Leaders Are the Key
Larry Travis and Tim Wallingford identify four leadership challenges facing small- and medium-size churches: unclear roles, conflict, lack of training, and the struggle to embrace biblical vision.
Articles for tag: Great Commission
May 27, 2009
Simply Appealing
Mark A. Taylor considers the appeal of simplicity in church life, drawing from David Browning, Simple Church, and the need for congregations to focus clearly on God’s priorities.
February 1, 2009
A Great Gathering for God”s Glory (The National Missionary Convention)
The 61st National Missionary Convention gathered nearly 4,500 people in Tulsa for worship, workshops, exhibits, mission stories, and renewed commitment to cross-cultural service.
February 1, 2009
Is It Time to Move Beyond Truth? (Part 3)
Robert C. Kurka critiques nonfoundationalist theology, arguing that Christians can reject modernity’s overconfidence without abandoning truth, biblical authority, mission, and gospel proclamation.
January 4, 2009
Common Sense
Greg Pruett urges the church to seek receptive Muslim peoples, translate Scripture into local languages, and share Christ through intentional, culturally sensitive mission strategy.
September 7, 2008
Just Asking: Five Questions for the Restoration Movement
Jim Tune urges Restoration Movement church planters to recover historical memory, doctrinal clarity, and family loyalty while pursuing unity and mission with grace.
August 10, 2008
How Your Small & Midsized Church Can GROW
Leonard Wymore urges congregations to strengthen the leaders already among them by building teams of associates, ministry teams, and healthy meeting practices that help churches grow.
July 16, 2008
Interview with Doug Wood
Doug Wood explains how churches can address fear, build trust, recover Restoration principles, and pursue first-century growth without compromising biblical convictions.
June 18, 2008
Interview with John Chace
John Chace reflects on how elders and staff share vision, shepherding, strategic planning, and support through growth, building expansion, and long-term ministry in South Florida.
June 15, 2008
Evangelism Is Natural Church
David Bycroft challenges churches to see evangelism and growth as natural outcomes of a healthy congregation, calling leaders to become persistently intentional about reaching the lost.
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.
February 6, 2008
Interview with Marsha Relyea Miles
Marsha Relyea Miles reflects on leading the 2007 National Missionary Convention, measuring missions impact, and the long work of Bible translation in Papua New Guinea—while encouraging perseverance and mobilization for the unreached.
January 6, 2008
To Err Is Divine: “Pastoring” in Biblical Perspective
Church leadership isn’t secured by titles but proven through shepherding. This piece contrasts “Tyrant” and “CEO” pastor models with New Testament care rooted in Jesus the Shepherd and expressed through accountable, grace-shaped ministry.
October 14, 2007
TRIED & TRUE: Faith-Promise
First Christian Church in Fairfield, Illinois, has used faith-promise giving for decades to support missions. Learn the keys that sustained the vision, protected the fund, and kept missions engagement growing across generations.
Discipleship for Slow Learners
Larry and Judy Niemeyer share 10 hard-won lessons from decades of disciple-making work in Africa—prioritizing disciples, designing for reproduction, and relying on God’s presence for lasting transformation.
April 29, 2007
To the Ends of the Earth . . . Short Term
International students in a seminary class share candid concerns about short-term mission trips—motivations, cultural understanding, and attitudes of pity—while affirming the need to pursue short-term efforts with better preparation and kingdom impact.
April 25, 2007
Interview with Perry Rubin
Perry Rubin explains how Auburn Christian Fellowship builds community through relationships, weekly rhythms, and campus outreach. He shares why campus ministry matters for faith formation and how students carry that impact into church and mission after graduation.
April 11, 2007
Interview with Sue Wilson
Sue Wilson shares candid insight on marriage, ministry partnership, and the pressures of being a pastor’s wife at a large church. She reflects on criticism, communication, church growth, and practical advice for younger ministers’ wives.
March 18, 2007
Coaching God’s Team (Part 1)
Jim Putman compares the church to a team and argues “winning” is defined by making disciples. He examines sobering statistics and urges leaders to return to Jesus’ relational disciple-making game plan.
January 7, 2007
What Emerging Means to Our Churches and Ministries
Dan Kimball explains why churches can’t assume postmodern generations will think or worship like moderns. He urges leaders to understand emerging culture, adapt ministry approaches, and press ahead in making disciples with faithfulness and clarity.
