Features

When Familiar Becomes Careless

God wants to be in a relationship with his people that’s not marked by fear but love. Not apprehension, but an appreciation of his great grace and compassion.

There’s No Contradiction Between God’s Empowerment and Our Efforts to Battle Sin

The Christian life is not a choice between loving and trusting Jesus, and making an effort to avoid temptation and sin. It is not either/or—it is both/and.

Worth the Cost: The Challenges and Joys of Church Multiplication

The joy of reproduction multiplies exponentially when we release leaders and see their kingdom impact ripple into new communities.

Churches Stuck in a Bubble — And Don’t Go

It’s just uncomfortable to be outside the bubble. Honestly, it’s just easier to hang out with other believers who think like we do, talk like we do, and act like we do. Outside the bubble is a different world.

Can Cancer Be God’s Servant? What I Saw in My Wife’s Last Four Years

As one of our grandsons sat beside her, listening to her struggling to speak and to me reading powerful words from her journals, he said, “Grams, if you can trust God in this, I know I can trust Him in whatever I’ll go through.” Another grandson told her, “I will never forget what you said to us today.”

Why You Might Want to Reconsider Your Short-Term Trips

Make sure your short-term trips are helping, not hurting, the communities and missionaries they are sent to serve.

The Show Must Go On

All the big productions and illustrated sermons are designed around the idea of having something congregants can invite their friends to.

8 Cues Why People Won’t Return After Christmas

Whether I’m working with a church plant of 40 people or a mega-church of over 35,000, some things are universal and should be present regardless of church size.

Pastors, When Do You Move On?

I’ve watched people in organizations – in government, business, nonprofits, and, sadly, far too often in the church — some leaders (people) simply stay too long. Leader, leave before you have to leave.

Isolation: The Loss of Social Capital

Regardless of how people themselves may feel about their housing situation, the research has been deemed unequivocal: people aging alone experience worse physical and mental health outcomes and shorter life spans.

10 Danger Zones for Pastors

It’s the young minister who is more likely to try to brave it out alone. It’s the young pastor who is more prone to end up a victim instead of a victor.