Opinion Pieces from Partners
The writings below are from current students, alumni, and Baylor University faculty and staff on topics within social work that impact congregations and communities:
Advocacy
A problem in women's Bible studies By: Elizabeth Franklin
Coffee and crocheting: Calling for greater depths in women's ministries By: Elizabeth Franklin
Don't underestimate the power of little things By: Nataly Mora
Learning justice demands all of me By: Gaynor Yancey
Texas: Social Workers can refuse services to LGBTQ, Disabled By: Erin Albin Hill
COVID-19
Congregations and social work: Moving into the unexpected By: Julianna Marraccino
From disorientation to reorientation: Turning forced isolation into Sabbath experiences By: Julia Wallace
Hospitality: Easier to give than receive By: Brianna Childs
Local coalitions need congregations: A call to action By: Rachel Gillespie
Psychological impacts of pandemic distancing likely to linger By: Aaron Walling
Sabbath gives clarity during grief-filled pandemic By: Elizabeth Franklin
Seeing the unexpected: Connected congregations and social work By: Julianna Marraccino
Social distancing as an act of sacred mercy By: Erin Albin Hill
Sweat, tears, and the sea: How to endure loss in the pandemic By: True Head
The pandemic calls for innovative responses By: Jess Gregory
Race Relations
After MLK Day and Black History Month, now what? By: Julianna Marraccino
Finding new life in the desert as a church becomes a place of healing for racial trauma By: Nataly Mora
How to stand in solidarity with people of color By: Adam Jones
Racial reconciliation must include trauma ministry By: Joy Moton
Shepherding Christians who want to pursue racial justice By: Adam Jones
Resources for Congregations
3 habits help lonely people feel connected By: Cecily McIlwain
Discovering your community through the practice of the labyrinth By: Rachel Gillespie
Evangelicals aren't dealing well with grief By: Samuel Still
Five ways congregations can care for their pastors By: Mahcoe Mikel
Four ways to help others through grief and mourning amid of social isolation By: Jacob George
Grief, the holidays, and the Church By: Julia Wallace
How to provide pastoral care for complicated grief By: Paige Shellhorse
How to walk alongside people recovering from addiction By: Lacey Fitch-Ondracek
How your child handles grief: Part 1 By: Karson Loomis
How your teen handles grief: Part 2 By: Karson Loomis
Ministering to teenagers with depression By: Michael Owusu
Spiritual care and first responders: Why bother? By: Heath Holland
Why you should view your words as expressions of love By: Lacey Fitch-Ondracek
Spiritual Formation
Bigger: The sanctuary of nature and the presence of God By: Veronica Timbers
'Here I am' means being seen and refreshed by God By: Cecily McIlwant
How we can worship together through fear and hope By: Mahcoe Mikel
Love your neighbors but don't forget God and yourself By: Jackie Murphy
Naked and ashamed: American Christianity's purity culture and embodiment in the Church By: Alice Fry
Rebuilding deconstructed lives by Joy Moton
Spiritual formation: One season at a time By: Dr. Gaynor Yancey
Where is home for you? By: Dr. Gaynor Yancey
When clergy neglect good R&R By: Raul Balandrano
Trauma
After spiritual trauma, finding welcome in church once more By: Mallory Homeyer Herridge
Caring for others through trauma sensitive language By: Brianna Childs
Compound collective trauma: Four ways ministry leaders can help By: Erin Albin Hill
Spiritual trauma and congregations: A missing link By: Jess Gregory
What collective trauma teaches congregations By: Erin Albin Hill
Why all congregational ministry should be trauma ministry By: Erin Albin Hill