Features

Loving and Listening to Doubters

Over the past decade of setting tables where skeptics and churchgoers sit side by side, I’ve gathered a few hard-earned insights about the art of loving those who see the world differently.

5 Innovative Ministries Shaping the Future Church

The following ministry snapshots are just a few of the examples of innovative ministries that are working well. Whether you’re a pastor, church leader or an everyday disciple looking to reach your neighborhood, we hope their stories will inspire you to innovate in your own ways.

What I Learned in the Painful Parts of Church Planting

God has worked in me more than he has through me. His love works within us like an explorer—or, in a way, a church planter—always seeking the places that have not yet met his healing love.

What Is the Posture of Your Heart Toward Missions?

Unpacking what we mean when we say, “God can use me right where I am.”

Bonhoeffer’s Black Jesus

RACE & THE GOSPEL When you think of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, what immediately comes to mind? Perhaps costly discipleship, German prophet or Confessing Church. Only rarely...

Why ‘Church Adoption’ and ‘Church Fostering’ Are Essential

When Sam Rainer coined the word “adoption” two years ago as a descriptor of one church acquiring another, I knew he was on to...

Exploring the Theme of Creation in Bondage

The contention of this series of articles is that the Bible is set in the land of wild things. That is, the Bible is...

5 Keys to Seeking Unity in the Church

Insights from John Perkins

How One Church and Its City Are Partnering to Provide Housing for the Homeless

Grove Community Church and the local government of Riverside, California, team up for change.

8 Things to Remember When Dealing With Conflict

As I write this article, I’m in a time of reflection. I’ve been thinking about how I deal with difficult situations as a 59-year-old...

What We’ve Learned About Rest From Staying Home

We should all feel super rested right now, right? I mean, we haven’t gone anywhere. We haven’t really done anything. All the obligations, appointments, and...