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 21, 2007
Stories from Connections Christian Church in Calgary show how a network of house churches builds community, mobilizes leaders, and lives missionally. Learn why “Living Room” gatherings focus on shared meals, Scripture discussion, prayer, and intentional replication.
January 20, 2007
By Victor M. Parachin In 1964 as Winston Churchill”s health was rapidly declining, former President and World War II Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower visited his friend. Eisenhower sat by the former prime minister”s bed for a lengthy period of time. Neither man spoke. After a while, Churchill slowly raised his hand and painstakingly made the “V” for victory sign, which he was well known for, often flashing it to the British people during the darkest days of World War II. Eisenhower, fighting back tears, stood up, saluted Churchill, and left the room. Composing himself, Eisenhower spoke to his aide in
January 14, 2007
Joe Ellis urges American churches to recover authentic New Testament faith and function in a time of cultural shaking. Drawing on historic awakenings, he calls congregations toward restoration, evangelistic passion, and renewed effectiveness.
January 7, 2007
Dan Kimball explains why churches can’t assume postmodern generations will think or worship like moderns. He urges leaders to understand emerging culture, adapt ministry approaches, and press ahead in making disciples with faithfulness and clarity.
December 3, 2006
Florence Muindi shares how local churches in Africa are offering practical care and lasting hope amid HIV/AIDS. Through fellowship, worship, and community support, stigma can fade and lives can be renewed.
November 26, 2006
A woman heads to a haircut ready to end a draining friendship—but a Spirit-led invitation changes everything. What follows is growth, leadership, and unexpected healing through a ministry to single moms.
November 5, 2006
Churches birth churches—when vision becomes commitment, partnerships form, and leaders prepare for a healthy launch. Greg Marksberry outlines the stages of church planting from preconception through postpartum care.
October 29, 2006
Leaders from two churches named Christ’s Church of the Valley discuss why they target men ages 25 to 45, how challenge and adventure shape their approach, and practical ways churches can better connect with unchurched men.
October 29, 2006
By Mike Chapman You”ve heard the rumblings, “Men hate going to church.” David Murrow even wrote a book about it to try and explain why. The cover of Biola University”s Connections periodical not long ago boldly announced, “The Feminization of the Church.” Inside the author attempted to show why the church”s “music, messages, and ministries are driving men away.” I remember these claims when I read about one of the first people to worship Jesus. She was a woman. We meet her in Mark 14. Jesus is reclining at a table in Simon of Bethany”s house, most likely with his
This article is no longer available online, but the entire three-part series is available for purchase as a downloadable resource/pdf. Ordination Item 02971 “¢Â $2.99 Ordination needn”t be a mystery, but it should not be undertaken thoughtlessly. This six-page resource, originally a three-part series in CHRISTIAN STANDARD, explores ordination with an eye toward helping individuals, churches, and God”s kingdom. “¢ J. Michael Shannon makes a case for why ordination is practical and sensible for individuals desiring a lifetime of service in the Lord”˜s church. “¢ Paige Mathews considers a process for assessing the person who wants to be ordained. “¢
October 25, 2006
True friendship is rare—especially for Christian leaders who feel pressure to appear perfect. Mark A. Taylor reflects on Proverbs 27 and the gift of honest counsel, trust, and encouragement among God’s people.
October 15, 2006
Knofel Staton reflects on what megachurches can offer—and why small congregations matter just as much. He traces how “minor churches” nurture faith and leaders, and calls both large and small churches to value each other’s role.
October 15, 2006
Tom Ellsworth shares hard-won lessons from moving from small-church ministry to leading a growing congregation—why attitude, vision, relationships, and serving matter more than size, and how churches can stay healthy as they expand.
October 15, 2006
David Bycroft recounts how Tyro Christian Church grew from a small rural congregation into a thriving ministry marked by missions giving, volunteer engagement, and leader development—evidence, he says, of what God can do anywhere.
October 11, 2006
Barry McMurtrie explains why small churches plateau, how leaders can prioritize outreach, and practical ways to introduce change wisely while pursuing healthy church growth.
October 4, 2006
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
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
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
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
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.
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