Imagine a church where grief isn’t ignored, but it also isn’t hopeless. Where lament isn’t a sign of weak faith, but an act of worship.| outreachmagazine.com
Praying specific can become an exciting adventure and partnership with God– truly seeking to pray the heart, mind and will of the Father!| outreachmagazine.com
Avoiding interaction with the world will ensure not only that the world dies but that your church will too. This is the way salt works: it is either used proactively or it becomes destructive to the one who has it.| outreachmagazine.com
Three years ago, my inbox exploded with church planting visions from places as diverse as a bustling city in Pakistan and remote villages in East...| Calvary Chapel
Maintaining good relationships is a priority for us in ministry. Our vocation is peculiar in that we work with people, and that gets messy. Like social media, there was a time of innocence when I’d connect with friends I hadn’t seen in a long time, perhaps share a quote or a special moment with my...| Calvary Chapel
As a current grad student, I spend a lot of time in classroom settings. Recently, I attended an intensive course with peers who are mostly a little older than me and further along in their careers. While I’ve been graciously mentored by many of them, I’m also keenly aware of my innocence and naivety. I Read more... The post Go and Cancel No More appeared first on Christianity Today.| Christianity Today
There are multiple parallels between being married and being a person of faith. One we seldom talk about is that both relationships bring us face-to-face with disappointment. Though marital disappointments look and feel different from those we experience with God, the church, or fellow believers, they share the same common denominator: expectations. All of us Read more... The post Faith Crises Feel Urgent. But They Shouldn’t Be Rushed. appeared first on Christianity Today.| Christianity Today
Endure trials for the sake of discipline. God is treating you as children, for what child is there whom a parent does not discipline? (Heb. 12:7) Everything happens for a reason, so they say. So if…| Mitchell Lewis
The Family Proclamation stands firm, even as institutions, campuses, and congregations blur its message. The post Proclaiming the Family Proclamation: When Doctrine Is Clear but Messaging Isn’t appeared first on Public Square Magazine.| Public Square Magazine
Doug Baert’s journey in children’s ministry began in the most ordinary of places: Sunday school. What started as volunteering at his local church with a big heart to see kids […] The post Faithville Productions is Raising Young Disciples in the Digital Playground appeared first on NRB.| NRB
Dietrich Bonhoeffer (February 4, 1906 – April 9, 1945) was a German Lutheran pastor, theologian and a participant in the German resistance movement against Nazism. He was involved in plots planned by members of the Abwehr (the German Military Intelligence Office) to assassinate Adolf Hitler. He was arrested in March 1943, imprisoned and eventually hanged, just before the end of the Second World War in Europe. Bonhoeffer’s classic work The Cost of Discipleship was written at the height of ...| JustinHuffman.org | The Online Home of Pastor Justin Huffman
In Deuteronomy 6:5-7 we are reminded that we cannot teach what we don’t know. We are told first, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might" (5), and then we are instructed to teach God's Word diligently to our children (7). You cannot teach| JustinHuffman.org | The Online Home of Pastor Justin Huffman
When I was a young pastor, I thought strategy alone could grow my church. Exhausted and stuck, I hit a wall. That’s when I rediscovered prayer as the fuel for ministry, like high-octane gas in a race car. Prayer aligns me with God’s purpose and powers my work. Let me share how prevailing prayer can […] The post Prayer is Your Church’s Fuel appeared first on Church Growth Magazine.| Church Growth Magazine
Susie Meister has explained how studying religion made her a liberal, with the result that she left the right, stopped voting Republican, and started voting Democrat. I want to provide an accurate summary of her concerns and try to provide the kind of things I would say in response if I knew her: if I … Continue reading "Will Following Jesus Make You Liberal?"| For His Renown
I have friends I respect whose kids have played (and some who do play) travel ball, and I mean no offense to them by this post. Nor am I categorically condemning their decisions and choices. I am o…| For His Renown
Every Sunday, you preach truth that could change lives. But by Wednesday? Most people don’t remember what you said. It’s not your fault, and it’s not theirs. It’s a systems problem.| ChurchTechToday.com | Resources for today's church pastor and church tech teams
Can faith survive family fracture? Yes, with conviction, grace, and hope shaped by discipleship. The post When Loved Ones Leave the Church: Holding to Faith in a Fractured Family appeared first on Public Square Magazine.| Public Square Magazine
The lack of personal connection to the pastor has unintended negative consequences for the congregants, the pastor, and the church. The post Most Churchgoers Aren’t Known By Their Pastor: Don’t Think It Doesn’t Matter appeared first on KarlVaters.com.| KarlVaters.com
