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.
Series: Featured
October 9, 2005
The “In-Between” Guy
When a minister leaves—especially after conflict—churches can rush into another painful transition. Learn how an intentional interim minister helps congregations grieve well, resolve conflict, and prepare for a healthy new beginning.
October 9, 2005
How to Finish a Ministry Well
Floyd Strater offers practical guidance for ministers weighing a move or a stay—why not to decide on Monday, how to evaluate the whole church context, and how to leave with peace and integrity.
October 9, 2005
Is This the End of the Worship Fad?
Ken Read reflects on the irony of highly produced Sunday worship “shows,” the burnout they can create, and why many believers are longing for deeper practices like prayer, community, Scripture, and service.
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 9, 2005
ONLINE EXTRA: Bush Nominates Miers to Serve on Supreme Court
President Bush nominated Harriet Miers, a longtime member of Valley View Christian Church in Dallas, to replace Justice Sandra Day O’Connor. Church leaders describe her faith, humility, and service, and note her White House roles as staff secretary and counsel.
October 2, 2005
How to Preach Like an Amateur
Eddie Lowen offers two preaching principles: sermons must be biblical (even if not narrowly expository) and must be personal, with integrity in how preachers use and credit sermon material.
October 2, 2005
Integrity in the Pulpit
Pulpit plagiarism isn’t just “borrowing”—it’s deception. Dean M. Christensen defines sermon plagiarism, explains why it happens, and offers a simple solution: give clear attribution and model integrity in the pulpit.
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
How to Help Your New Preacher
Practical counsel for congregations who want to strengthen a preacher’s ministry: set realistic expectations, listen for application, encourage with support and outreach, and pray for courage, humility, and wisdom.
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 25, 2005
Partners With God
Partnership is often overlooked in kingdom work. Tom Ellsworth reminds leaders that God is the senior partner, and Noah’s story shows how faithful obedience and trust carry us through the storms.
September 18, 2005
Kingdom-Driven Church
Many Christians describe gospel “benefits,” but Scripture repeatedly summarizes the good news as God’s kingdom. John Nugent explains what the kingdom means and why recovering kingdom language can strengthen the church’s witness today.
September 18, 2005
A New Era in Sudan!
A call to pray, give, and go as peace opens new opportunity in southern Sudan. The article highlights the endurance of the Sudanese church and urges believers to partner in gospel work, training, and compassionate service.
September 18, 2005
How Did Jesus Feel?
By James Girdwood God asks us to copy him””to be like him. He said, “Be perfect” (Matthew 5:48); “be holy” (1 Peter 1:15, 16); “love” (1 John 4:11; Hosea 3:1). The book of Hosea itemizes more than 40 ways God expresses his love for his spiritual wife, Israel. Jesus, too, asks us to follow his example. He specifically asks us to copy him in service and in love (John 13:12-17, 34). My Christian parents always taught me to copy Jesus. It seems so natural. The Bible says as much in 1 Corinthians 11:1; 1 Thessalonians 1:6 and 1 Peter 2:21.
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 11, 2005
How Are They Doing Now?
Four years after 9/11, David and Peggy Beamer share how they’ve carried grief after losing their son Todd on Flight 93, what “Let’s Roll” means to them, and how faith continues to steady them.
September 11, 2005
Re-Respect Your Elders
Volunteer elders often face misunderstanding and criticism. Eddie Lowen urges churches to reject disrespect, uphold biblical qualifications, and use thoughtful selection practices so elders can lead with integrity and joy.
