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.
September 3, 2006
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.
September 3, 2006
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.
August 30, 2006
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 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
July 9, 2006
Church planting is thrilling—but risky. Bob Williams shares field-tested lessons on balancing faith with reality, launching at the right time, learning wisely from others, and adapting through change, setbacks, and a shift to a multisite model.
July 5, 2006
Friendly fire in ministry can leave lasting wounds—especially in worship wars and staff changes. Becky Ahlberg urges church leaders to invest in development, check motives, and plan transitions that build up rather than tear down.
July 2, 2006
After decades of “worship wars,” Becky Ahlberg urges churches to stop wounding their own leaders through “friendly fire.” Before making staff changes, invest in development, check motives, and plan transitions that build up rather than tear down.
June 11, 2006
After decades in the same congregation, Nancy Karpenske weighs the risks of getting too comfortable against the rewards of credibility, perseverance, and long-term spiritual fruit—learning again and again to depend on God, not experience.
June 7, 2006
A weekly task list can breed weariness and self-pity. Mark A. Taylor looks to Paul’s hardships in 2 Corinthians to reset perspective and remember that comfort won’t satisfy like serving others does.
June 7, 2006
By Brad Dupray Bob Russell says he “anticipated staying four or five years” when he came to Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, Kentucky, in 1966. “I saw myself going back to Pennsylvania, preaching somewhere near my hometown.” God had other plans. In 40 years of ministry at Southeast Bob has led the church to weekend attendance of 19,000. The church has become a force for evangelism, a help to those in need, and the conscience in its community. The word on the street is Bob Russell is retiring. How would you define this transition in your life? I think it’s
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June 3, 2026
David Faust
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Kent Fillinger
June 2, 2026
Erick Riddle