May 5, 2026
Treasures New and Old
Jesus said disciples bring out “new treasures as well as old.” David Faust reflects on Matthew 13:52, urging churches to value both Testaments, honor past wisdom, and embrace new opportunities across generations.
Series: Featured
May 4, 2026
Think Relevant
What does it mean for a church to be “relevant”? Jerry Harris argues every church reaches a target—and effectiveness grows when you identify your community’s sweet spot and adapt methods without changing core teaching.
April 28, 2026
Learning to Lean
Using Bill Withers’ “Lean on Me,” David Faust challenges the claim that faith is merely a crutch. Scripture calls us to trust the Lord, reject self-reliance, and lean fully on God’s strength and comfort.
April 14, 2026
Phishers of Men
Scammers use urgency, secrecy, and fake stories to steal money and information. David Faust shares practical “scam savvy” steps—and warns of spiritual fraud using Scripture’s signs of danger.
March 13, 2026
Jesus, Our Friend: A Study of John 15:9-17
Rob O’Lynn helps readers “set the table” for John 15:9-17 by attending to context, structure, and translation choices. In the Passion Narrative, Jesus defines friendship through abiding, sacrificial love, and mission.
March 13, 2026
Best Buddies
John Hampton and David Vaughan share lessons from more than four decades of friendship shaped by ministry, shared history, and golf. Their “buddy-building blocks” highlight intentionality, grace, loyalty, and finishing well together.
March 13, 2026
Helping Children Build God-Honoring Friendships
Michelle Maris explains how children’s friendships grow in stages—from playmates to deeper trust and belonging. She offers practical ways parents can nurture healthy connection, encourage face-to-face community, and support faith-rooted friendships in the church.
March 13, 2026
Don’t Make My Mistake
Mike Edmisten shares how years of ministry left him isolated from other pastors—and how introversion, busyness, and insecurity fed the problem. His warning becomes an invitation to pursue life-giving ministry friendships and shared burdens.
March 13, 2026
Choosing Friendship: The Discipline of Opening Our Lives to Others
Terrence Turman argues friendship is a neglected spiritual discipline for many pastors and ministry leaders. Citing research on loneliness, he offers practical nudges for living as a Christian first, building community, and keeping friendships alive.
March 13, 2026
What I Learned About Community From an Immigrant Childhood
Juan Casa del Valle contrasts open-door immigrant community life with modern isolation. He shares three marks of strong, God-honoring friendships across cultures: being present, being honest, and being consistent—modeled perfectly by Jesus.
March 13, 2026
Companions on the Narrow Trail of Ministry
Ministry can feel like a narrow trail with limited visibility. Dave Jones shares how friendships with elders, staff, and fellow preachers helped him endure lonely seasons and lead with humility, unity, and courage.
March 13, 2026
Healing Lonely Hearts: A Biblical Perspective on Today’s Loneliness Epidemic
David Faust explores loneliness across Scripture and in modern life, reminding readers that loneliness isn’t the same as being alone. He offers four practical ways the church can respond with connection, presence, and healing community.
March 13, 2026
Debating Differently: In a Time When People Can’t Talk About Hard Things Anymore, How Can Christians Be Different?
In a time when people can’t talk about hard things anymore, how can Christians be different?
March 13, 2026
When Friends Fail Us: A Christian Response
Bill Mesaeh explores the pain of betrayal and the anger that follows, affirming that anger has a place while calling for responsibility over blame. He clarifies what forgiveness is—and isn’t—and urges readers not to give up on friendship.
March 13, 2026
Tear Down This Wall
John Teal reflects on walled cities, the Berlin Wall, and the walls dividing relationships today. He shares how friendship, conversation, and “a cup of coffee” became a first step toward Common Grounds Unity and a renewed plea for Christian unity.
January 1, 2026
Leading Through the Hand-Off: Lessons in Pastoral Transition
With careful planning, clear communication, financial foresight, and sensitivity to personalities, churches can not only survive transitions, they can thrive through them.
January 1, 2026
How Do You Retire When Your Successor Ain’t Ready?
If you’ve spent your career walking with Jesus, your last days should be your best days, not your worst. Jesus’ last moments before his death were spent pouring himself completely out for us.
January 1, 2026
Elders! Help Put the “Success” in Succession!
If succession is not done effectively, it may result in the loss of momentum, people, resources, and more. Fully engaged elders help put the “success” in succession.
January 1, 2026
Succession: When It Works, When It Doesn’t
Perhaps the greatest single benefit of succession success is that when it works, succession success honors God and results in positive momentum in the church as well as in the larger community.
January 1, 2026
Succession: The Things You Need to Know but Others Won’t Tell You
We need to start thinking and planning for succession earlier rather than later, knowing that the stakes are high, the process takes time, and that we are following a biblical mandate.
