madison

Apologetics is a part of theology that defends religious doctrines, not apologizing for them as one might think. But Scott Bessenecker’s new book is an apology. And also a defense of the Christian church. The book is called Bad Religion Good News, An Honest Guide for the Spiritually Disappointed (Herald Press). Bessenecker is a 40-year Madison resident and employee of Madison-based InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, where he currently serves as director of global engagement and justice. “The book is me working through my repulsion, my complicity in the sins of the church,” he told a group of about 50 who gathered…

By Nicole Pollack – Wisconsin State Journal – At Madison’s largest Black church, finding space for all the programming requires some finesse. In one room with rows of narrow tables and a fireplace mantel covered in artwork, the weekly rotation includes tutoring for elementary-aged kids, computer help for older adults, painting and yoga classes and a drop-in behavioral health clinic. Mount Zion Baptist Church has about 600 members, said the Rev. Marcus Allen, Mount Zion’s senior pastor. Most of those served by its community programs are not members of the church, he said, and in 2021 the church spun off…

Awkward times at Brat Fest. Someone drops their brat in the dirt. Just keep walking. A young couple has a loud argument. Just keep walking. Somebody’s child loses it. Just keep walking. Heartland church pastor Jon McNary said that Jesus told a story about such an awkward event when he was asked how to get to heaven. Once again, McNary’s Sun Prairie church hosted the Sunday morning community worship service at Brat Fest, Madison’s annual Memorial Day weekend celebration at Alliant Energy Center’s Willow Island. Only this year they shared hosting with Madison’s Lighthouse Church. It was a bilingual service,…

MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) – Crystal Apple recipient Christina Clardy has given the gift of her unwavering presence after her school endured an unthinkable tragedy. Mrs. Clardy teaches middle school Bible classes at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison. Almost every day, her students start off with a song. “I’m getting emotional,” Clardy said of her students. “I think they have an eagerness for the things of the Lord. They’re not too cool yet, And I think also just like very curious minds still at this age.” Read more of this story.

By Robert Chappell – Madison 365 – Mt. Zion Baptist Church began in 1911 above a harness shop on East Washington Avenue, organized as a mission by a handful of pastors from Chicago and Milwaukee. The rent was $10 a month. A minister traveled from Chicago to preach on Sundays for $10 plus room and board. Next month, the South Madison congregation, now the second-oldest and largest predominantly Black church in Madison, will celebrate 115 years with a month of themed Sunday worship services, a new building design reveal, and a grand community worship service to close it out. Read…

By Juliana Tornabene – MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) – The 2024-25 Abundant Life Christian School’s boys basketball team was honored Friday with the Spirit of Sport award, to recognize their resilience and faith in the wake of tragedy. The National Federation of State High School Associations created the award and it is given to teams or individuals who embody qualities of resilience, sportsmanship and education-based athletics values. Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA) and the Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin presented the award to the team, who was represented by head coach and athletic director Mike Thies. Read more of this story.

“The Power That Works in Us” – Relax, Refresh, Reconnect DoubleTree by Hilton Madison East Speaker: Rev. Dr. Alexander Gee, Fountain of Life Covenant Church

By Bella Ferak – Channel3000.com – MADISON, Wis. — A million-dollar renewal project was revealed at the Midvale Community Lutheran Church on Sunday, opening new doors to both children and adults under their slogan, “Welcome for All.” Since 1953, the church has been a cornerstone of the Midvale community. However, over the years, members started feeling some growing pains. “We were a growing community, and it just wasn’t working for us anymore, so why not tear down the inside?” said a church member. Now, the new interior is a state-of-the-art masterpiece. Read more of this story.

The annual Kingdom Justice Summit was held Saturday, March 7, 2026 at Upper House. “The morning began with Shane Claiborne passionately calling us into living justly here and now. Maggie Capra gave historical context to the divisive place we find the American church in, and Pastor Marcio Sierra convicted us to start – to ‘just do it’ – in terms of reaching out to build relationships as a way to build unity. ” But before the summit began, about 90 of the participants gathered the night before in area homes to have a meal and conversations to build relationships. The…

Local ministries, “the hands and feet of Jesus,” were encouraged by the community support offered through the first United Madison Christian Givers (UMCG) grant award event of 2026. Six Madison area ministries received financial grants to further their work. The amount of the grant awards were determined by the votes of the UMCG members who gathered at the InterVarsity building on Monday evening, February 9, 2026. Members make contributions of $50/quarter or more, 100-percent of which goes to local Christian ministries who share the Gospel through their compassionate services. More than $1.3 million has been awarded to more than 70…