Insights from in and around the association
UBA Voices
Rooted Leadership in a Wavering World
UBA Church Consultant and Pastor of Higher Expectations Church Bryant Lee recently spoke in the Resilient Church Leaders webinar to help church leaders find footing in a wavering world. Watch the video or read a few excerpts here.
5 Action Steps Churches Can Take Toward Racial Reconciliation
After George Floyd’s murder sparked a renewed urgency in calls for societal change, pastors from around the Greater Houston area gathered to think spiritually and to collaborate strategically in this race conversation. Together, we developed five action items toward racial reconciliation.
For step one, we pray that you would consider joining in a sermon series as we seek to serve our city.
Pastors, Brothers, and Friends—Kevin Rizer and Parris Patrick
Some say, "a good friend is hard to find." But with over 300 diverse churches in our association alone, that shouldn't be the case for pastors and ministry leaders in Houston. One great example of pastoral friendship is that of Parris Patrick and Kevin Rizer. What began as a simple invite to lunch quickly became a true, lasting friendship.
The Christian Concept that Changed the World
Christians are not unifying people. Or people who are not Christians don't think we are. We have certain beliefs and practices that put us at odds with the culture at large. However, Christianity is built on certain counter-intuitive ideas that inspire awe and draw people together in unity.
Prepare, Pray, and Party—Resources for Reopening Well
As churches begin to reopen in the coming weeks, we support leaders making decisions to remain online as well as those reopening their church buildings—assuming necessary precautions are being taken. Our churches are represented in each of these camps. But now our attention turns to how a church can prepare for a true celebration with all its people.
The Mask Debate I Didn't See Coming
It seems the emotional divide between churches that choose to reopen and those that are waiting is growing wider. This division within the larger body of Christ will only serve to distract us from our mission and tarnish our witness if we cannot choose to compassionately and gracefully disagree with one another’s tactical choices right now. Right now, it concerns me that what threatens the extension of grace between believers may come down to a face mask.