Devin Manzullo-Thomas

Does the Congregational History Have a History?

Anyone who has attended a Christian church has probably encountered the “congregational history.” But does this form of Christian commemoration have a history?

Sacred Subjects: Remembering Religion at the Ephrata Cloister

As readers of this blog know, I contributed an essay to a forthcoming book on commemoration, to be published Rowman & Littlefield for the American Association for State and Local History. The editor has pitched the book as a practical, how-to guide for would-be practitioners. It is not an academic text. Rather, it’s intended for publicContinue reading “Sacred Subjects: Remembering Religion at the Ephrata Cloister”

Women in Ministry in the Brethren in Christ Church

I’m proud to be part of a church family (Brethren in Christ U.S.) that unequivocally affirms what the Bible clearly teaches: that the Spirit of God calls women and men equally to the ministry of the Christian church. I’m also proud to have church leaders who unequivocally celebrate the key role that women pastors, bishops, andContinue reading “Women in Ministry in the Brethren in Christ Church”

The AASLH Guide to Commemoration: Coming Soon!

I’m so honored to have been asked to contribute a chapter to the forthcoming book Commemoration: The American Association for State and Local History Guide, edited by my dissertation advisor Seth C. Bruggeman. I’ve just learned that the book will be available in October 2017. Check out this page for more info. I’ll be posting moreContinue reading “The AASLH Guide to Commemoration: Coming Soon!”

This Weekend: Conferencing with Anabaptists!

I had a great time at this weekend’s conference on “Crossing the Line: Women of Anabaptist Traditions Encounter Borders and Boundaries” at Eastern Mennonite University. I presented a paper on Brethren in Christ women, pastoral leadership, and evangelicalism, as part of a panel on Brethren in Christ women around the globe. I got to hearContinue reading “This Weekend: Conferencing with Anabaptists!”