Ministry Innovations and Changes
Megachurch and emerging megachurch leaders share ministry examples tied to growth—from outreach and new worship venues to staffing, small-group focus, and strategic changes that helped their churches expand.
Articles for tag: Community Outreach
March 5, 2008
Your Opinion About Our Unique Identity
CHRISTIAN STANDARD invites readers to complete a survey about connection and identity within the Restoration Movement. The article highlights encouraging growth and influence, while raising concerns about drifting from the movement’s unique plea.
February 27, 2008
Interview with Tom Ellsworth
Tom Ellsworth discusses how Beyond Your Backyard calls believers and churches to move beyond comfort zones through relationships and unselfish service, balancing outward community impact with inward discipleship and equipping.
January 13, 2008
A Simple Plan for Children’s and Youth Ministers Threatened by Burnout
Children’s and youth ministers often feel trapped on a nonstop treadmill of programs. Learn practical ways to prevent burnout by managing time well, building relationships, narrowing focus, and leading with a team.
September 5, 2007
Earthly Hurts and an Eternal Perspective
Mark A. Taylor reflects on the church’s renewed commitment to compassion and community outreach—while urging believers not to lose sight of eternity, sin, and salvation as they serve “the least of these.”
June 17, 2007
A Day in the Park
A teaching series sparked Manchester Christian Church’s “A Day in the Park,” mobilizing small groups and hundreds of volunteers to give away clothing, furniture, and household goods—an ordinary weekend turned extraordinary through community outreach.
June 17, 2007
Just the Beginning
After “A Day in the Park,” a small group listens to a Somali family’s story, then takes practical steps to help them find a safer home—discovering deeper friendship and lessons about God’s love along the way.
June 3, 2007
Passion, Purpose . . . and Joy!
Barbara Rendel shares how her life’s many transitions have never changed her passion for ministry. She describes evangelism, a monthlong prayer-call outreach, and community service as paths to lasting purpose and eternal difference.
When You Begin a Food Pantry
A practical checklist for starting a church food pantry, with guidance on visibility, volunteer involvement, safety, accountability, respectful care, and relationship-building with recipients.
May 9, 2007
The Problem of Poverty Needs More Than Prayer
A reminder that God guides moving people: as Christians respond to poverty, prayer must be joined with action. Practical steps—serving, giving, and volunteering—can meet real needs while we seek God’s direction.
February 4, 2007
MULTISITE CHURCHES: It Works for Us
LifeBridge Christian Church shares what it learned taking a big step of faith into DVD preaching for multisite ministry—what worked, what mattered more, and why leadership, volunteers, and coordination make the difference.
July 30, 2006
Humbled and Enriched by Encounters With the Poor
In a church benevolence program, compassion and discernment meet real need. Nancy Karpenske reflects on nearly 2,000 requests, practical guidelines, prayerful care, and partnerships that help churches serve with dignity.
May 28, 2006
Reaching Immigrants
Revelation pictures heaven as a multitude from every nation and language. Ken Gosnell offers practical “ACROSS” steps for churches to reach immigrants with acceptance, strategy, and culturally sensitive evangelism.
April 9, 2006
MEGACHURCH PROFILE: Mountain Christian Church
Founded in 1824, Mountain Christian Church blends longstanding community trust with a future-focused mission. Leaders emphasize conversion growth through preaching, worship, and community service, supported by a robust small-group system and a strategic church plant in White Marsh.
August 28, 2005
Building a Lighthouse
How can a church building itself become a mission statement? Terrence O’Casey shares how Seaside Christian Church used symbolic design—and practical planning—to reach spiritual “drive-bys” while guarding against making a building an idol.
August 21, 2005
Doing Church in the City
A look at Keele Street Christian Church in Toronto’s Junction—its 1800s roots, changing neighborhood, multicultural congregation, and the practical challenges and ministries of doing church in a major city.
July 31, 2005
CHURCH IN THE CITY 1: Pursuing Partnerships in Indianapolis
In a diverse city, “one size does not fit all.” Jeff Krajewski explains how partnerships help urban churches connect resources to real needs, support spiritual formation, and strengthen unity and accountability across congregations.
