Patrick Scriven
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. more »
Jan 9, 2015 9:35 AM Perspectives
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. more »
Dec 17, 2014 6:21 PM Perspectives 1 Comments
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. more »
Dec 2, 2014 5:11 PM Perspectives 1 Comments
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. more »
Nov 12, 2014 10:09 AM Perspectives 1 Comments
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. more »
Jan 29, 2014 3:11 PM Perspectives 2 Comments
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. more »
Nov 20, 2013 3:09 PM Perspectives
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. more »
Aug 29, 2013 3:46 PM Perspectives 2 Comments
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. more »
Nov 18, 2012 8:50 AM Perspectives 1 Comments
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. more »
Jul 27, 2012 12:09 PM Issues 7 Comments