Many people fast, or give up food, as part of a religious sacrifice to spend time concentrating on their spiritual life or to look for spiritual guidance. Jews fast on Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, to reflect and rep ...

Category: Spirituality

Many religions do not have a good track record when it comes to teaching the concept of purity. Often, they reduce it to matters of sexual behavior or identity, excluding the larger context that is necessary to keep thes ...

Category: Morality

Leaders in religious organizations are often concerned about their church's growth or how well it functions. If you identify a problem area that you don't know how to handle, it may be time to call a professional. Church ...

Category: Religion

Leading a student ministry on a college campus is often invigorating. Students are discovering who they are and how they fit in the world, and most campus ministers consider it a privilege to be a part of that process. C ...

Category: Religion

Social media can be very useful when used well. Individuals use their accounts to check in with friends, even if it's just once a year when they get a reminder about their birthdays. Churches can use their platforms to b ...

Category: Religious Items

When many people think of Zen, the first thing that comes to mind is peace. While a calm demeanor is typical of people who embrace a Zen lifestyle, it is more likely the outcome of their practice rather than the path the ...

Category: Spirituality

There are many instances in the Bible that indicate that Jesus was serious about his command to love others, even people who don't seem to deserve it. In each story of the crucifixion, he asks God to forgive those who ar ...

Category: Christianity

Communities of faith provide many benefits to their members. They give them a communal sense of purpose, allowing them to be a part of something bigger than themselves. They also offer a way to get closer to God or becom ...

Category: Religion

Many religions rely on music in their services to enhance the worship experience. Some churches sing hymns or contemporary songs while others chant or sing scripture. Both ministers and laypeople are typically involved i ...

Category: Universal Life Church

When you think about church leaders you can approach for advice or counsel, your pastor or teachers in your church probably come to mind. However, a spiritual director may be a better fit. Spiritual direction is a uniq ...

Category: Spirituality