Church Planting, Part 1: Picking the Launch Date
8 church planters describe their prelaunch process and how they chose when to launch
Features
Why Church Members Stay Uninvolved—and How to Change It
Why do so many church members stay uninvolved? The answer isn’t always laziness. Learn the three main reasons people don’t serve—and how leaders can help them engage in meaningful ministry.
Church Planting, Part 2: Choosing the Right Site
Church planters discuss how they chose the locations for their launch services and what unique factors about their communities affect their approach to ministry.
Church Planting, Part 4: Planning the Launch
8 veterans of the process recommend: Define success; count the cost; look beyond launch day—and remember to smile.
Soulfires: Crowning Achievement
After years of substance abuse, drug dealing and incarceration, a son of hopelessness encounters the God of hope.
3 Books That Shape My Ministry
Dan Kimball: "What I love about books is that they make us feel we are not alone on this mission."
Are You Scaring Off First-Time Guests?
Tim Peters offers a list of three common mistakes churches often make with first-time guests.
Idea Shaping: From Brainstorm to Reality
Experts offer practical solutions for implementing great ideas.
Steeplejacking: Navigating the Ethics of Church Property Takeovers
Thousands of churches are currently facing decline and potential closure, leading to a controversial new ministry strategy known as "steeplejacking". While national organizations may encourage younger churches to acquire the properties of declining congregations at little cost, these efforts can become divisive when fueled by pride rather than humility. By choosing compassion over intimidation, churches can find win-win solutions that honor the past investment of faithful members while creating a sustainable future for the kingdom.
The Stupid Things We Do That Hinder Growth
Geoff Surratt on three unnecessary barriers to church growth.
