Features

Scott McConnell: The State of Discipleship

Discover where disciples in your church are in their journey. Then design paths to encourage progress toward biblical outcomes.

The Deity of Christ is the Heart of the Gospel

People had only to look at Jesus to see God.

The Easter Illusion

Easter exposes the gap between attendance and belonging, between membership and engagement, between connection and discipleship.

5 Simple Steps to Grow Leadership Skills

If I want my influence to help my community be a better place to live, I must first become a better leader. Culture doesnt hold steady or remain the same; therefore, the level of our leadership cannot remain the same. I cant remember a time when circumstances changed so fast, and the future remained so […] Learn how to grow leadership skills in this guide.

Stephen Witmer: Big Gospel, Small PlacesPart 1

Ministering in small towns is neither idyllic nor dull. It is real life, with a big gospel in small places.

Stephen Witmer: A Small-Town Ministry Vision for Small-Town MinistryPart 2

Stephen Witmer discusses his theological vision and ministry strategy for small-town churches, emphasizing a gospel that is both big and small.

Now That You’ve Reopened… Should You Actually Close Your Building Again For Church Growth Strategy?

Every time you think 2020 is going to get easier, it just gets more complex. So heres a question: Should you close your church after reopening it? While that sounds like a terrible question, what if it was your best church growth strategy? I know that probably sounds like heresy and you may be too […]

The Key to Making Faster, Better Decisions

As a leader, I am forced to make dozens of decisions every day. During this pandemic that has only multiplied. Thankfully, years ago I learned...

Repentance of Systemic Racism Includes Restoration

This article originally appeared on MissioAlliance.org and is reposted here by permission. But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount. Luke 19:8 Embracing the concept of systemic racism repentance is essential for true restoration, as illustrated by the story of Zacchaeus.

How to Refocus Your Fundraising in a Bad Economy

Way back in 2008 I wrote a post on how churches, ministries and nonprofits can survive an economic downturn. If you didn’t read it,...

What Is the Believers Living Hope?

In his first letter, the apostle Peter says that, in the resurrection, we have a living hope. Hope is in short supply these days, and Ive heard a lot of people bring up the word. But hope without any substance isnt hope at all. Thats why Im thankful that Peter didnt just talk about the believer's living hope, […]