April 22, 2007
The Simplest of Things
A small act—like buying coffee for the car behind you—can spark a ripple of generosity. Lisa Jernigan urges readers to stop waiting, step into the arena, and let God multiply simple, faithful beginnings.
Articles for tag: Marriage
April 15, 2007
MEGACHURCHES: Why Count?
Kent Fillinger urges church leaders to move past “dysfunctional politeness” by setting clear expectations, monitoring results, and evaluating ministry programs so churches can adjust and bear fruit.
March 25, 2007
Five Ways to Prepare Your People for a Stewardship Sermon
Bob Russell shares five practical tips for preaching about money with confidence—building leadership support, weaving stewardship into regular sermons, emphasizing integrity, and framing messages to help people understand money and giving.
November 22, 2006
Stopped Short by the Principal”s Passion
What do we do when a church member drops out? Mark A. Taylor compares church follow-up to a principal’s relentless care for absent students—and asks what it means when someone quietly falls off the radar.
July 30, 2006
Passing the Baton
A personal reflection on Titus 2 mentoring and why older and younger women need each other. Recognize shared struggles, listen across generations, and pass along faith-shaped wisdom through real relationships.
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.
January 8, 2006
A Jesus Retreat in Islamic Kosovo
A first-of-its-kind weekend seminar in Kosovo drew nearly 35 attendees—many from Muslim backgrounds—to hear about Jesus. Teaching, questions, worship, and friendship opened doors for gospel conversations.
January 1, 2006
BALANCING LIFE AND WORK: Four Perspectives for the Church
Many church assumptions about work, housework, and parenting reflect culture more than Scripture. Kevin Demmitt urges churches to honor both single- and dual-earner families and to help couples share responsibilities in ways that honor God.
October 16, 2005
NACC Minister and Spouse Retreat
A first-ever NACC Minister and Spouse Retreat in the Smokies offered ministry couples rest, worship, laughter, and practical encouragement—helping many return home renewed and ready to serve together.
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.
Is Ministry Where We Go to Lose Our Sense of True Calling?
A pastor reflects on nearly losing his calling to administrivia and urgency. Using a mountain-rescue “self-arrest” lesson, he offers practical disciplines and boundaries to reclaim prayer, focus, and presence with people.
August 7, 2005
When a Baby Dies
Miscarriage is a real loss, and friends can help by showing up with compassion. Learn what to say (and what to avoid), how to offer practical care, and how to support long-term grieving.
July 24, 2005
Wisdom Is a Good Thing
Reflecting on Ecclesiastes and James, Tom Ellsworth shares how God teaches wisdom through life experiences, relationships, and hard seasons—inviting believers to hold on loosely to this life and keep eternity in view.
