Monday's Catch: The Small Church Comeback and More

Why Smaller Churches Are Making a Comeback

Two-thirds of churches have an attendance under 125. The smaller church is the norm, not the exception. And though the news has not been that promising for smaller churches in recent years, I do see some very promising signs for the years ahead. Why do I make such an apparently contrarian statement? Here are five reasons.... Read More

10 Things That Can Happen When Churches Don't Admit and Adjust to Decline

I didn’t want to write this post, as my goal in this site is to offer ideas and encouragement for healthy church growth. Nevertheless, I’ve seen far too many churches that were once considerably larger and then went into decline, but without making any necessary adjustments to their change in size. Here are some of the things that often happen when churches don’t admit or adjust to decline.... Read More

8 Preaching Convictions: What Do You Firmly Believe?

Our preaching convictions will come through when we preach, when we prepare, and when we prioritize our week. Read More

How One Thai Church Bridges the Gap between Thai Culture and Christianity

If “to be Thai is to be Buddhist,” as the common catchphrase in Thailand goes, how does the church help a Thai Christian reconcile their cultural and spiritual identities? For pastor Chukiat Chaiboonsiri, pastor of Creation Church in Thailand, the answer is to “bridge the gap” between Thai culture and Christianity by showing Thais how they can hold on to their heritage and still follow Jesus wholeheartedly. Read More

The Posture of Prayer: A Look at How Hindus Pray

Priya* was a Hindu before putting her faith in Christ as her Savior. Most of her family is still Hindu, so she continues to see regular Hindu prayer and worship in their homes. Priya also remembers well the postures and rituals from her twenty years as a Hindu. I asked her to describe Hindu prayer, and she graciously agreed. Read More

The Apostles Never ‘Shared’ the Gospel, and Neither Should We

Why it’s time to retire our favorite evangelistic phrase. Read More

Americans Vastly Overestimate the LGBT Population

According to the estimates of U.S. adults, nearly 1 in 4 Americans are gay or lesbian. In reality, the number is much closer to 1 in 20. Read More