April 26, 2021 - To welcome a new world, we need to leave the old one behind. By James Amadon| The Ecological Disciple
Why the four mission fields in Acts 1:8 still matter for your students — and how to activate them today. The post Mobilizing the Next Generation appeared first on Dare 2 Share.| Dare 2 Share
Heaven isn’t earned by doing “good deeds.” Help your students understand it as the fuller, deeper reality of eternal life with God.| Dare 2 Share
Paul AND Timothy. It is such a simple phrase — but it is loaded with the complicated and messy backstory of how the Gospel got...| Calvary Chapel
God doesn’t change, but we do. This article shows how a flawless, unchanging God reveals truth over time—with mercy for the past and hope for what comes next.| Public Square Magazine
Editor’s Note: The following review appears in the Spring 2025 issue of Eikon. Jonathan Haidt. The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness. New York, NY: Penguin Press, 2024. Abigail Shrier. Bad Therapy: Why the Kids Aren’t Growing Up. New York, NY: Sentinel, 2024. Parenting has never been easy. […]| CBMW
Meditating on God’s Word every day corrects my thinking, convicts my heart, and shapes my theology. It’s the plumb line for what I believe, how I live, and the Gospel I preach.| outreachmagazine.com
July 10, 2025 - The loss of hope that many are experiencing is accompanied by the loss of the most powerful force of change we humans have at our disposal - our imagination. By James Amadon| The Ecological Disciple
No one has lived your call or your story. Only you and God get to embark on the journey of finding the words and actions to share what those two things truly mean for you and the world.| Good Faith Media
Will we stand up for justice and for love of neighbor, and align ourselves with the heart of God and stand firm like Amos?| Good Faith Media
What are current church giving and worship attendance trends? Joe Park unpacks key trends in worship attendance and giving from Horizons Stewardship’s Church Giving and Worship Report: Key Findings from 2024. He emphasizes digital engagement, discipleship, and strategic ministry planning, while highlighting the importance of adaptive leadership, consistent generosity messaging, and authentic relationships. Watch the Joe Park shares trends in church giving and worship, stressing digital tool...| Lewis Center for Church Leadership - Advancing the knowledge and practice of ...
Many know about Jesus, but few truly know Him. This is the story of one man’s desperate, imperfect, and sacred pursuit to recognize the Savior’s face—and be recognized in return.| Public Square Magazine
“How do you help others cultivate private worship?” I had never been asked that question before, and to my shame, it took me by surprise. I had thought about discipleship in terms of Bi…| Aliens and Pilgrims
by Al Weir, MD “I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead” (Philippians 3:10-11, NIV).| Christian Medical & Dental Associations® (CMDA)
Parable of the Good Samaritan shows that mercy & compassion are not always convenient & that love of neighbor can't be limited to those like us| Crossroads Initiative
Faith isn’t found in a flash—it’s formed through effort. This article reveals the four essential steps that move faith from fragile doubt to enduring strength. You just have to start.| Public Square Magazine
Of all of the things the disciples could’ve asked, they asked Jesus to teach them how to pray. Be reminded of the power of praying deliberately.| Greg Stier
Nathan’s rebuke of David in 2 Samuel 12:1-14 establishes both the need for rebuke (see: Rebuke: An Overlook and Yet Necessary Means of Grace) and the structural framework through which rebuke is most effective. Don’t Tell Stories (Maybe) To argue that Christian’s should model their rebukes on Nathan’s rebuke of David is not to claim … Continue reading Lessons from Nathan’s Rebuke: Effective Strategies for Christian Confrontation| Witkowski Blog
Despite its overuse, I cannot help but once again trod out Charles Dicken’s line to describe my time at the 2025 Annual Meeting (SBC Convention). “It was the best of times, it was the worst of time…| Witkowski Blog
I spend time in God’s Word daily because I need that reset—realigning my heart and mind with Heaven. Want to build that rhythm too? Here’s how!| Greg Stier
Discover four powerful truths about spiritual warfare every believer—especially teens—needs to know to stand strong in their faith.| Greg Stier
Teaching the Old Testament can be challenging, but by highlighting its Gospel connections and relevance, we can help students engage with it.| Dare 2 Share
The temple didn’t erase my same-sex attraction—it redeemed it. As a sexual minority, I found healing, identity, and peace not despite the temple, but because of it.| Public Square Magazine
The end of our fiscal year again approaches, and we’re so thankful for how God is helping the church through Harvest USA. Every day we’re seeing the tangible impact of this ministry on individuals and churches who turn to Harvest USA for wisdom to faithfully navigate matters of sex and sexuality according to God’s Word.... The post Helping the Church: A Short Message from Mark Sanders appeared first on Harvest USA.| Harvest USA
True discipleship means holding to truth while still building bridges. In a divided world, sincere questions and Christlike love are the most radical tools we have left.| Public Square Magazine
