January 30, 2023
February 5 | Application (‘Keys to Courage’)
Fear seems more common than faith these days. . . . But over the course of my life, my best decisions have been the times when I chose to walk by faith, not by sight.
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.
January 30, 2023
February 5 | Discovery
Questions for group discussion for use with this week's lesson from Nehemiah 1:11–2:8, "Courage to Stand Up."
January 26, 2023
THROWBACK THURSDAY: ‘Preaching to the Eye’ (1897)
"By the use of such charts people 'hear the gospel' by the eye as well as by the ear," H.F. MacLane wrote in 1897. "And the message of truth is impressed upon the mind in such a way that it will not soon be forgotten."
January 24, 2023
Merger of Two Idaho Churches Fuels Kingdom Growth
COVID-19 impacted churches everywhere in 2020, but two churches in Boise, Idaho, saw their futures forever altered through a merger that has spurred two years of growth and almost 50 baptisms during 2022.
January 23, 2023
January 29 | It’s About Distinction
Upon his arrival in Jerusalem in chapter 7, Ezra sized things up rather quickly. The exiles were in danger of turning back to the sinful ways that had caused them to go into captivity in the first place. Ezra was committed to nip that mindset in the bud.
January 23, 2023
January 29 | Application (‘What Makes You Different?’)
The Israelites were supposed to be a holy people, distinct from others who lived around them. No work on the Sabbath day. No graven images. . . . God wanted more than surface obedience, though. He said, “These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts” (Deuteronomy 6:6). . . .
January 23, 2023
January 29 | Discovery
The New Testament calls the follower of Jesus to be distinct as a “new creation” in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). . . . What values and priorities should be different between us and the non-Christians around us?
January 16, 2023
January 22 | It Requires Prayer and Fasting
Once work on the temple altar and temple itself were completed, it was time to get the exiles’ lives in order. Ezra the great Bible teacher led the way in this through prayer and fasting.
January 16, 2023
January 22 | Application (‘Give It Up’)
Why isn’t fasting more common in the American church? The Bible mentions it at least 60 times. Moses and Jesus both fasted for 40 days in the wilderness (Exodus 34:28; Matthew 4:2). Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther fasted. So did David, John the Baptist, and Paul. . . .
January 16, 2023
January 22 | Discovery
What leadership traits do you see in Ezra?
January 9, 2023
January 15 | It’s Not Easy
God’s people had returned from their exile in Babylon, had rebuilt the altar in the temple, and were laying the foundation of the temple when they ran into a buzz saw. “Enemies” reared their ugly heads (Ezra 4:1). . . .
January 9, 2023
January 15 | Application (‘Traveling on a Rough Road’)
The book of Ezra tells how a group of exiled Jews traveled back to Jerusalem to rebuild God’s temple, but it wasn’t a smooth and easy journey. Their story reveals some principles that can help us travel rough roads of our own.
January 9, 2023
January 15 | Discovery
What can you learn from Ezra 4:12–5:2 about God’s timing, waiting on him, and trusting him in the process?
January 2, 2023
January 8 | It’s Exciting
By this point in the book of Ezra, God’s people had their hope deferred. They came back from captivity with such high hopes . . . but then the wheels fell off. . . .
January 2, 2023
January 8 | Application (‘Celebrate the Wins’)
In life, as in sports, it’s important to stop and give thanks when things go well. Before we rush ahead and move on to the next event or activity, we should pause and celebrate the wins. . . .
January 2, 2023
January 8 | Discovery
What area in your life are you hoping to build on with God’s help this year?
January 1, 2023
New Name and Pastoral Transition at N.C. Church
First Christian in Kernersville, N.C., is changing its name to The Crossing on Jan. 1. In August, Eddie Schmidt will take over for founding pastor Pete Kunkle, who will become CEO of HASTEN International.
The Power in Preaching
By Chris Philbeck In 2001, when I came to my current church, I had to adjust to having a Saturday night service. I had been a pastor for over 20 years, but the weekend service had always been exclusive to Sunday morning, and it took a while to feel comfortable preaching on Saturday night for various reasons. We didn’t have a particularly large crowd, and the people would be pretty spread out in a worship center that could seat around 1,400. The energy level was different on Saturday night, and the service just felt different. More often than I like
Teaching Truth: The Win for Kids’ Curriculum
We Couldn’t Find Curriculum That Met Our Children’s Ministry Needs . . . So We Created Our Own (and We’ve Made It Available to You)! By Larry Cramer My two daughters have grown up in church. Whether it’s on a Sunday morning, Sunday evening, Wednesday evening, or any other day and time, my daughters have always attended a church experience built just for them. I am speaking of Next Gen programming . . . specifically, kids’ ministry. Over the years, we have seen many changes in kids’ ministry, including changes to curriculum. While churches have many great options, as a
December 26, 2022
January 1 | It’s God’s Plan
God had planned from eternity past to get his people back home and give them a fresh start. Ezra and Nehemiah tell of this new start (these books were once combined as one). . . .
