January 22, 2024
Jan. 28 | Discovery Questions
These Discovery Questions are for use with this week’s Lookout Bible Lesson, “I AM the Vine” (John 15:1-20, 26-27), by Mark Scott.
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 15, 2024
Jan. 21 Lesson | I AM the Way
The exclusivity of Jesus is a problem in a pluralistic country like the United States. There is immediate pushback when anyone says, “This is the only way.” . . . But what else are Christians to believe and say when Jesus said that he is the gate (John 10:9)? . . .
January 15, 2024
Jan. 21 Application | ‘Untroubled Hearts’
On the very troubling night before the crucifixion, Jesus promised to give his disciples peace. “Do not let your hearts be troubled,” he said (John 14:1). Yet, that same evening he predicted, “In this world you will have trouble” (John 16:33). . . .
January 15, 2024
Jan. 21 | Discovery Questions
These Discovery Questions are for use with this week’s Lookout Bible Lesson, “I AM the Way” (John 14:1-21, 27), by Mark Scott.
January 8, 2024
Jan. 14 Lesson | I AM the Good Shepherd
The biblical world had a love/hate relationship with shepherds. Shepherds were an abomination to the Egyptians (Genesis 46:34), and by the first century BC they were the ragamuffins of society (Luke 2:8-20). But Scripture has high regard for shepherds. . . .
January 8, 2024
Jan. 14 Application | ‘Care for the Flock’
Jesus didn’t happen to notice some sheep grazing nearby and remark offhandedly, “I am the good shepherd.” The Lord was addressing the Pharisees when he made this bold claim, and for emphasis, he said it more than once (John 10:11, 14). . . .
January 8, 2024
Jan. 14 | Discovery Questions
These Discovery Questions are for use with this week’s Lookout Bible Lesson, “I AM the Good Shepherd” (John 10:1-18), by Mark Scott.
January 1, 2024
Investing in Your Leader’s Mental and Emotional Health
By Tim Harlow It’s worth pointing out that I was not asked to write about a deep doctrinal issue, or leadership, or how to respond to a difficult social problem. No, I was asked to share about the benefits of therapy for Christian leaders. I own it. I needed therapy. I need therapy. I have had very few seasons of my life when I had my stuff together. In fact, I wouldn’t be where I am today without the occasional counseling help I’ve received, specifically from the good folks at Blessing Ranch Ministries. I’ll share a specific example from a
January 1, 2024
Jan. 7 Lesson | Before Abraham Was, I AM
It is hard to overstate the significance of Abraham. Today he is looked to as the father of three religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. His name is mentioned 11 times in this lesson text. . . .
January 1, 2024
Jan. 7 Application | ‘Keep the Focus on Christ’
Years ago, a wise older minister gave me some good advice. “Always read the Gospels a lot,” he said, “because in the daily grind of leading a church and preaching week after week, it’s tempting to take your eyes off Jesus.” . . .
January 1, 2024
Avoiding Leadership Burnout
By Jerry Harris All church leaders are dealing with stress right now. Stress can come from every area of our lives. You might be under pressure, facing big changes, feeling a lack of control, shouldering heavy responsibility, or feeling uncertain about the future. You might be facing multiple issues simultaneously or feeling the effects of past experiences. Your stress might be triggered by illness, injury, parenting, infertility, bereavement, abuse, marriage, divorce, relationships, or caregiving. You might have lost your job, or be seeking a new job, or just started in a new role. Perhaps you retired recently. You might be
January 1, 2024
Jan. 7 | Discovery Questions
These Discovery Questions are for use with this week’s Lookout Bible Lesson, “Before Abraham Was, I AM” (John 8:31-58), by Mark Scott.
December 25, 2023
Dec. 31 Lesson | I Am the Bread of Life
Two miracles provide the background for this lesson text. Jesus multiplied five barley loaves and two fish and fed 5,000 men. Jesus then walked on the Sea of Galilee. . . .
December 25, 2023
Dec. 31 Application | ‘It’s Time for Some Soul Food’
"What lifestyle habits will nourish your spiritual health in the coming year?" David Faust asks. "Here are some tips I have discovered. . . ."
December 25, 2023
Dec. 31 | Discovery Questions
These Discovery Questions are for use with this week’s Lookout Bible Lesson, “I Am the Bread of Life” (5-40), by Mark Scott.
December 18, 2023
Dec. 24 Lesson | The True Light Enters the World
Jesus was coming into the world—that is the essence of the Christmas story. . . .
December 18, 2023
Dec. 24 Application | Dreaming of a ‘Right Christmas’
Deep down, at Christmas, most of us don’t long for more presents and fancier holiday extravaganzas. We do yearn, however, for simplicity and mercy. . . .
December 18, 2023
Dec. 24 | Discovery Questions
These Discovery Questions are for use with this week’s Lookout Bible Lesson, “The True Light Enters the World” (John 1:1-18), by Mark Scott.
December 11, 2023
Dec. 17 Lesson | The Water that Gives Life
In his encounter with the Samaritan woman at Jacob's well, Jesus shattered gender, ethnic, religious, social, and cultural barriers. . . .
December 11, 2023
Dec. 17 Application | ‘Big Doors, Little Hinges’
Wayne Smith used to say, “Big doors swing on little hinges.” In other words, small decisions have big consequences. Little-known people have a big impact. Actions that seem inconsequential at the time can change the world. . . .
