Interviews

Gene Appel: Do Less Ministry; Reach More People

None of the programs at our church were bad in and of themselves. The volume of it just prevented us from being focused on building relationships with those who are far from God. So, we had to do less ministry to reach more people. It sounds funny, but people had to be trained in how to do life with nonbelievers or people spiritually disinterested.

Mark Sayers: The False Promise of Platforms

A platform society equates visibility with influence. But it doesn’t really align with the kingdom of God mentality.

David Kinnaman: And Now for Some Good News

The inevitability, the inexorable decline of Christianity, is not a done deal. It’s not as though there’s been a complete turnaround and everyone’s a Christian, but there’s a real moment of spiritual openness that is translating now into this resurgence of interest in Jesus. It’s a big deal.

Peyton Jones: Empowering Every Believer—Part 2

“If ministry really became about discipleship, that would transform everything about how we truly plant.”

Christine Caine: What Keeps You Anchored?

"As leaders we’re always out there in the deep trying to rescue everybody else, and if we’re drifting ourselves, we’re no good to anybody."

Jimmy Dodd & Renaut van der Riet: Avoiding Pastoral Burnout

A Successful Ministry Life Is About the Backstage

Makoto Fujimura: Behold the Fragments—Part 1

"Could our broken places become part of our signature that will remain, turned to precious beauty on the other side of our own resurrection?"

Makoto Fujimura: Broken and Made New—Part 2

“Our faith is not about winning culture wars, but is about sharing vulnerabilities and our experiences in a world that is in desperate need of healing.”

Richard Stearns: The Case for Values-Driven Leadership

"Most of the things you are likely to achieve in your career are not going to be impressive to God. God is impressed with your character, with your faithfulness."

Doug Paul: Championing Kingdom Innovation—Part 1

Restoring the church’s pioneering spirit

Doug Paul: Overcoming Obstacles to Innovation—Part 2

The challenge of charting a new course in a new normal