Church

Brandon O’Brien’s Top Books on Small Church Ministry

Rather than being a subcategory of American ministry, the small church is the norm. If you take a longer and broader view, most churches throughout history and in most parts of the world are and always have been small.

4 Subtle Signs of Toxic Positivity in the Church

Lead by example in showing vulnerability and reliance on God’s strength, especially in times of weakness.

The Basics: The Purpose of the Sermon

I have heard many sermons—three or four a week now, plus my own—where I want to say, at the end, “That’s true!” Or, “I get it!”

Introduction to the Biblical Metanarrative

The story that the Bible tells, therefore, is the story that we are all part of whether we know it or not and whether we like it or not. We have joined the story in progress, along the way, so to speak.

Richard Averbeck: The Old Testament Law for the Life of the Church

“It is not a matter of whether the Old Testament law applies but how the New Testament applies it.”

Join the Fiesta

The attention that justice has received in recent years is not a trend, but it can be traced to the pages of the Bible. Justice is grounded in the love of a triune God who time and time again shows his love and compassion for the poor, the vulnerable, the marginalized, and the disenfranchised.

Is Your Church an Oak or a Petunia?

Not long ago, I compared the list of growing, influential churches in the United States over a timespan of just under half a century (46 years).

Going From a Staff to a Team

What shall we do as leaders to build strong teams of people who love each other in the best way possible?

Dealing With Conflict Before It Destroys Your Team

If you see someone on your team drifting toward division, you must have the courage to call it out.

Chris Sonksen: Saving Your Church From Itself

Saving Your Church From Itself (Baker Books)

The Impact of Christian Celebrities on Evangelicalism

Who has defined evangelicalism—celebrities or the church?