Barry Howard reflects on the wisdom of Dr. John Killinger, who passed away on June 5, the same day that Walter Brueggemann died.| Good Faith Media
Jun 14, 2025 - Ecological disciples seek to follow the path that leads us deeper into creation and the life of the Creator. This is the journey of rewilding; here is what it looks like. By James Amadon| The Ecological Disciple
Faith and doubt don’t have to pull you apart. When the heart is sincere, humble, open, and willing, questions can lead not to fear—but to revelation, clarity, and lasting peace.| Public Square Magazine
Faith and doubt aren’t enemies—they’re part of the same sacred journey. When questioning is sincere and rooted in trust, it becomes the very path to deeper faith, clarity, and conviction.| Public Square Magazine
When we confuse niceness for Christlike kindness, we trade courage for comfort and truth for approval. But the Jesus we follow didn’t avoid offense—He spoke with love and fire.| Public Square Magazine
To reverse the decline of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC), I believe the platform (the leaders of the SBC) needs to rediscover the goodness of congregational piety. Of Messengers and Leaders …| Witkowski Blog
It can be overwhelming trying to support students through hardship, use these tips to offer Christ-centered care when your students need it.| Dare 2 Share
Dr. Ralph “Yankee” Arnold shares wild stories from his upbringing, the secret to his 65 year marriage, and his legacy of sharing the Gospel.| Greg Stier
What is my story with sermon-based small groups? On July 27, 2017, our world lost a legend. It was on that day Haddon Robinson stepped into eternity. I was blessed to study with Dr. Robinson at Gordon-Conwell in the Doctor of Ministry program. I just wanted to study with Haddon Robinson. I did not really...| Calvary Chapel
I still remember the Father’s Day when our church handed out fun dress sock’s for Fathers Day. It was a nice gesture, but as I watched men file out after service, socks in hand, I couldn’t shake the feeling we’d missed something bigger. These weren’t just dads needing recognition—they were men hungry for direction, drowning in the weight of raising kids in a broken world, wondering if they had what it takes to lead their families well. That’s when it hit me: Father’s Day isn...| ministrypass.com
After spending years learning from Jesus–the disciples reached their “graduation moment.” Here are 3 grad gifts Jesus gave–and is still giving.| Greg Stier
Though the idea of “rebuke” makes many evangelicals queasy, the discipline is not an archaic tool of yesteryear. Nor is it the exclusive domain of those discernment blogger types the crawl around twitter and Tik Tok. It is an essential means of grace. As the fall of King David makes clear, even the most faithful … Continue reading Rebuke: An Overlooked and Yet Essential Means of Grace| Witkowski Blog
Three Marys model three vital components of a satisfied, fruitful, and tenacious life of Faith: (1) listen attentively to the Word of God and make this a priority in our lives; (2) ponder and meditate on what we have heard, letting our hearts keep His Words that we have taken in: (3) and keeping ourselves in the Love of God and resting in It as He does, which will constrain us to follow Him wholeheartedly to the end, willing to give up our lives for others because His relentless Love for us p...| GGWO Church Baltimore
May 2, 2025 - Many Christians think of repentance as remorse coupled with a promise not to repeat whatever wrong has been done. But true repentance is much more than this; it involves three distinct turns that require compassion, conversion, and courage. By James Amadon| The Ecological Disciple
Of all of the things the disciples could’ve asked, they asked Jesus to teach them how to pray. Be reminded of the power of praying deliberately.| Greg Stier
Many churches are great at a lot of things, but are not engaging the lost in their own neighborhoods. Here are 7 major reasons why that I identified...| Greg Stier
“While Your comfort is flowing through me to others, some of that blessing absorbs into me.” – Jesus Listens, October 21 --- “I know! I’ll … The post Want to Save the World? It’s Easier Than You Think appeared first on Jesus Calling.| Jesus Calling
“Through the intimacy of our relationship, you are being transformed from the inside out.”– Jesus Calling, January 25 Are you a fan of … The post The Heirloom Seed of Discipleship appeared first on Jesus Calling.| Jesus Calling
Jan. 15, 2023 - As this new year begins, I am convinced, more than ever, that the majority of Christian denominations, churches, and individual disciples need major reform, and that ecological disciples like you can help lead the way. By James Amadon| The Ecological Disciple
Fri, April 18 - As questions piled up, I found that I could no longer accept the status quo. I found myself resisting the dominant theologies, cultural values, politics, and everyday practices that have brought us to this point. I started wondering if there was another way. By James Amadon| The Ecological Disciple
Gospel Advancing works, and we have proof! We did the research and the numbers reveal big impact and big results.| Dare 2 Share
If Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. 1 Corinthians 15:14 Growing up in a family of skeptics, when it came to Christianity’s greatest claim, the resurrection of Jesus, I had serious doubts. I was skeptical about stories claiming that a dead man had come back to life. […] The post Proof That Jesus Paid The Price For Your Sins appeared first on Church Growth Magazine.| Church Growth Magazine
The generation of young men and fathers in our churches today has no “seed” of the Gospel. For most people under 30 worldwide, neither Grandma nor Grandpa nor friends nor any authority figure was in the Church or ascribed to a biblical worldview. How do Christian men grow when starting from such a deficit? Even […] The post 5 Ways to KILL Your Men’s Ministry appeared first on Church Growth Magazine.| Church Growth Magazine
While proclaiming the need to accept ourselves and demanding recognition of being “born this way,” today’s culture increasingly and hypocritically teaches children to be dissatisfied with how they were created. In particular, our society emasculates men and vilifies manhood and even calls masculinity “toxic.” We have a biblical model of men as providers and hunters, […] The post The Test of Lionhood appeared first on Church Growth Magazine.| Church Growth Magazine
By fostering a spirit of generosity, you can uncover multiple streams of income to grow your church The post 10 Reasons Church Members Do Not Give appeared first on Church Growth Magazine.| Church Growth Magazine
Church leaders should make a plan to disciple people strategically, so congregants find their purpose and experience a greater sense of spiritual maturity. The post 5 Questions for Building a Simple, Effective Discipleship Program appeared first on Church Growth Magazine.| Church Growth Magazine
Rest, discipleship, and integrity lay at the heart of healthy, growing churches. Pastors and church leaders can enhance their effectiveness by paying attention to changing needs. The post What Do People (like You) REALLY Need? appeared first on Church Growth Magazine.| Church Growth Magazine
Practicing Sabbath rest renews and refocuses pastors, especially those who are tired of life and ministry. By embracing biblical rhythms of work and rest, pastors can minister from a place of peace as they grow churches. The post Restore Your Soul (and Avoid Burnout) appeared first on Church Growth Magazine.| Church Growth Magazine
The best way that pastors can grow churches is through a vibrant discipleship ministry. The post Discipleship is the Main Thing & Requires a Disciple-Making Mindset appeared first on Church Growth Magazine.| Church Growth Magazine
Church leaders can help people unite around the unchanging truth of God’s Word. By standing on the truth, pastors can grow churches that are healthy, compassionate, and effective. The post Handling Political Divisions in a Digital Age appeared first on Church Growth Magazine.| Church Growth Magazine
Pastors and church leaders can thrive as they grow churches. By balancing prayer, rest, renewal, relationships, and work, they can find health and peace. The post 5 Essential Areas to Check Up On appeared first on Church Growth Magazine.| Church Growth Magazine
Christian evangelism transforms lives. Sustained growth flows from an intentional discipleship ministry. By creating a discipleship pathway, churches can help people experience spiritual maturity. The post Fostering a Disciple-Making Culture with a Discipleship Pathway appeared first on Church Growth Magazine.| Church Growth Magazine
Church leaders can solve church staffing problems if they make a plan in advance for how to deal with challenges and by setting healthy, appropriate limits. The post 6 Ways to View Real and Imagined Boundaries appeared first on Church Growth Magazine.| Church Growth Magazine
A church’s discipleship ministry must be committed to a person’s long-term growth. Pastors can encourage their teams to slow down as they walk new believers through a life-changing lessons that lead to spiritual maturity. The post How Long Does It Take to Make a Disciple? appeared first on Church Growth Magazine.| Church Growth Magazine
A Simple Biblical Model to Teach Your Team Just 5 simple principles. This concise lesson is ideal to teach your team about disciple-making. Adapted from How to Save the World: Disciplemaking Made Simple | by Alice Matagora. If Jesus’ disciple-making was a focal point of his time on earth, we should probably pay attention to […] The post Five Disciple-Making Patterns Jesus Used appeared first on Church Growth Magazine.| Church Growth Magazine
April 3, 2025 - While everyone's journey is unique, there are eight common stages, or terrains, that ecological disciples travel through. By James Amadon| The Ecological Disciple
Honest reflections on and a fresh direction for my podcast journey| Greg Stier
Student Grace Wallace shares a unique perspective on how the evangelism culture in her youth ministry became the culture of her life.| Greg Stier
Child security is crucial in church ministries to ensure a safe environment for children to grow spiritually. Sam Rainer identifies ten key measures help protect children from potential harm including: avoiding one-on-one adult-child situations, conducting annual background checks, establishing check-in procedures, supervising bathrooms, and providing ongoing volunteer training. Child security is one of the most| Lewis Center for Church Leadership - Advancing the knowledge and practice of ...
