November 2, 2005
Receding Differences
A breakdown near Natchez becomes a testimony of hospitality and partnership as Christians from different traditions serve Hurricane Katrina and Rita victims together—one team, one mission, one body in Christ.
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 30, 2005
INTO A MOVEMENT: Surviving the Game
A Long Island church planter moves from skepticism to confidence after attending a church planting assessment and connecting with the Orchard Group—discovering coaching, authenticity, and a movement that feels “priceless.”
October 30, 2005
INTO A MOVEMENT: It Was Way Cool!
An unusual series of events led to Bert Crabbe’s baptism and ordination as part of the Christian church movement—sparked by a church planting assessment center, local-church interviews, and shared convictions about reaching lost people.
October 16, 2005
Who Would Hide Me?
What does true biblical community look like? Mike Cope reflects on spiritual friendship, Larry Crabb’s vision of the church as a safe place, and practical steps toward deeper, Christ-centered connection.
October 9, 2005
Teaming in Ministry: The Affinity Factor
Ministry effectiveness often hinges on teaming. This article challenges the “sanctified partnerships” myth, explains the affinity factor, and draws biblical guidance from Paul and Barnabas and Jesus’ careful disciple selection.
October 2, 2005
House Calls: A Vanishing Form of Ministry
A minister reflects on the disappearing practice of pastoral house calls—and what is lost when leaders stop entering people’s homes, where the “visual clues” of ordinary life can open deeper care and connection.
September 25, 2005
A Dozen Ways to Encourage Your Minister
A dozen practical ways to support and encourage your minister and other spiritual leaders—through prayer, appreciation, helpful action, and a commitment to build up the body with love.
September 25, 2005
What Youth Ministers Really Want
Youth ministers want more than assumptions and stereotypes. Mike Andrews explains what they hope for from congregations and senior pastors—shared discipleship, intergenerational relationships, and ministry that integrates students into the whole church.
September 21, 2005
A Month for Ministers
Clergy Appreciation Month (CAM) offers a timely reminder to encourage your church’s ministers. Try simple, personal steps—activate leaders, write specific notes, thank the spouse, give thoughtful gifts, or support a favorite cause.
September 11, 2005
The 9/11 Impact
After 9/11, churches and partner ministries identified overlooked financial needs near Ground Zero and the Pentagon—helping small businesses, workers, and families with direct assistance, prayer, meals, and counseling.
September 11, 2005
A Voice of Hope
On the fourth anniversary of 9/11, churches nationwide are receiving special offerings for ForeFront Christian Church, a new Manhattan church plant led by Brian Moll and sponsored by the Orchard Group, Inc., and Newthing Network.
September 4, 2005
Meeting Strangers
As churches seek stronger ties with their neighborhoods, “third places” like coffee shops and community centers can create everyday connection points beyond Sunday. Practical examples show how presence and service can open relational doors.
August 28, 2005
‘Third Place’
After years as a Disney “imagineer,” Mel McGowan now helps churches think differently about campus design. Visioneering Studios calls it “architectural evangelism,” pairing story, stewardship, and practical flow so facilities better serve leaders and welcome communities.
August 28, 2005
Building a New Facility
Summit Christian Church has completed two major building projects in its early years. Steve Bond shares lessons on timelines, leadership energy, move-in planning, volunteer recruitment, budgeting, fundraising, and keeping the mission central.
August 21, 2005
Momentum-Makers: New Initiatives for Kingdom Growth in Canada
Church planting momentum is building in Central and Eastern Canada through rapid growth, intentional giving, national-level collaboration, and creative multisite experiments that open new doors for gospel ministry.
August 21, 2005
Open Doors in Vancouver
Vancouver is one of North America’s most unchurched cities, yet its diversity and growth create a wide-open mission field. Leaders in Canada and the U.S. are partnering through Impact Canada to pursue new church plants and a Canadian-rooted strategy.
August 21, 2005
Western Canada: Helpful Trends, Hopeful Dreams
A snapshot of Restoration Movement churches in Western Canada, highlighting urbanization, shifting identity across streams, indigenous leadership, and renewed hopes for youth work, leadership development, and strategic church planting.
July 31, 2005
CHURCH IN THE CITY 1: Pursuing Partnerships in Indianapolis
In a diverse city, “one size does not fit all.” Jeff Krajewski explains how partnerships help urban churches connect resources to real needs, support spiritual formation, and strengthen unity and accountability across congregations.
July 31, 2005
CHURCH IN THE CITY 2: Tempest in a Brooklyn Coffee Shop
A Park Slope church plant launched a neighborhood coffeehouse to meet people where they are—then found itself in an online debate and a New York Times story that opened unexpected doors for outreach.
July 31, 2005
CHURCH IN THE CITY 3: Better Than Oscar in Torrance, California
Michael D. Starks reflects on victory as a spiritual celebration and shares how Greater First Christian Church brought hope, baptisms, and growth through outreach in a once-dangerous neighborhood.
