The Annual Church Financial Audit
A 2025 annual church financial audit highlights steady electronic giving, lower debt loads, strong cash reserves, and changing giving-unit patterns across congregational sizes.
Series: Columns
July 28, 2026
There’s Power in the Process
AI may help pastors prepare sermons, but it cannot replace the Spirit-formed process of living with Scripture, wrestling through the message, and preaching with power.
July 21, 2026
Be Careful What You Say
Ecclesiastes warns against unfiltered words, unfulfilled promises, and unnecessary speech, reminding believers that wise, sincere, and carefully chosen words can bring life.
July 21, 2026
Almost No One Burns Out Over Too Much Work—Some Thoughts On Therapeutic Faith
A provocative reflection on burnout, self-care, and purpose, arguing that biblical calling is often costly, cross-shaped, and fueled by obedience rather than comfort.
How Can Christians Respond to Online Accusations?
False accusations can spread quickly and damage the church’s witness. Faithful leaders must discern when to remain silent, when to investigate, and how to pursue truth over reputation.
July 14, 2026
Team Integrity
Church leadership requires more than strong opinions. Elders and staff must lead with humility, integrity, accountability, trustworthiness, transparency, and a willingness to work as a team.
July 9, 2026
The Accountable Leader
Christian leaders need deep, intentional friendships marked by accountability, humility, and biblical faithfulness to protect character and finish strong.
July 7, 2026
The Far-Reaching Impact of Compromise
Abraham and Isaac both faced moments when fear led them to compromise their integrity, reminding us that obedience requires trusting God with the results.
Above All, Guard Your Heart: Leading With Integrity
Leadership integrity begins with guarding the heart. This article reflects on Scripture, ministry experience, friendship, and spiritual formation as essential foundations for faithful leaders.
June 30, 2026
Think Discipleship
A reflection on Real Life Ministries, small groups, and how intentional leaders, relational environments, and reproducible processes can move people from spectators to mature disciple-makers.
June 1, 2026
No Matter Where You Serve the Lord, You Are Part of Something Really Big!
Ministry impact isn’t measured by numbers or applause. Wherever you serve, you’re part of God’s vast kingdom—spanning generations, cultures, and eternity—where the Lord honors faithful service.
Your Ministry Matters
In this Editor’s note, Shawn McMullen encourages church leaders—especially in small congregations—to remember that every faithful ministry matters. Prioritize personal holiness and depth with Christ, and trust God with the breadth of the impact.
March 27, 2026
Most Iranians Aren’t Even Muslim! Shocking Stats to Consider as America is at War with Iran
Tyler McKenzie highlights 2020 survey findings about religion in Iran, noting rising secular identification alongside spiritual openness. He reflects on missional opportunity, compassion over coercion, digital outreach, and praying for war to end and suffering to be limited.
March 13, 2026
Why Can’t We Be Friends?
David Wright urges church elders to move beyond agendas into genuine friendship. He names common barriers, calls for humility and grace, and offers practical ways to build trust, unity, and a stronger leadership witness.
March 13, 2026
Equipping God’s People
Chris Philbeck reflects on leading a preaching cohort and the biblical call to equip God’s people. He shares how preaching becomes most powerful when Scripture first transforms the preacher and produces authenticity that can’t be faked.
March 13, 2026
Every Superhero Needs a Squad
Kent Fillinger uses superhero teams to encourage pastors not to serve in isolation. He highlights rising pastoral loneliness and offers practical ways solo ministers can find support, accountability, and encouragement through trusted ministry relationships.
March 13, 2026
Thinking Downward
Jerry Harris explains why “becoming all things to all people” is often misapplied and how churches can stay outwardly focused. He introduces “the dot,” a philosophy of downward focus that helps shape relevance for reaching the 80 percent outside.
March 13, 2026
True Friends
Proverbs 17:17 sums up well the work of true friends: “A friend loves at all times.” The love of true friends is expressed in a variety of ways. This editorial identifies some of them.
March 13, 2026
Unexpected Friendships
David Faust explores unexpected friendships—from public figures to Scripture—and encourages readers to pursue “bold” relationships that stretch their comfort zone, including intergenerational connections and friendships with those others may overlook.
January 1, 2026
Preach the Real Gospel
Discernment isn’t knowing the difference between right and wrong; it’s knowing the difference between right and almost right. Almost right will never be enough when it comes to someone’s eternal destiny.
