In Praise of Congregational Participation

By Becky Ahlberg Contrary to what you might think, “worship wars” have been going on for centuries. I”ll not slip back into my music history professor role and bore you with all the details, but suffice it to say that, from early church days, how we worship has been the topic of a lively, ongoing debate. As is the norm for humans, we tend to swing the pendulum from one extreme to another, rarely finding that center of balance. I suppose if we carry through with that analogy, though, the good news is that it is the swinging pendulum that

So Long to Good-Byes

By Cal Jernigan Perhaps you heard the story of the man who was stranded alone on a deserted island for a number of years. One day a ship appeared on the horizon, noticed him, and sent some men ashore to rescue him. While helping him gather his scant belongings, the rescuers noticed three huts clustered together and asked the man about them. The man pointed to one of the huts and explained that it served as his house, and then he pointed to another and explained that it was where he went to church. The man stopped without mentioning the

New Members Light Candles

This past Sunday, Crossroads Christian Church (Newburgh, IN) celebrated the year and encouraged new decisions for Christ. After covering the stage in the worship center with unlit candles, church leaders invited all those who had become a Christian or a CCC member over the last year to come forward and light one of the candles. At the end of his sermon, senior pastor Ken Idleman extended an invitation for anyone who wanted to make one of those decisions that morning to also come forward and light a candle.

Churches Celebrate Our Savior”s Birth

By Jennifer Taylor So many churches, so many different ways to celebrate the birth of our Savior! Each December for the last three years, My Safe Harbor (Anaheim, California)“”a nonprofit organization providing education and support for low-income single moms and their children””has coordinated a Christmas brunch for teachers at four local elementary schools. From homemade treats and decorations to music and gifts, the MSH team provides a special time of appreciation for these hard-working teachers. Members at Anaheim First Christian Church, which helped launch My Safe Harbor, sign thank-you cards and donate money for presents (including refills for the Keurig

Stop Bashing the Bride!

Mike Baker It is very popular these days to write books, make statements, post blogs, and write articles that scold, criticize, and ridicule the church (especially the 21st-century American version). Is anyone but me getting just a little defensive? Honestly, these revelations don”t inspire me, they make me want to scream, “Hey, wait a minute, you”re talking about my church!” We are talking about Christ”s bride here. Shouldn”t we be a little more careful about how we flippantly describe Jesus” wife as irrelevant, corrupt, hypocritical, and ineffective? Indulge me just a little as I defend the church I have come

last week of summer

I Can See You, September

As summer slips away, Mark A. Taylor reflects on the sadness and gratitude that come with changing seasons—and the fresh ministry opportunities churches often find as fall schedules and routines return.

February 14, 2010

Rob Kastens

Christian dialogue

NACC: Hmmm . . . Let Us Think

Rob Kastens reflects on The Millennial Harbinger, early Restoration Movement dialogue, and the need for thoughtful Christian discussion on important issues without dividing over nonessentials.

simple Christianity

It”s Simple!

Terry O'Casey calls churches to recover simple Christianity, shaped by Thomas Campbell’s plea and the ministry pattern of Jesus, rather than complexity, bylaws, and over-programmed systems.

church ministry ideas

Leading the Trends

Mark A. Taylor offers practical, Scripture-shaped church ministry ideas that could refresh congregational life, from prayer services and Communion reflection to generosity, fasting, family connection, and bearing one another’s burdens.

God’s glue

What Is the Glue?

David Faust reflects on what truly holds Christian churches together, arguing that unity is found not in institutions or personalities, but in the Savior, the Spirit, Scripture, and service.

Christian life influencers

Life-Influencers

Sam E. Stone remembers teachers, friends, preachers, and elders whose quiet encouragement helped shape his faith, ministry, and desire to influence others for good.

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