Vital Church Resources

Healthy Practices

Church Wellness: A Best Practices Guide to Nurturing Healthy Congregations by Tom Ehrich (2008, Church Publishing)

The Emotionally Healthy Church by Pete Scazzero (2003, Zondervan)

Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations by Robert Schnase (2007, Abingdon)

Growth by Accident, Death by Planning: How NOT to Kill a Growing Congregation by Bob Whitesel (2004, Abingdon)

Intentional Ministry in a Not-So-Mega Church: Becoming a Missional Community by Dennis Bickers (2009, Beacon Hill)

It: How Churches and Leaders Can Get It and Keep It by Craig Groeschel (2008, Zondervan)

Nine Marks of a Healthy Church by Mark Dever (2004, Crossway)

The Power of a Praying Church: Experiencing God Move As We Pray Together by Stormie Omartian and Jack Hayford (2009, Harvest House)

Seven Practices of Effective Ministry by Andy Stanley, Lane Jones and Reggie Joiner (2004, Multnomah)

Simple Church: Returning to God’s Process for Making Disciples by Thom S. Rainer & Eric Geiger (2006, B&H)

So Beautiful: Divine Design for Life and the Church by Leonard Sweet (2009, David C. Cook)

Sticky Church by Larry Osborne (2008, Zondervan)

Together in Prayer: Coming to God in Community by Andrew R. Wheeler (2009, IVP Connect)

Vintage Church: Timeless Truths and Timely Methods by Mark Driscoll and Gerry Breshears (2009, Crossway)

What Is a Healthy Church Member? by Thabiti Anyabwile (2008, Crossway)

What Is Your Church’s Personality? Discovering and Developing the Ministry Style of Your Church by Philip D. Douglass (2008, P&R)

25 Winter Outreach Ideas

This winter and holiday season, try these 25 idea starters to reach your community in creative ways.

Steve Carter: My Journey Through the Desert of Grief

When Bill Hybels resigned from Willow Creek Community Church in 2018 following allegations of sexual misconduct, Steve Carter was Willow’s lead pastor. It was...

Try This!: Winter Christian Outreach Ideas, Open Dinner Invitations at Easter and more

Embrace the spirit of Lent by fostering unity in your church. Find creative ways to connect ministries, reconcile relationships, and serve your community with these winter Christian outreach ideas.