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.

Sergio De La Mora: Turning a Generation

“I didn’t go into the ministry to be a megachurch pastor. I went into the ministry to do something mega for God.”

Experience Speaks: Shawn Johnson

"The church is this crazy paradox to me. It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever tried to manage; yet he’s in control of it all."

Experience Speaks: Craig Altman

Craig Altman: "People appreciate transparency and keeping it real, both from the pulpit and in everyday life."

Experience Speaks: Kenton Beshore

Kenton Beshore: "In our neediness, we run the risk of taking responsibility for what he's doing."

Experience Speaks: Dan Betzer

Dan Betzer: "A church cannot possibly be any stronger than its knowledge of the Word."

Experience Speaks: Ken Foreman

Ken Foreman: "People can stand evolution more than revolution. Change seems to work best two degrees at a time."

Experience Speaks: Tim Harlow

Tim Harlow: "I have a 31-year marriage and grown kids who love and serve Jesus. That’s always been the priority."

Experience Speaks: Bob Merritt

Bob Merritt: "Don’t get too excited about the highs or too depressed about the lows."