May 24, 2021
Five Ways to Bring Families Back to Church . . . Eventually
I've discovered five healthy ways to view people who are not physically at the church building, along with ways to help bring families back.
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.
Help for a Fledgling Preacher
Twenty years or so after stepping down as editor of Christian Standard, Edwin Hayden penned this reminiscence of four gentlemen who had helped and encouraged him during his career: W.H. Book, P.H. Welshimer, Toyoza W. Nakarai, and W.R. Walker.
Make the Jump!
Seeking to understand why people haven’t come back to in-person services, don’t get more involved in the church, and avoid many other good things . . . and what we can do about it
Great Sermons and Being Near to God
Every preacher has his own process for writing a sermon. But there’s another preparation that needs to happen in private . . .
May 1, 2021
To Hire the Right Staff, Ask the Right Questions
Here are the top three things I looked for when hiring staff.
Harness the Opportunity: It’s Time to Plan for Growth Again
Crisis is always an opportunity. History proves the church can grow through and after a pandemic. I will not let this crisis kill my faith.
The ABCs of Chasing Strays
Like it or not, many seats remain empty on Sunday morning, and rather than stew about it, we should do something about it. Now is the time to chase strays.
May 1, 2021
The Power of Human Touch
There's an incredible connection between in-person church attendance and spiritual, mental, and physical health.
May 1, 2021
Why Are Numbers Important to Church Leaders?
Numbers can create tension or conflict between church leaders based on who is higher on a list. Our concentration needs to be on the positive impact of the numbers rather than if my numbers are better than others!
Church Survey: Facts and Figures from a Funky Year
The year 2020 was, well . . . different! And, because of that, we knew it was super important to capture the stories and statistics from 2020 to gauge the true impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our churches and establish baselines to measure future growth and changes.
May 1, 2021
Measure What Matters
As elders we also measure what matters. What should be important to us? What should we be measuring?
May 1, 2021
I’m Expecting an Awakening!
As we exit the pandemic, we have a fresh understanding of what people truly need and how to fill it with the message of Jesus.
May 1, 2021
New Normals or Old Normals (or Both)?
Hearing people use the phrase "new normal" has been like the sound of fingernails on a chalkboard to me. Still, I sometimes find certain cultural changes can be very good.
Be Faithful with the ‘Few’
In this issue you will see many examples of God supplying all the needs of his church, fulfilling Jesus’ promise, “I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it” (Matthew 16:18).
April 28, 2021
Outlook to Plant Church in Vulnerable Section of Indy
Outlook Christian Church in McCordsville, Ind., will plant a new church early next year in a vulnerable neighborhood in the Indianapolis metro.
April 22, 2021
Would You Choose This Man as Your Minister?
Our “pulpit was empty.” In the jargon of our church that meant that our professional orator in residence had left us for greener pastures and we were on the prowl for another. Then we got this letter from some preacher fellow that wanted to come for two weeks and live with us and preach to us on three Sundays.
Church Donates Land to Help Foster Children (Plus News Briefs)
New Hope Christian Church, Whitestown, Ind., donated property to Isaiah 117 so the organization can build a home “where removed children can wait in comfort to be picked up by their foster families.”
Quilters from Oakwood Christian Spread Warmth to Those in Need
Every Tuesday, women in His Quilters of Oakwood Christian Church (Enid, Okla.) gather to make quilts to give away, and almost nothing will interrupt them. “We don’t go to the dentist, to the doctor, anywhere on Tuesday, unless it’s an emergency,” says Diane Goodwin.
March 24, 2021
Church Planter Reflects on Life, Ministry a Year after Nashville Tornado
Just six months after the launch of Alive Nashville, a tornado swept through East Nashville and destroyed the building the church had been meeting in. The tornado struck March 3, 2020. "About 24 hours after [that], we were at an impromptu meeting with several area churches," lead pastor Brandon Jacobs said. "An hour later, my wife and I were standing in the middle of rubble coordinating volunteers and relief workers."
March 17, 2021
West Virginia Church Opens House for Recovering Addicts
Gateway Christian Church in Saint Albans, W.Va., is not turning a blind eye to the drug problem in its community. The church purchased a home near its campus and converted it into a recovery house for men emerging from substance abuse addictions.
