November 30, 2008
Form Without Substance?
James Riley Estep Jr. urges congregations to recover substantive Christian education that prepares believers for deeper biblical questions, spiritual transformation, and resilient faith.
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.
November 30, 2008
More Than Fun and Games
Ben Walker challenges churches to move beyond entertainment-driven youth ministry and equip teens with deeper discipleship, apologetics, and worldview training before they leave high school.
November 23, 2008
The Emerging Church: A Brief History and Helpful Resources
William R. Baker outlines the rise of the emerging church, its postmodern context, its shift toward missional language, and key resources for understanding the movement.
November 19, 2008
Interview with Ralph Eichelberger
Ralph Eichelberger of Round Lake Christian Assembly reflects on Christian camping, youth discipleship, missions, specialty camps, and why churches should keep camp central to spiritual formation.
November 16, 2008
Changing Signs and Signs of Change in a Tulsa Congregation
Greg Taylor shares how Garnett Church of Christ turned its facility into Green Country Event Center, welcoming neighbors, churches, schools, and community groups as a sign of God’s kingdom.
Windows of Youth Ministry
Curtis Booher and Phyllis Fox examine millennial students, their generational traits, and why youth ministry must become more holistic, intergenerational, participatory, and rooted in the gospel.
November 5, 2008
Interview with Harry Graham
Harry Graham discusses how churches can care well for staff through fair salary, medical benefits, retirement planning, and Christ-centered trust between ministers and elders.
October 26, 2008
Keys to Teamwork (Part 2): Communication
Stephen Bond shares practical lessons from Summit Christian Church on strengthening ministry teamwork through honest communication, reduced stress, personal boundaries, appreciation, and a shared language.
October 19, 2008
Hunting or Hunted?
Don Wilson urges pastors and church staff to handle ministry transitions with honesty, prayer, and open communication, reducing misunderstandings and honoring the body of Christ together.
October 12, 2008
Double-Espresso Church Planting in New Orleans
Rick Grover reflects on how Hurricane Katrina reshaped Journey Christian Church’s ministry in New Orleans and helped spark new church plants across the Gulf Coast.
October 12, 2008
Helping People Find Their Way Back to God in Kansas City
Troy McMahon reflects on leaving engineering for ministry, planting Restore Community Church in Kansas City, and living a life shaped by risk, calling, partnership, and no regrets.
October 12, 2008
An Invitation to God”s Drama in New York City
Jared Witt reflects on ImagineNYC, church planting in Manhattan, and the invitation for New Yorkers to enter God’s unfolding drama of renewal through worship, community, and mission.
October 8, 2008
Interview with Jim Penhollow
Jim Penhollow discusses church planting momentum, people resources, East 91st Street Christian Church’s multiplication efforts, and the need to focus on underchurched regions.
October 8, 2008
Church Health and Attendance Numbers How Do They Relate?
Mark A. Taylor considers whether church health should be measured by attendance alone, weighing numerical growth against relational healing, discipleship, and congregational stability.
September 7, 2008
Just Asking: Five Questions for the Restoration Movement
Jim Tune urges Restoration Movement church planters to recover historical memory, doctrinal clarity, and family loyalty while pursuing unity and mission with grace.
September 7, 2008
Golf Scores & Dashboards: Keeping Track of How the Church Is Doing
Dave Ferguson challenges church leaders to move beyond attendance and offering by developing a dashboard that measures discipleship, baptisms, leadership, artists, services, and sites.
August 31, 2008
Everyone Connected: Relational Strategies to Get Your Whole Church Involved
Michael C. Mack offers seven relational strategies for helping people connect in small groups, urging church leaders to equip God’s people and restore a New Testament understanding of church.
August 31, 2008
Parents Matter
By Curtis Booher and Phyllis Fox Parents matter. More than anyone””peers, teachers, youth ministers””the greatest single influence on a teen is his parents. That may shock some parents who feel like a discarded shoe when their children reach adolescence. Research proves parents have the greatest effect on their children”s choices, including their religious and spiritual practices. Teens long to be cared for and taken seriously and they need authentic relationships with their parents and other caring adults. Christian parents need support from the church and that means more than youth group and Bible studies. The alarming rate of teen church
August 27, 2008
Meaningful Connections and Maturing Disciples?
Mark A. Taylor considers concerns from Brian Jones and Mike Mack about small group ministry, asking whether churches are creating meaningful connections and maturing disciples.
August 10, 2008
Mega Ministry in Miniature Actions
Mike Cahill shares how a small-town church’s simple hat and glove drive became a meaningful act of kingdom service, community partnership, and faithful outreach.
