During the start of autumn, it is common that British churches hold a Harvest Festival. The form of the modern Christian harvest festival dates to Victorian times, but the principle behind it has a biblical basis. This is the story....
Declines in Young Clergy Reflect a Changed Culture
Lovett H. Weems Jr. reports on how a changed culture for post-Boomer generations holds many clues for the absence of younger generations in churches and, thus, the historically low numbers of young clergy.
Clergy Age Trends Remain Relatively Stable in 2025
Lovett H. Weems Jr. highlights the stabilizing numbers of young clergy in the Lewis Center’s annual Clergy Age Trends Report after dramatic declines last year due to disaffiliations. Age trends are shown in the report for elders, deacons, and licensed local pastors in all annual conferences.
How Jesus Reveals the Father’s Love
False ideas about the Father’s love distort our view of God. See how salvation flows out of the Triune God's united desire to rescue us.
How to Preach Truth in a Culture That Doesn’t Want To Hear It
Navigating controversial topics can feel like walking a tightrope, especially in church leadership. Speaking truth in a culture that doesn't want to hear it, while avoiding polarization, is key for impactful ministry.
This approach, rooted in the Bible and the example of Jesus Christ, ensures our preaching remains effective and builds strong relationships within the church.
3 Preaching Myths BUSTED That Will Change Your Sermons Forever
86% of people choose a church based on the quality of the preaching. Preaching is one of the most demanding tasks required of communicators. Let’s not make it more complicated. Here are 3 sermon myths it’s time to bust.
Also See: 3 More Preaching Myths You Need To Know!How to Write and Preach Engaging Sermons
From start to finish, I walk you through my exact process of writing and preaching engaging sermons.
If there’s one thing you never set out to do when you preach, it’s bore people.
And yet, everyone who communicates, preaches, or even tries to persuade someone of an idea has discovered that sinking sense that you’ve lost your audience.
Also See: Why Your Sermons Fall Flat: 3 Reasons Your Congregation Doesn't Engage & How to Fix It; The Secret Behind Memorable Sermons Revealed with Dan HeathThe Perils and Perks of Using AI to Help Write Sermons
Technology has reshaped nearly every part of daily life, and now it is finding its way into the pulpit. With the rise of artificial intelligence, many pastors are exploring the possibility of using AI to help write sermons. Some see it as an exciting opportunity to save time, spark creativity, and reach congregations more effectively. Others worry that it could compromise authenticity, theological integrity, or the spiritual depth that preaching requires. The conversation is no longer hypothetical—pastors must weigh the benefits and risks of integrating AI into sermon preparation.
Welcoming New People to an Established Small Group
Small groups thrive when they balance community, care, and growth. Yet one of the greatest challenges a healthy group will face is how to receive new participants after relationships and rhythms have already been established. Without intentionality, new members can feel like outsiders, while longtime participants may feel disrupted. Creating a culture of warmth and openness ensures that the group remains a place where everyone can belong and grow together.
18 Topics for Your First Discipleship Meeting
n an initial discipleship meeting, I have three simple goals: Get to know one another, dig a little deeper into their life, and establish a biblical definition of discipleship. The end result is that together we figure out exactly what to do going forward.
Let’s walk through what this initial meeting should look like.
New Book Brings Pet Ministry into Church’s Mainstream
About 20 years ago, United Methodist laywoman Gayle McKuin Fiser and the Rev. Betsy Singleton Snyder discovered they had a mutual love of dogs. What’s more, they realized that lots of folks at their church had a similar affinity for their pets.
That’s when inspiration struck. As Ms. Fiser writes in the introduction to their new book, New Tricks: How Pet Ministry Can Transform Faith Communities and Change Lives:
“… I was in a meeting at our church. We were sharing about our dogs when our pastor, Betsy, said, ‘Oh, that reminds me. I’ve been thinking we need to get our dogs trained as therapy dogs to visit people around here.’ I raised my hand and said, ‘I can make that happen!’ And just like that, our pet ministry began—sparked by a layperson with a passion for dogs and a pastor who loved animals and shared the vision.”
The ‘2 Roads’ Approach to Evangelism
Have you ever shared the gospel with someone and realized it just wasn’t connecting?
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