Spiritual Frameworks: Faith and Family in Israel at War In the quiet moments between sirens, as conflict with Iran erupted earlier this month, I became increasingly aware of the two distinct spiritual languages within our home. One form of faith is instinctive and spontaneous—a product of growing up in a land where the sacred is … Read more
Religious Shifts Among Ohio Adults A recent study conducted by a respected research center has uncovered that roughly 36% of Ohio adults have diverged from the religious traditions their parents once followed. This notable change points to a broader trend of evolving personal faith and the reexamination of long-held spiritual values. Survey Highlights The findings … Read more
Open Opposition to the Proposed Amendment Tony Sundermeier from First Presbyterian Atlanta and his wife, Rev. Katie Sundermeier, have expressed their disagreement with a proposed amendment by signing an open letter. In their joint statement, they emphasized that the essential commitment to preventing discrimination against LGBTQIA+ individuals was already established through Amendment 24-A. According to … Read more
Open Letter Opposes Proposed Amendment Tony Sundermeier of a prominent Atlanta church, along with his wife, Rev. Katie Sundermeier, has publicly expressed their opposition to a proposed amendment through an open letter. The couple emphasized that the core principle of protecting LGBTQIA+ individuals from discrimination was already firmly established under Amendment 24-A. Clarification of the … Read more
Leprosy, Healing, and the Promise of New Life As a child, I listened in awe to the story of Jesus healing a man stricken with leprosy. I was grateful not only that Jesus possessed the power to overcome any disease but also that I was spared from such a dreadful affliction. At the time, the … Read more
Religious Divisions and the Civil War Historians of religion and the American Civil War have long focused on the differences between the North and South. Many white Northerners held varied opinions about slavery’s morality yet shared a near-sacred reverence for the American nation. In contrast, they condemned the Southern attempt to fracture that national unity. … Read more
Episode No. 001 In this installment of The Everyday Pastor, two experienced church leaders address a range of questions submitted by listeners. They explore topics including personal health, staying mentally sharp, nurturing relationships within their congregation, caring for their spouses, learning from mistakes, and the thought process behind sermon selection. This live session was recorded … Read more
The Everyday Pastor: Episode No. 001 This episode delves into the delicate balancing act of pastoral life. It raises questions about maintaining personal health, sharpening one’s mind, nurturing relationships with church members, caring for family, and even owning up to mistakes. Recorded live at the 2025 National Conference, this session sees hosts Matt Smethurst and … Read more
Episode No. 001 How do you maintain your physical well-being? What methods keep your mind alert? Is it possible to cultivate genuine friendships within your church? How do you truly care for your spouse? When have you acknowledged your mistakes? And what inspires your sermon topics? These are just a few of the questions that … Read more
The Rise of Righteous Strength For too long, society has misunderstood the term “dangerous men.” Today, that label is being reclaimed to honor those who stand firmly for righteousness, protection, and self-sacrifice. This new vision isn’t about abuse or toxicity; it celebrates a force that combats moral decay, apathy, and the lurking chaos of our … Read more