Category: Christian Practices

Is Your Disciple Making Simple, Effective, and Reproducible?

Every believer and every church needs a disciple making system that is simple, effective, and reproducible. Those three words are not trendy—they are essential. I once heard someone compare a […]

Beginning with the Beginning in Mind

When I was a kid, my dad was a certified instructor for Stephen Covey’s The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, primarily in corporate settings. As a result, nearly every car […]

How the Trinity Helps Us in Discipleship

“On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you.” (John 14:20, NIV) In reading for biblical literacy, […]

Church Leaders: Focus on Disciple Making

If you are a church leader, you need a clear focus for your ministry. There are so many things to do—sermons, pastoral visits, planning meetings, and more—and, if we’re honest, […]

Is it my fault my adult children don’t believe?

Raising children carries an unavoidable companion: guilt. If you haven’t felt it yet, you will. I remember the first time I disciplined my daughter. She was five years old and, […]

Sermon on the Mount: Building Your House

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the […]

Reflecting on the St. Paul Church Protesters

January 21, 2026 Minnesota’s Twin Cities have erupted again. A large deployment of President Trump’s ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) agents in the area met with icy resistance. Protests […]

Amazing Baptism Numbers Seminar – Watch the Recordings

Dear RENEW.org Network Leaders, If you are a church leader or everyday Christian and you want to learn how to be more effective at leading people to Jesus through baptism, […]

Standup Sermons? What Preachers Can Learn About Communication from Comedians

Introduction: No, I Don’t Mean “Add More Jokes” If you’re a preacher, you might have seen the title and assumed, “This guy is making a connection between comedy and the […]

N. T. Wright on the Gospel: Swinging the Pendulum Too Far?

If there is any one subject that has been central to N. T. Wright’s teaching and writing ministry, it just might be the gospel. From academic books and articles to […]

What is Spiritual Success?

While most people are chasing the idea of being “successful,” what if we got the definition of success wrong? What if we don’t even know what success really is? Which […]

Fear and Faith: Understanding Islam with Courage and Compassion

As someone who teaches, speaks, and trains the church to share Christ with Muslims, I often encounter two vital questions: “Can we be concerned about Islamic ideology without fearing Muslims?” […]

Pastors and Workplace Leaders: A Two-Way Street to Kingdom Impact

In today’s cultural seismic shifts, the boundary between sacred and secular continues to blur—and that’s a positive development. As pastors, we have a unique opportunity to extend our influence beyond […]

5 Things to Expect from a Missionary

People sometimes place unfair expectations on missionaries that they support. They might expect the missionary to convert an entire nation to Christ before their first furlough. They might expect the […]

Do We Really Need to Be Saved?

In his work The Republic, Plato relates a discussion between his brother Glaucon and his teacher Socrates. The discussion was about the question of human nature. Glaucon argues that, were […]

30 Days of Prayer for Your Children

Prayer, as a spiritual discipline, requires time, effort, and consistency. The same goes for praying for your children. This 30-day prayer guide I’ve put together can help you cultivate the […]

Three Paths in Ministry to Muslims: Interreligious, Interfaith, and Gospel-Centered Approaches

In an age marked by religious pluralism and global migration, Christian engagement with Muslims demands more than good intentions—it requires theological clarity, cultural wisdom, and missional conviction. At first glance, […]

Young Jesus in the Temple: The Return Home (Part 3)

For Part 1 of this three-part imaginative recounting of young Jesus in the Temple (“An Insuperable Assignment”), click HERE, and for Part 2 (“The Search”), click HERE. How little Joseph and […]

Leadership Alignment Training for Disciple Making

Dear RENEW.org Network Leaders, Join me by wrapping your mind around an important truth: fewer than 5% of churches in North America have a disciple making culture (see here). That […]

From Cornfield to City: How One Congregation Followed Jesus into the Heart of Middletown

There’s a moment every week that still catches me off guard because it’s so new. Unhoused men and women, some still recovering from addiction, gather alongside longtime believers on a […]

Barriers to Spiritual Growth in the Book of Acts

Spiritual growth is a lifelong journey that is often shaped as much by resistance as by resolve. The Book of Acts offers more than a historical account of the early […]

What Is Repentance and What Does It Look Like?

In the first-century Jewish world, large numbers of people were drawn to the simple message of repentance. Both John the Baptist and Jesus preached, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven […]

Battle-Ready Discipleship

Why do so many Christians crumble under cultural pressure? Why do churches so often resemble spiritual daycare instead of boot camp? The Church cannot afford to raise spectators. We must […]

Will the Real Saul of Tarsus Please Stand Up?

Updated October 24, 2025. One of the most important figures in the New Testament is the apostle Paul. Once a zealous persecutor of Christians, Jesus came to him in a […]

VIDEO: Review of John Mark Comer’s ‘Practicing the Way’

In this Renew Review, we explore John Mark Comer’s book Practicing the Way: Be With Jesus, Become Like Jesus, Do as He Did. This book is the cornerstone of Comer’s […]

Why Record-Breaking Moments Won’t Build Your Church—And What Will

Somewhere right now, a man is running across a desert without stopping. A teenager is holding his breath longer than most of us could survive. And a chef is stacking […]

Must Every Disciple Be a Disciple Maker?

