October 11, 2006
Interview with Barry McMurtrie
Barry McMurtrie explains why small churches plateau, how leaders can prioritize outreach, and practical ways to introduce change wisely while pursuing healthy church growth.
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.
October 4, 2006
The Most Challenging Pursuit
Balance is elusive in personal discipleship and in church life. Mark A. Taylor reflects on competing priorities—spiritual disciplines, evangelism, social action, and cultural engagement—and urges faithful commitment to the challenging pursuit of balance.
October 1, 2006
Why I Came Back to the Christian Church
Jeffrey A. Metzger shares lessons from serving in denominational churches—what he found encouraging, what felt counterproductive, and why he believes local church autonomy better supports mission and biblical faithfulness.
September 27, 2006
Interview with Ruth Wingfield
Ruth Wingfield explains how VBS became a powerful outreach at First Christian Church in Florissant, Missouri—covering scheduling, early planning, volunteer recruitment, and follow-up that connects children and families to ongoing church life.
September 24, 2006
Why the U.S. Will Never Win the World Cup (and Why This Matters to the Church)
Using the World Cup as a mirror, Rick Grover challenges the church to move beyond preferences and short-term thinking toward a lived, sacrificial faith that shapes disciples and reaches the unchurched.
September 10, 2006
When It Was Better Not to Fight
A minister recounts a painful season of church conflict triggered by leadership burnout and false accusations. He shares hard-won strategies—silence, Scripture, trusted support, counseling, and perseverance—that helped him endure and ultimately move toward healing.
September 3, 2006
Challenged to Risk
Michael Corp shares how God used seasons of work, wandering, and renewal to shape a call to ministry—leading from Rhode Island to Florida and toward planting an English-speaking Christian church back home.
September 3, 2006
The Adventure of a Lifetime
A successful attorney senses God calling him to become a pastor and start a church. After a mission trip to Ghana and practical ministry training, Adventure Christian Church grows from a living room gathering to a thriving congregation in Louisville.
August 30, 2006
Interview with Jim Stanley
Jim Stanley, executive minister at Traders Point Christian Church, explains “second-chair” leadership, how the role supports a senior minister, and why operations, truth-telling, and spiritual leadership all matter in church staff life.
August 20, 2006
Hurricane Katrina–One Year Later
Hurricane Katrina church relief efforts brought millions in giving, truckloads of supplies, and thousands of volunteers to the Gulf Coast—helping ministries shift from immediate aid to long-term rebuilding.
August 6, 2006
NNCC: The Great American Church-Planting Conference
Risk the Ride frames church planting as an exhilarating journey of highs and lows. This conference reflection shares stories, Scripture, and a call to send, go, and trust God through the chaos.
August 6, 2006
NNCC: A 37-Year Journey of Passion and Vision
Double Vision helped energize new church multiplication and expand the National New Church Conference. This piece traces the NNCC from its 1969 beginnings through its growth, leadership, and enduring principles.
August 2, 2006
Interview with Rick Rusaw
Externally focused church is the theme of this Q&A with Rick Rusaw of LifeBridge Christian Church. He shares how community service builds relationships, strengthens witness, and becomes part of a church’s DNA.
July 30, 2006
Humbled and Enriched by Encounters With the Poor
In a church benevolence program, compassion and discernment meet real need. Nancy Karpenske reflects on nearly 2,000 requests, practical guidelines, prayerful care, and partnerships that help churches serve with dignity.
July 26, 2006
One Course, Two Kinds of Runners
Mark A. Taylor reflects on “sprinters” and “marathon runners” in ministry work—why different rhythms can clash on church staffs, and how healthy teams learn to plan, adapt, and value each other’s strengths.
July 23, 2006
A Parable About God’s Call
By Terrence O’Casey Some former ministers can be the preacher”s greatest ally, while others can make him want to quit. Some churches can be like the wild mustangs of the West. They buck every move the preacher suggests, but when they finally trust him, what a great ride they give. The rugged Steen Mountains of Eastern Oregon soar to more than 9,000 cloud-haloed feet. Down in the glaciated bowls carved out below the ridges, one occasionally catches a glimpse of the magnificent wild mustangs called Keigers. These sleek animals have never felt a bit in their mouth, a saddle on
July 23, 2006
Churches, Change, and Growth (Part 3)
Overchoice can confuse seekers and members when church calendars offer too many ministry options. Kent Fillinger shares a practical strategy to clarify priorities, define goals, and communicate growth pathways clearly.
July 19, 2006
Interview with Roger Andruss
Island Family Christian Church in Honolulu grew through prayer, purpose, and “Ohana” small groups. Roger Andruss shares his conversion story and ministry journey from Montana to Hawaii.
July 16, 2006
Churches, Change, and Growth (Part 2)
Starbucks has mastered community, consistency, and customization. Kent Fillinger explores what churches can learn about welcoming people, shaping first impressions, and offering accessible pathways for spiritual growth.
July 9, 2006
Churches, Change, and Growth (Part 1)
A changing generation wants news—and spirituality—on its own terms. This article compares the newspaper industry’s challenges with the church’s, then outlines three responses: deny reality, make cosmetic changes, or pursue strategic, mission-driven transformation.
