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Author Archives: Neil
Free Sunday School Lessons (should also be creative)
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
Posted in Christian Education ~ Ideas and Advice
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The Empty News
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
Posted in Atheism & Faith Project
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Jesus the April Fool
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
Posted in Atheism & Faith Project
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My (Brief) Return to Traditional Worship
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
Posted in Advice & Ideas for Pastors, Staff and Leaders, Neil on the Loose
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Where is God in the world?
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
Posted in Atheism & Faith Project
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Religion as a Glimpse
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
Posted in Atheism & Faith Project
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“Nones and Dones” and “Almost Dones” – WPLC(1)
“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
Posted in None and Done - Leaving Church
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Associative Memory and Teaching in Sunday School
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
Posted in Neil's "Brain" Articles
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Whose tomb is it really?
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
Posted in Atheism & Faith Project
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Palm Sunday
“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
Posted in Atheism & Faith Project
Tagged cheering, devotion, jesus, meme, palm sunday, unbelievers
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Bounded Rationality and “Satisficers”
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
The importance of “Speed Bumps” within your building
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