Midweek Roundup: Fifteen Articles

Hidden from the Wise

...when God saves someone, it is never their wisdom or accomplishments that save them but rather their simple, child-like faith in the truth of the gospel. Read more

It Takes a Daring Faith to Pray for Success

For leaders, there’s a model prayer in the book of Nehemiah. Remember Nehemiah? When he first heard about the downfall of Jerusalem, he prayed for four months. This was not just a casual prayer. Instead, it gives us a pattern for successful praying. If you want to know how to pray, study the book of Nehemiah — particularly this prayer. Here are four secrets to answered prayer from the life of Nehemiah.... Read more

Bigger Fixes Nothing (Seven Unexpected Steps Towards Church Health)

Here's what two reality TV shows taught me about bringing innovation, health and joy to broken churches and pastors. Read more

Nguyen: Reloading the Leadership Team

Mission means sending (and replacing) your best. Read more

8 Things To Keep In Mind When Budgeting

Recently a Senior Pastor friend of mine attempting to lead his church of 180 in growth asked if I had any thoughts I could share with his governing board about crafting an effective budget for their church. Since I know this is something many of you are thinking about right now, I thought you might appreciate listening in on the conversation. Read more

Six Reasons Why Pastors and Church Leaders Must Be More Courageous Today

If I could choose one more course for ministry training and preparation, it would be “Courageous Leadership.” I hear from so many pastors and staff who are trained well in the classical disciplines, but who are ill-prepared for the real world of church ministry. Read more

Why So Many Church Leaders Struggle With Their Faith

One of the most difficult aspects of Christian leadership is keeping your relationship with God fresh and alive. Read more

7 Random Suggestions for Younger Leader

If you can learn and practice some of what I’ve learned early in your career it will help you avoid having to learn them by experience. Read more

A Theology of Eldership

My concern is that the purpose and function of eldership has not always been adequately thought through. Read more

That Stat That Says Pastors Are All Miserable and Want to Quit (Part 2)

Stop spreading statistics that, if they were right in the first place, are over 20 years old—even the man who did the study agrees! Read more

Border Crossing: Outreach Carnivals with Diverse Neighbors

'Tis the season for fall festivals and trunk-or-treat. Especially if you’re welcoming diverse neighbors, make sure your church knows how to party with a purpose. Read more

Church going millennials are defying our commitment-phobe stereotype

An Evangelical Alliance report looking at the views and experiences of young adults in the UK Church has shown that 94 per cent of millennial Christians are committed to a church and 89 per cent are attending weekly. Of that number, 84 per cent serve in their church in one way or another. Read more

Generous faith: Giving to charity a priority for millennial Christians

Christians aged between 18 and 37 are "extremely generous" and giving to charity is a top priority for them, a new survey shows. Read more

3 Existential Reasons Against Affirming Homosexuality

...an increasing number of Christians wish to accept the authority of the Bible while affirming homosexuality in the church. I’m not convinced of their reasons. The new books don’t have new arguments, just old ones already addressed. And the acceptance of homosexuality in the church seems to be read back into the Scriptures through cultural narrative and personal experience. Read more

Hundreds of same-sex marriages annulled in Italy

Hundreds of same-sex marriages have been annulled in Italy after the Council of State removed their legal status. Read more