March 12, 2006
Grow Church, Grow!
Why do some churches grow rapidly while others struggle? Doug Carter points to shared traits of growing churches: faith-filled risk, a clear commitment to evangelism, and unified values, structure, and style.
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.
March 12, 2006
Why do some churches grow rapidly while others struggle? Doug Carter points to shared traits of growing churches: faith-filled risk, a clear commitment to evangelism, and unified values, structure, and style.
March 5, 2006
Arron Chambers examines how church buildings can help—or hinder—the mission of reaching lost people, urging leaders to “think outside the box” and keep the church moving, growing, and caring like a living body.
February 26, 2006
Tom Jones connects lessons from coaching Little League to the growing strength of church planting networks. Collaboration among churches and organizations can share resources, coaching, and services to launch new congregations and multiply kingdom impact.
February 26, 2006
Do we really need another church? Robert Kitchen argues yes—because lost people still need to be reached, communities keep changing, and planting new churches remains a powerful method of evangelism.
February 26, 2006
A brief notice sharing an updated PDF chart listing new congregations planted by Christian churches and churches of Christ from January 2003 through December 2005.
February 26, 2006
Using Hurricane Katrina rebuilding as a picture, Rick Grover challenges church planters and leaders to put first things first, take the long view, and grow deep roots in spiritual health and patient ministry.
February 12, 2006
Carl B. Bridges offers five practical observations about helping the needy—combining compassion with realism, wise giving, volunteer service, and humility amid political disagreements.
February 12, 2006
Following Jesus is tough—especially for church leaders who feel they have nowhere to be honest. Jeff Krajewski points to Jesus’ own trusted friends and urges the church to become a place of safety and grace.
January 8, 2006
Paul E. Boatman explains why compassionate service is intrinsic to the church’s identity and how “Good Samaritan” ministry pairs with evangelism. From disaster relief to missions and new outreach efforts, the church’s mercy and message belong together.
January 1, 2006
A New Orleans minister reflects on Hurricane Katrina, the shock of sudden change, and the faithful “cavalry” of churches that brought relief, rebuilding, and hope when life felt anything but ready.
December 11, 2005
A first-time church planter shares how a seasoned coach provided experience, steady expectations, a listening ear, and ongoing encouragement—help that turned a demanding journey into a sustainable, hope-filled ministry path.
November 30, 2005
From four students in 1987 to a thriving ministry in the heart of Georgia Tech, GTCCF’s story highlights leadership development, mission exposure, and a vision that helped plant campus ministries around the world.
November 30, 2005
A directory of campus ministries with contact details and active links, including more than 100 U.S. listings plus a small international section. Includes a downloadable PDF version.
November 30, 2005
“Can your kind of church change your kind of world?” Drawing from a profile of 113 megachurches and emerging megachurches, this piece highlights growth trends and indicators to help leaders improve church health and effectiveness.
November 27, 2005
A practical checklist for evaluating minister compensation beyond salary, including time away, insurance, retirement, continuing education, and ministry-related perks churches may provide.
November 27, 2005
How should churches set fair, God-honoring staff pay? Terry C. Wuske points leaders to the NACBA Compensation Survey and explains its reporting options, key data categories, and practical ways to use it.
November 27, 2005
Even thriving church plants can swallow up the planter. Jim Tune shares hard-won principles for endurance—certainty of calling, freedom to be yourself, and boundaries that protect marriage, home, and long-term ministry.
November 23, 2005
By Jon Weece Risk. Freedom to fail. Dream big. Think outside the box. Try again. These words are frequently spoken by leaders at Southland Christian Church, Lexington, Kentucky. We like these words and others””like creative, innovative, daring, and even crazy””because they make us take deep breaths, cause our hearts to race, and make us swallow hard. These types of words keep us up at night and drive us to our knees. Leaders at Southland are not afraid of climbing the high dive. We like to take risks; we”ve come to realize that fear is a great faith-builder for our team.
November 13, 2005
Clarksburg (Indiana) Christian Church shows how wide participation, ministry teams, and a hands-on Vacation Bible School project can build unity, reduce burnout, and strengthen multigenerational relationships without a large staff or huge budget.
November 13, 2005
Kay Moll, Standard Publishing’s Vacation Bible School director, explains why VBS remains one of the church’s strongest outreach tools and how churches are adapting VBS resources for flexible, year-round ministry.