Church Leadership equips pastors, elders, ministry staff, and volunteer leaders to lead with biblical conviction, humility, and wisdom. Explore practical, Scripture-shaped guidance on leading teams, developing leaders, casting vision, making decisions, and building a healthy ministry culture. You’ll also find help for navigating conflict, communication, accountability, and the spiritual formation of leaders—so leadership flows from character, not just competence. Whether you’re stepping into leadership for the first time or carrying long-term responsibility, these resources aim to strengthen your leadership for the good of the church and the mission of Jesus.
September 1, 2024
When we lead our local churches to see our local communities as our primary mission field, it gives Christians who are breathing the toxic fumes of expressive individualism a breath of fresh air. We are summoned outside of self to love something bigger than self . . . our God and neighbor.
Christian Standard created this listing of regularly produced podcasts loosely defined as “Restoration Movement” podcasts. The theme-driven podcasts in the top portion of this listing are produced by Christian churches and organizations. The podcasts at the bottom are individual churches’ weekly sermons/messages. . . .
Most every preacher will tell you they have a certain number of regrets in their life when it comes to ministry. I certainly do. But I don’t want to have any regrets when it comes to preaching. . . .
Are we content with mediocrity and satisfied with the status quo? Do we ache to be more effective in our leadership efforts? . . .
Joshua was leading through preaching. He was wielding leadership influence through the proclamation of his words and the witness of his life. Let’s follow that example.
In this "Epistle from Thistle," the columnist and correspondent describes (in his own unique way) "seven multisyllabic mistakes, or 'speaking faults,' preachers or, I suppose, any public speaker can make." . . .
What does it take to pastor a church for the long haul? Christian Standard posed this question to Bob Stevens who has served with Allensburg Church of Christ in Ohio for 40 years; Jerran Jackson, 44-year minister with Clarksburg (Indiana) Christian Church; and David Simpson, pastor with Lanier Christian Church in Georgia for 48 years. . . .
May 2, 2024
"God’s Word provides some rather explicit instruction concerning the basis for choosing church leaders," Sam E. Stone wrote in 1968. "Four basic principles are outlined in the opening verses of 1 Timothy 3." . . .
An honest assessment of where we are as a movement when it comes to elders and their leadership. . . .
By Chris Philbeck I’m writing this at the beginning of a new year. For many people a new year marks the opportunity for new beginnings. It’s a time when many make resolutions like losing weight, getting out of debt, or ending a bad habit. The beginning of 2024 is significant for me because it marks an ending. I began full-time vocational ministry in May 1980, and I intend to retire from it on June 30, 2024. When I graduated from Bible college in 1980, all I wanted to do was be a preacher. Because I was young and inexperienced, I
April 19, 2024
Exponential has announced a new strategic partnership with Ed Stetzer to operate and steward the Church Planting Leadership Fellowship (CPLF). This collaborative effort aims to amplify the network’s impact and extend its reach within the church-planting community, according to an announcement at Exponential’s website. . . .
"Can I tell you about the best sermon I never heard?" Matt Proctor asked the crowd at ICOM last November. "If I could time travel just once . . . I would go back to Luke 24. On that very first Easter Sunday . . . the resurrected Jesus is walking on the road to Emmaus, talking with two travelers. . . ."
March 12, 2024
David Fincher describes efforts to continue Christian education opportunities in the Cincinnati area via the Russell School of Ministry, CCL Network, and Elliott Library since the closure of Cincinnati Christian University at the end of 2019. . . .
March 4, 2024
Uppercase leaders demand attention; lowercase leaders quietly do God’s work. . . .
A funeral sermon helped launch me on a path to ministry . . .
February 22, 2024
For his "Best Practices" feature in 2014, former editor Mike Mack introduced a listicle by writing: "Acts 20 contains 21 character traits of the apostle Paul. Look over this list, and then take time to assess yourself as a leader." . . .
February 8, 2024
A 2005 reflection on “Integrity in the Pulpit” confronts sermon stealing, defines pulpit plagiarism, explores why it happens, and urges pastors to practice honesty by giving clear attribution in preaching.
January 1, 2024
By Tim Harlow It’s worth pointing out that I was not asked to write about a deep doctrinal issue, or leadership, or how to respond to a difficult social problem. No, I was asked to share about the benefits of therapy for Christian leaders. I own it. I needed therapy. I need therapy. I have had very few seasons of my life when I had my stuff together. In fact, I wouldn’t be where I am today without the occasional counseling help I’ve received, specifically from the good folks at Blessing Ranch Ministries. I’ll share a specific example from a
January 1, 2024
By Jerry Harris All church leaders are dealing with stress right now. Stress can come from every area of our lives. You might be under pressure, facing big changes, feeling a lack of control, shouldering heavy responsibility, or feeling uncertain about the future. You might be facing multiple issues simultaneously or feeling the effects of past experiences. Your stress might be triggered by illness, injury, parenting, infertility, bereavement, abuse, marriage, divorce, relationships, or caregiving. You might have lost your job, or be seeking a new job, or just started in a new role. Perhaps you retired recently. You might be
November 1, 2023
By Chris Philbeck “I’m pretty sure no one will go home and say, ‘That’s the best sermon I’ve ever heard.’” I spoke those words recently as part of my sermon introduction. Let me explain. I’m preaching chapter-by-chapter through the book of Romans in a series called, “Unashamed.” I love Romans because it gives such a thorough explanation of the gospel. Paul begins with the sinfulness of man, moves to the grace of God that makes salvation possible through faith, and then focuses on our continued pursuit of righteousness. MEAT AND POTATOES On this weekend I was preaching from Romans 6
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June 10, 2026
Dr. Amanda Porter
June 9, 2026
Rick Cherok
June 9, 2026
David Faust