April 17, 2023
April 23 | The Hurting Are Invited
After feeding the 5,000 in the wilderness, Jesus retreated to the far northern country to gain some margin in his life. While there, he encountered a desperate mother . . .
Church & Ministry
Church & Ministry equips leaders and everyday believers to build healthy, gospel-centered congregations. Explore biblically grounded articles on church leadership, preaching and teaching, eldership, staff and volunteer development, discipleship systems, small groups, church planting, church growth, and ministry strategy. You’ll also find practical guidance for navigating transitions, cultivating congregational health, and serving your community with wisdom and compassion. Whether you’re a pastor, elder, ministry staff member, volunteer leader, or church member who wants to help your church thrive, this hub brings together resources to strengthen the local church and advance Christ’s mission.
April 17, 2023
April 23 | Application (‘When Things Don’t Go Your Way’)
In a culture obsessed with personal empowerment, the Lord offers a unique alternative to control. It’s called “surrender.”
April 17, 2023
April 23 | Discovery
Questions for group discussion for use with this week’s lesson titled “The Hurting Are Invited” (Mark 7:24-37).
April 10, 2023
Churches Continue to Help Florida Families 6 Months after Hurricane Ian
Six months after Hurricane Ian devastated portions of Florida, the recovery effort continues. “There are short-term victories, and there are long-term challenges,” said Gary Cox, teaching pastor at First Christian Church in Fort Myers, Fla. . . .
April 10, 2023
April 16 | Sinners Are Invited
This week we study two miracles of Jesus. The first is the cleansing of the leper (1:40-45). The second is the cleansing from sin and healing of the paralytic (2:1-12).
April 10, 2023
April 16 | Application (‘The Messiness of Ministry’)
Do you ever shake your head and sigh, 'Why is this world such a mess?'” David Faust asks. "Do you wish everyone would just get their act together and do what they’re supposed to do? . . ."
April 10, 2023
April 16 | Discovery
Questions for group discussion for use with this week’s lesson titled “Sinners Are Invited” (Mark 2:1-17).
Church in Sullivan, Ind., Helping with Recovery Effort after Tornado
Sullivan First Christian Church is doing what it can to help its Indiana community respond to and recover from a tornado that killed 3 in Sullivan County and damaged or destroyed more than 200 structures over the weekend.
April 3, 2023
April 9 | All Nations Are Invited
On this Easter Sunday, the church needs to remember that it has the best of the good news to share. The church dares not be stingy with it. . . .
April 3, 2023
April 9 | Application (‘But Some Doubted’)
"All four Gospels mention there were doubters after Jesus rose from the dead," David Faust writes. "Still today, when we gather on Easter to celebrate the resurrection, doubters mingle with the worshipers. . . ."
April 3, 2023
April 9 | Discovery
Questions for group discussion for use with this week’s lesson titled “All Nations Are Invited” (Mark 16:9-20).
March 27, 2023
April 2 | The Ordinary Are Invited
Mark devoted one-third of his Gospel to the Passion experience of Jesus, and the first event in that experience was the triumphal entry into Jerusalem. . . .
March 27, 2023
April 2 | Application (‘Mud on Your Coat’)
"In the Gospel accounts of Jesus’ triumphal entry," David Faust writes, "several details stir my curiosity. . . ."
March 27, 2023
April 2 | Discovery
Questions for group discussion for use with this week’s lesson titled “The Ordinary Are Invited” (Mark 11:1-19).
March 20, 2023
March 26 | Lead Me to Righteousness
Amos, the farmer prophet, pleaded with Israel to seek the Lord and live. Several unrighteous deeds were identified as needing to be eradicated. The most pronounced was idolatry. . . .
March 20, 2023
March 26 | Application (‘Services Even God Doesn’t Want to Attend’)
What if the Lord himself doesn’t like our worship services and would rather not attend? Through the prophet Amos, God left no doubt how he felt about the Israelites’ gatherings. . . .
March 20, 2023
March 26 | Discovery
Questions for group discussion for use with this week’s lesson on “Lead Me to Righteousness” (Amos 5:6-15, 21-24).
March 13, 2023
March 19 | Mend My Brokenness
How severe was Israel's brokenness? Very! The people had majored in minors (Amos 5:21-24) and were experiencing the worst kind of famine—one from the Word of God (8:11). They would not be able to escape judgment from the Lord of Hosts. . . .
March 13, 2023
March 19 | Application (‘The Lowest Point on Earth’)
When you find yourself in low places—morally, physically, relationally, or circumstantially—the God of grace is able to repair your “broken walls” and restore what seems ruined (Amos 9:11). . . .
March 13, 2023
March 19 | Discovery
Questions for group discussion for use with this week’s lesson on “Mend My Brokenness” (Amos 9:5-15).
