James P. Long

James P. Long was formerly the editor of Outreach magazine and the author of a number of books, including Why Is God Silent When We Need Him the Most?

Ask Members to Commit to Weekly Worship, Serving and Bible Study

Idea Starter: Savannah Christian Church challenges members to three hours a week in God

Donate to Charity for Every Connection Card Turned In

Idea Starter: Encourage first-time visitors to turn in connection cards by donating to charity for each submitted card.

Offer Interest- and Background-Based Small Groups

Idea Starter: The Church on the Way connects members with groups based on topic, season, ethnicity, formation and even homelessness.

Idea Starter: Establish a Lifetree Café

Set up a Lifetree Café, a less intimidating, off-campus form of a Bible study that puts Christianity into a real-world perspective

Evangelism and Apologetics

Inside the Nov/Dec issue: James Choung on Evangelism, Mary Jo Sharp and Lee Strobel on Apologetics, How to Teach Evangelism, Thoughts on Local and Global Compassion, and the Outreach Interview with Ravi Zacharias

Idea Starter: Bring Your Church to the Gym

Stream your services live to reach those who spend Sunday mornings pumping iron

How to Really Be a Church Where All Are Welcome

Lead Pastor Jim Burgen shares how to get people to relax and stay to figure out their relationship with God

Outreach Magazine Seeks Submissions for 11th Annual Resources of the Year

The best resources in Evangelism, Apologetics, Cross-Cultural Ministry, and more will be featured in Outreach magazine's March/April 2014 issue.