February 24, 2008
The Polysite Church
A ministry leader asks what to do for people who won’t step into a church service. Dave Ferguson explores why multisite isn’t enough for many and calls churches to become “polysite” in everyday places.
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.
February 3, 2008
Herb Bleakney”“Unpaid, Unsung Youth Ministry
A steel-mill worker and other faithful volunteers quietly discipled teenagers in a small Pennsylvania church—and the ripple effects reached Bible colleges, missions, and decades of service. A reminder that unseen youth ministry can shape generations.
January 30, 2008
Ministers: The Happiest Workers in America
A Time survey said clergy are America’s happiest workers. Mark A. Taylor reflects on ministry’s pressures and why lasting joy often comes from serving others and offering hope in Jesus’ name.
January 13, 2008
Standard”s VBS: More Than Learning, Beyond Fun
Standard Publishing’s 2008 VBS, “God’s Big Backyard,” pairs backyard fun with hands-on community service. Kids learn to serve family, neighbors, and Jesus through daily projects, Bible lessons, and practical ministry tools for churches.
January 13, 2008
Giving Preteens a SuperStart!
Many churches are losing fourth-, fifth-, and sixth-grade students who don’t fit children’s ministry or junior high. Patrick Snow explains why intentional preteen ministry helps them grasp the gospel and find their place in the church.
January 13, 2008
Defining the Win for Junior High Small Groups
Junior high small groups don’t need instant breakthrough moments to succeed. Johnny Scott explains how to define the “win,” set realistic expectations, and create a caring environment where students can process faith with trusted adults.
January 13, 2008
A Simple Plan for Children”s and Youth Ministers Threatened by Burnout
Children’s and youth ministers often feel trapped on a nonstop treadmill of programs. Learn practical ways to prevent burnout by managing time well, building relationships, narrowing focus, and leading with a team.
January 13, 2008
Mentoring Fourth-Grade Boys!
A shortage of male role models is shaping boys in schools and churches alike. Andy Hansen urges men to step into children’s ministry, showing how steady presence, prayer, and simple acts of care can influence young lives for decades.
Teens Matter
Teens aren’t just “the church of tomorrow.” This article challenges common myths about youth ministry and highlights three essentials that help students stay connected: belonging, believing, and competency through meaningful relationships and real opportunities to serve.
January 10, 2008
The Lost Generation
Why are millennials and the next generation drifting from church even after decades of youth-ministry investment? A pastor argues for intergenerational connection, authentic faith, and consistent opportunities to serve as keys to reaching Generation Y.
January 9, 2008
Interview with Ruth Frederick
Ruth Frederick of Standard Publishing explains how Vacation Bible School themes and lessons are created, why service matters, and how VBS can support both discipleship and outreach for churches and communities.
December 9, 2007
Organic Community
Joseph R. Myers contrasts rigid “master plan” approaches with “organic order,” urging leaders to shape environments where community can emerge naturally and people can pursue wholeness instead of mere outcomes.
December 5, 2007
Interview with Col. Gene Fowler
Col. Gene “Chip” Fowler explains his call to Army chaplaincy, what chaplains do on base and in combat, and how he serves soldiers of many faiths while living out Restoration Movement principles.
November 7, 2007
Interview With Vince Antonucci
Vince Antonucci shares how reading the Bible led him to Christ and into church planting. In this interview, he explains Forefront Christian Church’s focus on reaching the unchurched and why they’re willing to do ministry differently.
November 4, 2007
An Open Apology Letter to My Class
A teacher and preacher writes from a “Teacher’s Rehab Center,” where a support group exposes shallow excuses and calls leaders to let Scripture transform them before they teach it to others.
October 28, 2007
Let’s Celebrate
Bob Russell highlights reasons the Restoration Movement should celebrate, pointing to renewed evangelistic focus, church growth, and effective church planting across the country—even in places once considered hard soil.
October 28, 2007
Multiplying Your Impact
Outreach magazine ranked “America’s Top 25 Multiplying Churches.” Five Christian churches made the list—each with a distinct approach to church planting, resourcing planters, and building reproducing churches for greater kingdom impact.
October 24, 2007
Interview with Jim Tune
Jim Tune shares why he sees Canada as a mission field and explains how Impact Canada is planting multicultural churches in major cities. He also discusses training new leaders, funding challenges, and partnering to build a reproducing movement.
October 24, 2007
Ministers Deserve Our Gratitude
Local church ministry can be heavier than many realize. Research cited here highlights pastors’ workload and isolation—and urges congregations to express gratitude, accountability, and feedback for those who serve.
October 21, 2007
Be Our Guest: 10 Tips for Visitor-Friendly Buildings
Practical environmental design tips can help first-time guests feel welcomed and find their way. From signage and space planning to smart finishing touches, these ten ideas show how churches can improve the visitor experience without overspending.
