April 27, 2008
Engaging the University
Buzz Roberts urges churches to engage college students with authentic friendship, spiritual courage, and a willingness to meet them on campus with the hope of Christ.
Articles for tag: Communication
March 23, 2008
Preaching from a Well-Prepared Life
Ken Idleman explains why a well-prepared life undergirds powerful preaching, highlighting integrity, community, creativity, testimony, and study as priorities that validate the message and keep sermons fresh, relevant, and Spirit-energized.
January 2, 2008
Interview with Lynn Anderson
Lynn Anderson discusses the calling of elders as shepherds who build trust and care for a flock. He addresses policy, authority, qualifications, women and age, and practical ways elders and staff can lead together.
November 25, 2007
Faith”s Fallowness
Mother Teresa’s private letters reveal spiritual silence alongside decades of prayer and service. This reflection explores doubt, dry seasons, and the perseverance of love when God feels distant.
November 21, 2007
Interview with Dawn Prendes
After Sgt. Henry Prendes was killed in the line of duty, his widow, Dawn, shares how God sustained her through grief and how Henry’s testimony sparked gospel impact across Las Vegas and beyond.
October 28, 2007
How Should We Celebrate?
Bob Russell urges believers to celebrate what God has done without idolizing old methods or dismissing the past. The church’s power, he says, is found in Christ, the cross, and bold preaching of God’s Word.
September 23, 2007
NACC: It”s Time . . . to Preach
Joe Grana reflects on North American Christian Convention preaching and why the message of the cross still matters. He urges balance with media, clearer Scripture handling, and conversational delivery—while calling churches to prioritize church planting.
September 9, 2007
The Missional Emphasis of Emerging Churches
A church in Joplin, Missouri, discovered that missional ministry can start at home. Learn what “missional” means, how it differs from consumer church thinking, and how presence, prayer, and practical compassion can transform a community.
August 5, 2007
Still Alive
Using the “bilge pump” parable, Phil Scott warns that maintenance can’t stop long-term decline and urges congregations toward courageous leadership, innovation, and aggressive evangelism beyond the safety of the harbor.
July 22, 2007
What”s Happening with Contemporary Preaching?
Contemporary preaching comes in many forms, but common threads are emerging. Chuck Sackett highlights investment, involvement, invention, and response—then offers wise cautions for staying faithful while adapting methods.
March 25, 2007
Biblical Stewardship in the Local Church
Church stewardship shouldn’t feel like a game of chance. Tom Jones outlines 10 practical principles—vision, leader modeling, clear communication, and creative fundraising—to help congregations build a healthy financial base for mission.
November 26, 2006
The Human Touch
A small group’s culture shifted when one leader chose to offer appropriate, caring touch. Lee Snyder explores why touch matters, how it communicates acceptance and sympathy, and why Christians should practice it wisely and respectfully.
Seriously Seeking God (Part 2)
How do we seek God in everyday life? Steven F. Sturm explores contemplative awareness, richer prayer (including the Psalms), Scripture meditation, and the role of spiritual community in pursuing fellowship with God.
May 14, 2006
The Ministry of the Minister’s Assistant
Four administrative assistants to senior pastors share what they’ve learned about access, communication, staff structure, and trust. Their candid insights offer practical principles any church can apply as it grows.
March 5, 2006
Our Acorn-to-Oak Story
John Faust reflects on four early elders at Southeast Christian Church and the leadership qualities that helped lay a lasting foundation—quality, trust, unity, and availability—for the church’s growth in Louisville.
November 23, 2005
Ideas and Ideals for Leaders on the High Dive
By Jon Weece Risk. Freedom to fail. Dream big. Think outside the box. Try again. These words are frequently spoken by leaders at Southland Christian Church, Lexington, Kentucky. We like these words and others””like creative, innovative, daring, and even crazy””because they make us take deep breaths, cause our hearts to race, and make us swallow hard. These types of words keep us up at night and drive us to our knees. Leaders at Southland are not afraid of climbing the high dive. We like to take risks; we”ve come to realize that fear is a great faith-builder for our team.
November 13, 2005
GRIEF RELIEF (Part 2 or 3): Children and Grief–Some Commonsense Answers
Children grieve losses too, but they’re often overlooked after a death. This practical guide explains how kids experience grief, how to prepare them for funerals, and how adults can offer comfort, communication, and steady spiritual reassurance.
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.
August 7, 2005
Caring for Those in Crisis
A Christian-oriented model for helping people in crisis, built around the “Five R’s”: relate, release, recognize, redirect, and reflect. Practical guidance for supporting others through shock, loss, confusion, and change.
June 5, 2005
The Language of Worship
Byron Cartwright reflects on worship and culture through Paul’s teaching, urging unity and maturity amid changing musical expressions and conflict over style in Christian community.
