Patrick Scriven
Art by Patrick Scriven
The Day the Music Dies – Or Redemption Song?
Wrestling with "pessimistic aparthy" about next week's Judicial Council meeting, Patrick Scriven of the Pacific Northwest Conference turns to music for both insight and solace. Read more
After.Church Illustration
Simple Advice from Jesus to a Divided Electorate
Jesus had a lot to say about the kind of human attitudes that have pervaded the U.S. presidential election, and it's past time we listened to him, writes Patrick Scriven. Read more
Photo Courtesy of After.Church
Towers, Schism, and the Confusion of The United Methodist Church
Understanding that our human constructs have limits is essential to recognizing the problems The United Methodist Church faces today, writes Patrick Scriven, who offers some questions to help resolve our confusions. Read more
Photo Courtesy of Patrick Scriven
We Desperately Need Adults at General Conference #UMCGC
People with spiritual maturity are needed to save the 2016 General Conference, writes Patrick Scriven of the Pacific-Northwest Annual Conference. Read more
Courtesy of Patrick Scriven
When People Fight Over Worship Styles, I Think ...
Language and music count far less than a sense of authenticity when it comes to choosing a style of worship, writes Patrick Scriven. Read more
What Is Your Change Theory?
Pacific Northwest Conference's communications director Patrick Scriven asks United Methodists to think about how the denomination should go about making needed changes. Read more
Hurricane Michael: Ways You Can Help Immediately
While damages from Hurricane Michael are only beginning to be assessed, United Methodist Committee on Relief partners are already on the ground in the Florida Panhandle to help. Read more
When the Holidays Are More Bitter than Sweet
Just as many celebrate Mother's Day with sensitivity, a similar approach might be warranted as we celebrate the UMC’s first 50 years in light of this week's developments, writes Patrick Scriven. Read more
Mad Tweeting Our Way to Oblivion?
The terrible news of attacks in Syria prompt Pacific Northwest Conference communicator Patrick Scriven to examine the United Methodist Church's stances on war and peace. Read more
Another Look at New Connectional Giving Numbers
As more conferences meet the challenge to invest fully in our national and international United Methodist witness, what accounts for the regional differences that remain? asks Patrick Scriven of Pacific Northwest Conference. Read more
Art by Patrick Scriven
The Day the Music Dies – Or Redemption Song?
Wrestling with "pessimistic aparthy" about next week's Judicial Council meeting, Patrick Scriven of the Pacific Northwest Conference turns to music for both insight and solace. Read more
After.Church Illustration
Simple Advice from Jesus to a Divided Electorate
Jesus had a lot to say about the kind of human attitudes that have pervaded the U.S. presidential election, and it's past time we listened to him, writes Patrick Scriven. Read more
Photo Courtesy of After.Church
Towers, Schism, and the Confusion of The United Methodist Church
Understanding that our human constructs have limits is essential to recognizing the problems The United Methodist Church faces today, writes Patrick Scriven, who offers some questions to help resolve our confusions. Read more
Photo Courtesy of Patrick Scriven
We Desperately Need Adults at General Conference #UMCGC
People with spiritual maturity are needed to save the 2016 General Conference, writes Patrick Scriven of the Pacific-Northwest Annual Conference. Read more
Courtesy of Patrick Scriven
When People Fight Over Worship Styles, I Think ...
Language and music count far less than a sense of authenticity when it comes to choosing a style of worship, writes Patrick Scriven. Read more
What Can We Learn from Europe's Empty Churches?
U.S. denominations face the same surplus of church buildings that now challenges Europe. Patrick Scriven takes stock of how those buildings could be used. Read more
Photo Courtesy of After.Church
Buttons, Churches & Rigging the System
Like the unwired "Door Close" buttons in an elevator, Patrick Scriven challenges the Church's rigged system that shuts out most people from initiating and participating in beneficial change. Read more
Photo Courtesy of Patrick Scriven
7 Good Things That Could Happen if Denominations Retire
God is creating the church of our grandchildren at this very moment, and those in today's leadership could benefit this transition if they were to let go of their denominations, writes Patrick Scriven. Read more
The Parable of the Unwanted Muscle Car
Pacific-Northwest communicator Patrick Scriven explains in parable fashion why the Millennial generation has little or no interest in taking over their parents' church. Read more
Pacific Northwest Art Courtesy of Patrick Scriven
Our Future Is Mobile
Unless it adapts quickly, The United Methodist Church will miss a critical opportunity to serve the spiritual needs of the mobile, digitally focused society we have become, writes Patrick Scriven. Read more
The Church Is a Hot Mess
Pacific Northwest Conference communicator Patrick Scriven laments the contentious United Methodist context that now threatens so much valuable ministry and mission. Read more
Illustration Courtesy of Patrick Scriven
The Church Needs More Innovative Pastors like MTV Needs More Twerking*
The United Methodist Church doesn't need any more innovative pastors, writes Patrick Scriven of the Pacific Northwest Annual Conference. What it really needs is to empower its laypeople to share their faith in innovative ways. Read more
By Thomas Hawk, Flickr
Is the UMC a Big Tent or a Circus?
Patrick Scriven of the Pacific Northwest Conference ponders what UM clergy and congregations will do now that Washington state has approved same-sex marriage. Read more
UMNS photo by Mike DuBose
What does 'A Statement of Gospel Obedience' Mean for the Church?
Patrick Scriven of the Pacific Northwest Annual Conference explores the wider implications of the statement on homosexuality adopted by the Western Jurisdiction. Read more