by Ed Goode Applying the imagery in the Song of Solomon to the relationship between God and His church, it tells us that the Lord sees His church being as “beautiful as the moon, bright as the sun, awesome as an army with banners” (6:10, ESV). However, we are sometimes tempted to doubt this depiction […]| Helwys Society Forum
It’s our adoption into God’s family and the seal of our union with Christ. We don’t take it seriously enough.| Christianity Today
The Beatitudes of Matthew & Luke ask what is true happiness or blessedness? Faith & hope bring the only lasting joy, peace & beatitude.| Crossroads Initiative
Stephen Handy says we must reframe discipleship as a daily experience fostered through the practice of breaking bread together and sharing hope.| Lewis Center for Church Leadership - Advancing the knowledge and practice of ...
How can congregations faithfully engage in ministry with Millennials and Gen Z? Dexter Nutall shares how New Bethel Church engages these generations by fostering belonging, social justice, and leadership to create a welcoming and impactful community for young people. Watch the interview video, listen to the interview, or continue reading. Doug Powe: I want to begin| Lewis Center for Church Leadership - Advancing the knowledge and practice of ...
Feb. 3, 2024 - What do you do when you begin to question the world we live in? Can you leave it behind? By James Amadon| The Ecological Disciple
Of the 12 times hell is mentioned in the New Testament, 11 come from Jesus. If we want to live like Jesus we got to understand the hard realities.| Greg Stier
Jan. 8, 2024 - We are not experts - we are on the journey as well - but we have learned a lot along the way and are ready to guide others as they set out on this exciting and important adventure. By James Amadon| The Ecological Disciple
Sharron Blezard ponders how we can cultivate gratitude and generosity by practicing thankful living in our individual and congregational lives.| Lewis Center for Church Leadership - Advancing the knowledge and practice of ...
Narcissism and faith collide as the truth of feeling chosen battles the lie of ego. Discover how embracing true discipleship can fill the void and transform your soul.| Public Square Magazine
Discipleship is not a sprint, but a lifelong journey—an unfolding of truth, layer by layer. As we walk with Christ, we slowly discover the depth of His presence, hidden yet real, revealed in the sa…| Ex Vitæ Verborum
So many churches only embrace digital when it comes to streaming their worship service and collecting tithes. I want to challenge your church to think beyond| ChurchTechToday.com | Resources for today's church
Dr. Michael Gleghorn makes a case for why Christian doctrine and apologetics are important for spiritual growth and maturity.| Probe Ministries
Why our faith is shallow IV If people agree with my concerns about what I’m calling the discipleship crisis, it’s fairly common that they finger our preaching as the culprit. I think there’s someth…| nuakh
For this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week, we have a guest blog post from trained therapist, Molly. Molly helps us think about practical ways we can support people in our workplace by inte…| Worship Works
The pizza had been ordered. A reminder email sent out to attendees. The benches were wiped clean and the glasses neatly set out in rows. As a team, we prayed and committed the evening to God and ou…| Worship Works
Ever wonder why bother with “defending the faith”? Jennifer DeFrates gives 5 reasons we all need apologetics.| Cross Examined
To be a disciple is to be a learner or an apprentice. Discipleship isn’t a ‘thing’ that we sometimes do. Discipleship—or ‘followership’—is life. I’ve claimed the UK church is in a discipleshi…| nuakh