I am fascinated by the things that turn out to have retro appeal. People warn you not to get rid of your old clothes (the classic case being … [Read more...] about Watching the Future Emerge Together
About Jim Kitchens
Jim pastored Presbyterian (PCUSA) churches in California and Tennessee for almost 40 years before turning his energy to working with congregations and regional judicatories in transition. He served Sacramento Presbytery as its transitional presbytery executive, helped lead the merger of Stockton and Sacramento Presbyteries, and was part of the staff for the PC(USA)’s national program for first call pastors. He has been a member and chair of the PCUSA’s Committee on Theological Education.
A native of Mississippi, Jim holds a B.S. in chemical engineering from the University of Mississippi and an M.Div. from Pacific School of Religion. He was invited to be the Pastor Theologian in Residence at the Center for Theological Inquiry in Princeton and was a Coolidge Fellow at Auburn Seminary.
Jim is the author of The Postmodern Parish published by the Alban Institute. He has written many articles for The Presbyterian Outlook, as well as for CHC.
In 2011, he and his long-time friend and colleague Deborah Wright founded PneuMatrix, a non-profit consulting group that helps congregations and judicatories engage adaptive challenges.
Jim is the coordinator of the CHC-West region. He can be reached at JimK@chchurches.org.
Articles by Jim Kitchens
Preaching from the Purple Pulpit
Except in very rare cases, there is always a bit of tension between a pastor and his/her congregation when it comes to preaching, especially prophetic … [Read more...] about Preaching from the Purple Pulpit
Is It Post-Christendom Yet?
It was one of lines you read in a book and then say to yourself, “Well, of course that’s true, but I’ve never realized it until now.” It came from … [Read more...] about Is It Post-Christendom Yet?
Those to Whom Much is Given
It was a shockingly wonderful gift. The church I was serving as interim pastor was notified that a long time member left her house to the church’s … [Read more...] about Those to Whom Much is Given
Facing Into the Tsunami
It didn’t take me long after moving to California to learn that when you spend the day on the beach, you never turn your back to the surf. Even on … [Read more...] about Facing Into the Tsunami
An Ecclesial Society of Explorers
Michael Polanyi, the Hungarian born philosopher of science, shapes the way I think about both science and theology. His description of the scientific … [Read more...] about An Ecclesial Society of Explorers
Time to Rethink Everything
By Jim Kitchens CHC Consultant When I was the pastor of Second Presbyterian in Nashville, one of my friends was the pastor of a thriving tall steeple … [Read more...] about Time to Rethink Everything
A Change Is Gonna Come, But What Kind?
I once heard someone describe one of the major differences between every generation of human beings that lived before us and our own generation as … [Read more...] about A Change Is Gonna Come, But What Kind?
Loving Our Neighbors
In each of the synoptic gospels, Jesus enters into conversation with a crowd about the traditional summary of the Torah: “You shall love the Lord your … [Read more...] about Loving Our Neighbors
