rev. dr. david gambrell Archives

Spirit-inspired worship requires breathing life into dry bones

Posted April 9th, 2020

Using Ezekiel’s stark vision of the Valley of Dry Bones, the Rev. Dr. David Gambrell elicited any number of innovative ideas from about 70 pastors and other church leaders during Wednesday’s videoconference on Spirit-inspired worship, one of the Seven Marks of Vital Congregations.

Further considerations for worship in virtual space

Posted April 8th, 2020

The following is revised and updated from a Presbyterian News Service article published March 11: As the COVID-19/coronavirus outbreak advances, congregations are responding in creative and highly effective ways. Given strong guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and federal, state, and local governments against gathering in person, many have chosen live-streaming or pre-recorded modified services as a way to glorify God together, stay connected as the body of Christ, and seek the healing work of the Spirit.

Vital Congregations, 1001 New Worshiping Communities to hold Holy Week Zoom calls

Posted April 7th, 2020

At 3 p.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday the Office of Vital Congregations will continue its weekly Zoom calls on the Seven Marks of Vital Congregations with a discussion on “Spirit-inspired worship.”

An order of worship for online services is ready — and it’s adaptable

Posted March 18th, 2020

The Office of Theology and Worship has developed an order of worship, available here, that’s been adapted for congregations gathering exclusively or primarily online in response to the coronavirus.

‘Church attendance is an individual choice’

Posted March 11th, 2020

The Stated Clerk of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is urging congregations to make decisions about worshiping in person based on what’s best for their community and the people gathered for worship.

A peace that surpasses all understanding

Posted March 11th, 2020

These days the Rev. Dr. Ray Jones III has a fancy title — director of Theology, Formation & Evangelism for the Presbyterian Mission Agency. But at one time he was a young pastor embarking on his first call at a church in a town in Mississippi.

Coronavirus: Faith not fear

Posted March 3rd, 2020

Many people worldwide have questions about Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), first detected in China and now in more than 60 locations internationally, including the United States.

‘Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return’

Posted February 26th, 2020

After a simple and beautiful Ash Wednesday service, worshipers left the Chapel at the Presbyterian Center nourished by the Lord’s Supper and marked with ashes imposed on their foreheads.

A year with Matthew

Posted January 22nd, 2020

Subtly and quietly, Wednesday’s worship service in the Chapel at the Presbyterian Center took shape from a resource designed to allow Presbyterians to spend a year with Matthew’s Gospel.

Partnership lifts seminarians’ experience to new heights at Montreat music conference

Posted December 19th, 2019

As the year draws to a close, the Presbyterian Association of Musicians and the Presbyterian Mission Agency’s Financial Aid for Service are reflecting on a flourishing partnership that resulted in a half dozen seminarians being sent to the annual Worship and Music Conference in Montreat, North Carolina earlier this year.