Features

Openhanded: Matters of the Heart and the Bank Account

There are so many things that seem to beg for our resources. So what kind of mindset must we have if we are to not only be generous, but joyfully generous?

When Speaking Truth in Love Isn’t Easy

Never deliver a difficult message fueled by emotion. Preparation, not emotion, is what will strengthen your courage and help you realize positive and productive results.

Lebanon Baptist Church: A Sweet Way to Serve

Churches seem to have an expectation that people need to come to us. We need to change that paradigm.

Ed Stetzer: How Resources Changed My Mind

"It seems that every young pastor thinks it’s necessary to reinvent everything—in their mind, only they can do it the right way."

8 Characteristics of the New Bivocational Pastor

Thom Rainer: "The new bivocational pastor is similar to the traditional bivocational pastor with some key differences."

5 Church Staffing Trends

William Vanderbloemen: "Look for leaders of leaders who naturally invest in others and create a culture of excellence."

The Best Way to Conclude a Sermon

"Most preachers spend far more time on the introduction than on the conclusion. That’s a mistake."

Incarnational Ministry: The Power of Being Human

Hugh Halter: "Being human may be how we are all born, but staying human is not natural—it’s supernatural."

10 Reasons Why Your Good Intentions to Fight Poverty Backfire

"Good intentions to alleviate poverty are not good enough. Sometimes our helping hurts the 'helped.'"

20 Misperceptions About Missionaries

"Missionaries are regular people answering God’s call to do work across cultures. They don’t want to be heroes."

The Best Way to NOT Grow Your Church

"We have learned much about growing churches over the last 25-30 years. But sometimes I think we are trying too hard."