have the opportunity to worship outside of my own congregation. Although I'm prone to extreme academic analysis (during worship, naturally) of a congregation's homiletic and liturgical traditions, I also pay close attention to my personal, emotional & spiritual experience of worship and the church's environment. How do I feel in this space? How do the words and hymns settle in my spirit? What resonates, and what does not? How do I experience the interactions with people here?... READ MORE.

Rachel Hackenberg's blog

Still Coming God,
we long for a glimmer
a hint
that you are almost here
and our work is
almost done.
We pray
"Make it better"
through the dark nights
and are met
with
silence.... READ MORE.