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?

How to Encourage the Gift of Time for Service

How a small New Jersey church connects its people with opportunities to serve

Idea: Simplify Your Website

How to keep your church's website from becoming a time-management monster

Idea: 3 Ways to Use Apps

Use apps to grow your church and retain members.

A New Spring Flowing: #2 Fastest-Growing Church

Perry Noble: “Generosity and the heart of Jesus go hand in hand, and we wanted to be as generous as possible."

Plug First-Time Guests Into the Church Immediately After the Service

Experience Life Church helps first-time guests evaluate where they are on their faith journey immediately.

Idea Starter: Home-Based Small Groups Reach Out to Neighbors and Friends

How One Church Does It: EastLake Church asks group leaders to open groups to acquaintances to connect them to church.

Allow Volunteers to Shadow Mentors Before They Commit to a Ministry

Living Stones Church matches its members to service that fits their interests.

Offer Neighborhood-Based Connections

Christ’s Church of the Valley offers small groups based on geography and neighborhood.