February 23, 2024
Hosanna Wong was raised in an urban ministry but never intended to go to a Christian college. She ended up at Hope International University, however, and after graduating in 2011, she has become an international speaker, author, and spoken word artist who is helping everyday people know Jesus for real. . . .
October 7, 2020
News Channel 11 in Johnson City, Tenn., interviewed several people for a story last week after it learned “Milligan University had forced a gay professor to resign or renounce their lifestyle” during spring semester. A number of students and alumni sent a form letter to Milligan’s administration and trustees several months ago asking that they commit to several promises relative to sexual orientation and “anti-discrimination” policies involving LGBTQ+ individuals. The lengthy news report said Milligan president Bill Greer met with a current student and a recent alumnus about the situation over the summer. Greer declined to be interviewed for the
This architectural plan reflects the personality and mission of Summit Christian Church in Sparks, Nevada. By Mel McGowan Just north of Reno, between the flash of casinos and the vast Nevada wilderness, you’ll find a community where economic booms and busts come with the territory, and people are desperate for a higher view and solid ground. Summit Christian Church of Sparks, Nevada, endeavors to provide these things. Desert Roots Nineteen years ago, a determined group of people in love with Jesus put down roots in the Truckee Meadows. They weathered the region’s economic growth and collapse in the same
July 1, 2016
By Stephen B. Bond It all began as an innocent conversation. I was turning 60 years old and someone asked what was on my bucket list. I thought for a moment and offhandedly said, “I”d like to climb Mount Whitney! I”ve never done it before and it would be a challenging adventure!” (Mount Whitney rises 14,505 feet above California, making it the tallest mountain in the contiguous United States.) As soon as the words left my mouth, they seemed to take on a life of their own. It wasn”t long before the elder team at my church jumped on board
January 31, 2015
By Stephen Bond A long swim was made better because we were a team. Five years ago when I first heard about the Alcatraz swim, I put it on my bucket list. It sounded like a thrilling challenge . . . swimming 1.5 miles from the former penitentiary across the San Francisco Bay to the mainland. From the movies I had seen, no one had ever “escaped from Alcatraz,” and this would be my chance! However, when I heard the water was a brisk 55 degrees, I decided to wait until the year I turned 60 years old. I wanted to show
December 23, 2012
By Jessica Vana I served on staff at Summit Christian Church in Sparks, Nevada, for more than five years. Each year when the glittering Christmas decorations went up, I would get a little spring in my step and a grin I found impossible to restrain. The whole campus glows with dozens of trees, thousands of lights, and many other special touches. But every year, there was one tree that stood out. It wasn”t a very large tree, and it was simply decorated with paper angels. On the back of each angel was the name of an under-resourced child. Parents, grandparents,
September 10, 2012
How can churches create a lasting culture of generosity? Explore practical giving strategies from four congregations that connect financial stewardship, spiritual growth, community outreach, and intentional leadership to encourage generous living.
February 9, 2012
Stephen Bond explains how Summit Christian Church approaches elder selection, term limits, leadership, and decision-making while challenging assumptions that Scripture requires one model of church governance.
July 6, 2011
Jessica Vana reflects on ministry fatigue, friendship, and the humility of admitting our need for others, discovering that vulnerability can deepen relationships and build the authentic community leaders often encourage others to pursue.
May 30, 2011
Stephen Bond reflects on Joshua, fear, and God’s promises, showing how Christ followers can move forward with courage by trusting God’s power, provision, and presence.
February 3, 2011
The 1-Life youth group at Summit Christian Church in Sparks, Nevada, raised more than $50,000 to help residents of slums in Nairobi, Kenya.
November 8, 2010
By Stephen Bond I played water polo in high school. Water polo is a team sport. Each player in the pool has a distinct role, and each one depends on the other if the team is to be successful. On my high school team we had Mike Moore, a scoring machine, “in the hole” on the offensive end of the pool and Guy Antley on the defensive end as our goalie. Both men received All-American awards but both played very different roles on our team. We needed both Mike and Guy (and several more of us non-All-American players) to win. The
July 11, 2010
Stephen Bond reflects on 34 years of risk-taking faith, from seminary and Chilean missions to Midwest ministry and church planting in Sparks, Nevada.
March 28, 2010
Stephen Bond reflects on how financial scarcity challenged churches while encouraging creative ministry, careful stewardship, deeper dependence on God, and greater sensitivity to people facing unemployment and financial hardship.
March 7, 2010
What do a lost sheep, a missing coin, and a returning son reveal about God's heart? Stephen Bond examines the urgency of seeking people who are far from God.
November 9, 2008
Steve Bond shares how Summit Christian Church pursued wise decision making through elder consensus, staff-led leadership, patient timing, and a team culture that values listening.
November 2, 2008
Stephen Bond explains why healthy ministry teams must embrace honest conflict, pursue compromise, practice forgiveness, and protect organizational health through open, humble conflict resolution.
October 26, 2008
Stephen Bond shares practical lessons from Summit Christian Church on strengthening ministry teamwork through honest communication, reduced stress, personal boundaries, appreciation, and a shared language.
October 19, 2008
Stephen Bond reflects on how chemistry, expectations, and ministry alignment helped Summit Christian Church build healthy staff and elder teams during a season of significant growth.
After a painful ministry season, Stephen Bond reflects on how neglecting health diminished his clarity and stamina. He argues fitness is spiritual stewardship and offers three practical guidelines for lasting discipline.
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