Seeking More - Online Exclusives

Nathan Stonge prefers to sit amidst God’s creation. James Martin finds meaning in the familiar hymns of his childhood. Karen Durbin tries to extend the Sunday morning encounter with God beyond the sanctuary. These are just a few ways in which our diverse church community approaches worship. Read more>

Study Guide: seeking worship

This four-session study guide focuses on building an understanding of what worship is and why we do it. Through Scripture readings and questions for discussion, this guide explores a variety of experiences—from public and private expressions of worship to preparing your heart for a lifestyle of worship. This discipleship resource may be printed, copied and distributed free of charge. Download PDF>

When old men sing

When Hubert L. Stern was young, he initially scoffed at a group of “old geezers” singing at a Brethren in Christ camp meeting. Now, as a member of the Singing Men of Messiah Village, Stern understands that appearance and talent don’t necessarily make the worshiper—it’s a matter of the heart.
Read his personal reflection>

A Brethren in Christ theology of worship

What is worship? Commonly we use the word to describe the praise music sung during our Sunday morning service, but it is so much more. Terry Brensinger, pastor of the Grantham (Pa.) BIC Church, explores the theological implications of this word—why we worship, the reasons for corporate worship, and the theological footsteps that have led us to our understanding of this meaningful expression of faith. Go to the full article>

Worship: a balancing act

Let’s be honest: for all the talk that’s gone on about it in the Christian community in the last decade or so, faith and popular arts have yet to be reconciled. In the Winter 2003 issue of Shalom, Steve Hoke initiated a discussion of the intersection between worship and art. In “A Balancing Act,” he describes how he has developed as both an artist and a Christian—and how his art serves as a new way to worship, even if he’s had to struggle along the way. Read the full story>

Resources for life-giving worship

From books to magazines, multimedia sources to websites, these resources are perfect for helping churches, pastors, and worship leaders create meaningful worship experiences for their attendees. View resource list>

Who we are: the 2006 Church Member Profile

In order to know where we’re going, it’s imperative to know where we’ve come from. And the Church Member Profile 2006, a study of the beliefs, practices, and lifestyles of Brethren in Christ attendees, paints a great picture of who we are as a church. Download the executive summary>

Stories of the call

Whether serving as a teacher among unreached people in Spain or learning how to share Christ’s message of hope with Muslim people, BIC young adults are actively obeying God right where they are—whether that’s close to home or an ocean away. Learn more>

Reading faith in Harry Potter

In her article, "Wizardry and selfless love" (Seek, Summer 2007), Brooke Phipps writes of the Christian values that can be found in the Harry Potter books, which have been the object of a great deal of criticism from Christians. She writes, "The Harry Potter series is packed with examples of loyalty, justice, and sacrifice. . . . This kind of selfless love is the essence of the Christian faith." View discussion questions>

Music review: Death Cab for Cutie

Contrary to those iconic lyrics from the 1970s, not every band just wants to “rock-n-roll all night and party every day.” As reviewer Joe Taylor points out, up-and-coming rockers Death Cab for Cutie aren’t just looking for the next big party—they’re searching for the answers to some of the spiritual questions that Christians are actively seeking out.
For the details, read the review>

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