On the Cutting Edge

On the Cutting Edge is a quarterly newsletter devoted to reporting creative programming trends and issues that are related to planning, financing, and managing physical facilities for congregations and units of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

The following issues are available as Adobe Acrobat viewing files. If you do not already have the Adobe Acrobat Reader on your computer, click here get it. If you already have Acrobat Reader, simply download the files or click on them to view them. Acrobat files such as these will maintain the original layout design when you print or view them.

Current Issue

Winter 2008

This issue of On The Cutting Edge explores green building, and why it matters to churches and individuals.

Previous Issues of Cutting Edge

The following issues of Cutting Edge are available as Adobe Acrobat viewing files.

Winter 2007

The Winter 2007 issue of On the Cutting Edge talks about the role of a building in the life of the church.

Fall 2005

In the Fall 2005 issue of On the Cutting Edge, Sharon Watkins shares a discipline of hope; Dick Hamm writes about transformative change; and Denise Bell leads a conversation about change.

Summer 2004

The six building blocks to capital improvements are covered in this issue of Cutting Edge. Also check this issue for results of the recent congregational survey Church Extension conducted to analyze current and future financial and planning service needs of congregations.

Spring 2004

Cinderella Sanctuaries: See how congregations in this issue of Cutting Edge have demonstrated the ability to look beyond themselves and think about their "center for mission" in non-traditional ways.

Winter 2004

The Winter 2004 issue of Cutting Edge, dealing with entry and gathering spaces, is not available online due to copyright. Please call our office at 1-800-274-1883 to request a copy.

Fall 2003

Read this issue of Cutting Edge to find out more about the African-American Disciples movement in North Carolina and Virginia, often referred to as "The Assemblies.

Summer 2003

Does the size and style and shape of your congregation's board help or hinder growth? Check out this issue of Cutting Edge to see how different types of boards can affect congregational growth. Click here for congregational governance survey results.

Summer 2002

One facility--many uses: Check out this issue of Cutting Edge to see how different congregations are making the most of their new multi-purpose facilities. You will also find sample building use guidelines in this issue. Click here for responses to Ed says, an on-going conversation between Ed Taylor, the Editor and You.

Winter 2002

After a disaster: Is your church prepared? Read this issue of Cutting Edge to see how your church can prepare and respond to threats and emergencies. Also this issue, read about two "Churches on the Cutting Edge"--Hill Street in Louisville, Kentucky and Long View Chapel in Lee's Summit, Missouri. Click here for responses to Ed says, an on-going conversation between Ed Taylor, the Editor and You.

Fall 2001(Vol 30, No. 3)

This issue of Cutting Edge presents findings from a survey of "twenty somethings" conducted by The Institute For Worship Studies. The survey listed a number of words associated with worship and asked that they be categorized under headings: very important; important; unimportant; very unimportant, etc. The survey results may surprise you. Also this issue, check out some new features, including New Church Happenings, Property Committee Corner and a humorous look at church life. Click here for responses to Ed says, another new feature debuting this issue.

Summer 2001(Vol 30, No. 2)

Check out Cutting Edge's new look in this issue, which features the stories of churches that have tackled the issues of accessibility and unused main entrances. Also in this issue, read about a Disciples congregation whose goal is "to further every member's talents and abilities so that they can be an inclusive and contributing part of the church family."

First Quarter 2001(Vol 30, No. 1)

This issue features information on projection technology in the worship space. Designing and installing video projection systems in worship space is a unique application with its own set of concerns and requirements. This article provides tips on deciding between rear projection and front projection, choosing the right projector, and choosing the right consultant or integrator.

2000 Issues

Fourth Quarter 2000(Vol 29, No. 4)

Featured in this issue is one congregation's low-cost renovation efforts as it moved from the suburbs to downtown. The church had a non-existent budget and a plethora of ideas about how to spend it, including a calling to minister to the "Generation X" age group. See how the architect met the challenge to create a space for worship while catching the interest of Generation Xers.

Third Quarter 2000 (Vol 29, No. 3)

This issue features two very different congregations with different histories in different parts of the country but with one thing in common: both struggled along the way but turned the corner to become very enthused about their ministry. You'll also find information on becoming an accessible congregation; visit the National Organization on Disability's Web site at www.nod.org for more details.

Second Quarter 2000 (Vol 29, No. 2)

This issue features an article on buildings for the post-Christendom era, written by the late N. Vernon Blankenship. Vernon started Cutting Edge in 1972 and was its editor for 21 years. On March 27, 2000, Vernon died after a 5-year struggle with Lou Gehrig's disease. Current editor Ryan Hazen dedicated this issue to Vernon, and says, "the content of this issue, like Vernon, challenges 'the way we've always done it' and helps us to see possibilities."

First Quarter 2000 (Vol 29, No. 1)

Featured in this issue is the importance of of church childcare areas. The building, specifically the design and care of the nursery and other childcare areas, can speak volumes as a first impression to parents and children.

1999 Issues

Third and Fourth Quarters 1999 (Vol 28, Nos. 3 & 4)

Featured in this issue: Eight congregations are recognized as awardees of the 1999 BCE Presidents' Award for Architectural Excellence. Eleven awards were presented in four categories: new construction, renovation, accessibility, visual arts.

Second Quarter 1999 (Vol 28, No. 2)

The feature article, "How Welcoming are Your Physical Facilities?" is written by Fred Bernhard and Steve Clapp. Concept: The church's physical facilities can be part of your congregation's welcome or can be a barrier to participation by members and visitors.

First Quarter 1999 (Vol 28, No. 1)

The feature article "Management's New Paradigms" is an excerpt from Peter F. Drucker's upcoming book. Drucker is one of the sages of management and organization analysis and, in his writing, speaks not only to businesses but to churches and other religious organizations as well.

1998 Issues

Third and Fourth Quarter 1998 (Vol 27, Nos. 3 & 4)

The feature article, "Will We Ever Get Our Sanctuary Built?" written by N. Vernon Blankenship, provides helpful tips for new congregations; and architect, Robert Kirkland, answers Master Planning questions. Article welcoming Vertie Powers as director of New Congregation Establishment. Also in this issue, The 1999 Presidents' Award for Architectural Excellence.

Second Quarter 1998 (Vol 27, No. 2)

This issue provides helpful suggestions to purchasing property, either a new site or adjacent land. This issue also introduces the new editor of Cutting Edge, Ryan Hazen, and new consultant, Bill Bass.

First Quarter 1998 (Vol 27, No. 1)

This issue focuses upon being prepared for disasters when they strike church facilities. The feature article is a first person account by C. J. Latham of devastating floods in Northern Kentucky last March.

1997 Issues

Fourth Quarter 1997 (Vol 26, No. 4)

How to avoid potential pitfalls of building development by using professional church design consultants and a clearly defined process.

Second/Third Quarter 1997 (Vol 26, No. 2)

A double issue that addresses the topic of making churches more welcoming and accessible for people with disabilities.

First Quarter 1997 (Vol 26, No. 1)

Adding a second worship service takes planning. Learn more about strategies for beginning additional worship experiences and read what First Christian Church in Stillwater, OK has done.

To receive copies of current or past issues, please contact Debbie Williams-- dwilliams@churchextension.org