Author Archives: Neil

Free Sunday School Lessons (should also be creative)

Posted on June 4, 2018 by Neil

Free Sunday School lessons are a great idea, but only if they are: a. Actually good (and not just a slim retread of something from the 60’s). b. Offer you creative choices (like different types of media, not just a craft). c. And … Continue reading →

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The Empty News

Posted on March 19, 2018 by Neil

The idea of resurrection is not unique to Christianity. It is found across time, cultures, and all sorts of religions. From a psychological point of view, it probably took root in our ancestors’ psyche as a defense against the meaninglessness … Continue reading →

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Jesus the April Fool

Posted on February 12, 2018 by Neil

Easter was on April Fool’s Day in 2018, …an irony that should not be lost on any preacher or Sunday School teacher. In an increasingly secular and atheist-leaning world, the story of a supreme being saving his “son” from the … Continue reading →

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My (Brief) Return to Traditional Worship

Posted on December 11, 2017 by Neil

I had been looking forward to going back to that traditional church. Now, after worshiping with them on Sunday, I feel slightly sad for them, for the Church in general, and for my hopes. Their traditional worship service was sleepy, … Continue reading →

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Where is God in the world?

Posted on July 17, 2017 by Neil

The following is part of my series on atheism and faith. Where is God in the world? …and if a person hasn’t yet experienced God, how do you know God exists? This was the question put to me by a family … Continue reading →

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Religion as a Glimpse

Posted on June 29, 2017 by Neil

The following is part of my series on atheism and faith. The text below is largely based on a quote from, “A Room Called Remember,” an autobiography by Frederick Buechner. I’ve adapted it to clarify how I understand what he … Continue reading →

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“Nones and Dones” and “Almost Dones” – WPLC(1)

Posted on June 26, 2017 by Neil

“Nones and Dones” and “Almost Dones” is the first article in a series about why people leave church (W.P.L.C.), have left, or are thinking about leaving, …and what churches can do about it. This first article is mostly about what … Continue reading →

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Associative Memory and Teaching in Sunday School

Posted on May 14, 2017 by Neil

Associative Memory and Teaching in Sunday School an article by Neil MacQueen, www.sundaysoftware.com, about how our memories work, and how these insights should affect our teaching in Sunday School “We must learn how to remember because we must remember in order to … Continue reading →

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Whose tomb is it really?

Posted on April 15, 2017 by Neil

Boiled down to its core hope, following Jesus is about following him into heaven. That may sound silly to those who don’t believe in him or in an afterlife. But without silly hope, life is tragic-comedy: you’re born, you act like … Continue reading →

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Palm Sunday

Posted on April 7, 2017 by Neil

“Palm Sunday is also about cheering for the good, the humble, the hopeful. It’s about those who love instead of hate, …those willing to ride into trouble on behalf of others and speak truth to power, instead of staying home. … Continue reading →

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Bounded Rationality and “Satisficers”

Posted on May 19, 2016 by Neil

Why is “vision” difficult to see and implement? Why is it hard to think outside the box? Why does “new and improved” tend to be less than advertised? Why does decision making in the church sometimes feel like muddle? How do you … Continue reading →

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The importance of “Speed Bumps” within your building

Posted on February 9, 2016 by Neil

My past church experiences have made me EXTREMELY aware of the importance of placing “speed bumps” between visitors/new members and the parking lot. Other than worship, the “friendliness” of the congregation is a major factor visitors, frequent visitors**, and new … Continue reading →

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