Now, it isn’t right to say that all is healthy and well with evangelicalism. In many respects, evangelicalism is in a difficult place, in North America in particular. It is embattled and thriving, as Christian Smith famously commented. In this moment in the unfolding history of the evangelical movement, it is crucial for us to articulate who we are, address pressures we face, and affirm what keeps us focused—with the goal that we might continue to thrive as a movement faithful to the call of our Savior.
What Acts Teaches About Church-Growth Problems
Like the Acts church, today’s churches experience problems that come with growth, but God uses our struggles to build maturity and accomplish his mission to the world. Here are four problems the early church faced, with reflections on what we can learn from their endurance.
New Possibilities are All around You
Churches often see their circumstance through the lens of scarcity and fail to recognize assets and opportunities within their grasp. Joe Daniels and Christie Latona explain how adopting a mindset of abundance can reveal overlooked assets and open new possibilities.
How the Pandemic Changed Church Attendance
It has been several years since the pandemic, but its effects are still lasting. Thom and Jess explore how COVID-19 didn’t just disrupt church attendance for a season — it changed patterns for the long term. They discuss the lasting shifts and how churches can adapt.
10 Things Church Visitors Never Want to Hear
There are 10 things church visitors never want to hear, so why not help our church folks learn NOT to say them?
The Church Number: $35.00 (Most Don’t Know It)
n this first installment, I want to talk about a number that quietly influences nearly every aspect of church life—budgets, staffing, outreach, missions, and even the long-term health of the congregation. It’s called Weekly Per Capita Giving, or WPCG. In its simplest form, WPCG is the giving of the church per attendee each week. Most churches have never calculated this number, yet it can be one of the clearest windows into financial health and stewardship habits.
What Is a Confession of Sin?
While attending a Reformed congregation’s worship service, the minister may lead you in a confession of sin. He may read God’s law beforehand and pray or state forgiveness through Christ’s blood. What does this confession of sin mean? What is this practice’s origin? How might you participate in it more faithfully?
The good news about repentance
“Repentance.” It’s a word most of us have heard countless times in church. Yet beyond the religious familiarity, repentance is not about shame or despair—it is the doorway into life with Christ. True repentance begins with sorrow over sin, but it does not leave us there. It draws us back to redemption in God’s love.
“Leadership as a Liberal Art” featuring Michael Lamb
In this episode, Michael Lamb introduces The Arts of Leading, a book exploring how the humanities offer essential insights into leadership. He argues that leadership is a liberal art, and he highlights lessons from unsung leaders, the performing arts, and biblical figures like Moses.
The Top Reasons for Church Conflict (Why Fights Start Over Trivial Matters)
Conflict over trivial matters, especially in churches, usually isn’t really about the trivial matter at all. I took a deep dive into hundreds of our consultations and coaching relationships. Here is what I discovered.
Unfriended: 4 Keys to Resolving Conflict Peacefully
We live in a world where ‘friend’ means someone who can look at your pictures on Facebook, and with a click of a button we can just as quickly be ‘unfriended.’ Many times, we find ourselves being isolated in our individualized world. We cannot control the world around us, but we can make changes in how we live our lives and how we treat others. Ask yourself this question: In my life, which is more common – creating conflict or resolving conflict?
Preaching Our Principles—Not Our Politics
In today’s polarized climate, church leaders can navigate political tensions by preaching principles, not politics. David R. Brubaker says leaders should share personal convictions with humility and clarity, focusing on values like caring for the marginalized, nonviolence, and stewardship of the earth.
How to Ask Excellent Bible Study Discussion Questions
Bible studies have a feature that few sermons or personal quiet times can match: interaction. Harnessing the power of interaction should be one of your highest priorities when leading a Bible study. To do so, you must master four types of Bible study discussion questions.
3 Actionable Ways Church Leaders Can Emphasize Prayer This Fall
How...can you as a church leader encourage the rhythm of prayer in your church this fall?
Here are three immediately simple and actionable ways....
3 Powerful Keys To Grow in Personal Worship
We are created to be worshippers of God...We flourish when we engage in personal worship. We flourish when we love God and love people.
The ripple effect of suicide leaves us frantically searching for help and hope. How can you minister to someone grieving death by suicide?
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