At the end of his earthly ministry, Jesus instructed the disciples he had made to “go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father […]

Make Your Small Groups Like A.A.

Instead of church small groups looking and feeling like a classroom, small groups should look and feel more like A.A. That’s right…Alcoholics Anonymous. To truly make disciples of Jesus, people […]

Review of ‘Practicing the Way’ by John Mark Comer

Practicing the Way is the signature book for John Mark Comer’s current ministry (which bears the same name as the title of the book), the aim of which is to […]

What’s Sunday Really For?

Back in the 1950s, the Austrian zoologist Konrad Lorenz discovered a fact of nature everyone should know: ducklings, it turns out, are gullible. Arriving in the world without any innate […]

Normalize Conformity to the Image of Jesus as the Goal of Disciple Making

It’s common to hear that, as Christians, it’s important to be and make disciples of Jesus. But why is it so important? Sometime after discovering that we were supposed to […]

You Can Evangelize.

*This article was adapted from Dylan Kirkland, Starting Your Journey with Jesus: A 30-Day Devotional for New Christians. Evangelism is a spiritual rhythm that every disciple of Jesus can and […]

Worship Leaders and Identity

For those of us that are musicians and worship leaders, where does our identity come from? Is it in our musical talents? Our artistic spirit? Our ability to lead a […]

The Killing of Charlie Kirk: A Tragedy in Three Dimensions

Updated September 13, 2025 Conservative activist Charlie Kirk was shot and killed this week while speaking at a university in Utah. The 31-year-old was fielding questions on his “Prove Me […]

Dear Disciple, It’s Okay to Grieve What You’ve Lost

Dear young disciple, You have come so far in your journey with Christ, and I am proud of you. I know it doesn’t feel like you’ve developed and grown much, […]

In the Wake of Minneapolis: Why We Must Be Honest About the Mental Health Crisis in the LGBTQ Community

On the morning of August 27, 2025, during Mass at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis, a 23-year-old transgender individual, identified as Robin Westman, opened fire through stained-glass windows, killing two […]

How the Ordinary Becomes Holy

We say Jesus began his ministry at thirty—but the Greek text never says that. Luke 3:23 reads, “Jesus, when he began, was about thirty years of age…” Most English translations […]

Why Connect with People of a Different Worldview?

What does it mean for Christians to connect with people of a different worldview? Here’s what we mean: it’s cultivating relationships with and learning from people whose perspective differs significantly […]

What Does a Maturing Disciple of Jesus Look Like?

“That I be so transformed in your beauty that we may be alike in beauty, and both behold ourselves in your beauty, possessing then your very beauty; this, in such […]

What is the Gospel: And How Do We Respond?

It may be the most important word in Scripture. At its core, gospel means good news. In the ancient world, it marked a turning point—“Something has happened…and because it happened, […]

Making Room: Reflections on a Ministry Internship

I had the opportunity to intern at a church for the first time this summer. With two years of college under my belt, I knew that I was prepared to […]

In Ministry? Beware of Isolation.

Early on in ministry, one of my pastors sat me down to have a heart-to-heart about entering ministry. In this long conversation, my pastor imparted much of his own personal […]

How to Prioritize Your Family

“Put me on the next flight. My son needs me.” In the middle of the 2008 NBA playoffs, Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade received a call no parent wants to […]

When Sports Conflict with Sunday Worship: Some Questions to Ask

*Editor’s Note: In this article’s final paragraph, the author rightly calls this sports-church conflict an “elephant in the room.” As such, it’s an elephant that has plunked down in the […]

Paul the Missionary: How Suffering Propelled His Mission

*Author’s Note: Paul’s encounter with Christ led him to a greater understanding of the faith, and from that encounter, Paul developed a theology of mission that affected everything about him, […]

Jesus Sends Out the Seventy-Two: 7 Reflections on How Disciples Go

He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” (Luke 10:2, NIV) […]

Christformation and Embracing Forgiveness

What is God up to in our lives? When we look throughout Scripture, we see that, above all, God is restoring his image in us so we can be fruitful […]

When to Teach Your Kids About Sexuality and Gender?

When is the right time to teach kid(s) about sex, sexuality, gender, and LGBTQ+ topics? I wish it were as easy as offering a specific point in childhood development; unfortunately, […]

Conference on Discipling Men

Dear RENEW.org Network Friends, RENEW.org and Discipleship.org are partnering with BetterMan for a one-day conference in Dallas on September 11, 2025, called “Discipling Men.” Let me tell you why we […]

Paul the Missionary: How Contextualization Influenced His Mission

*Author’s Note: Paul’s encounter with Christ led him to a greater understanding of the faith, and from that encounter, Paul developed a theology of mission that affected everything about him, […]

Communion Training Tools We Use at Our Church

When I was around twelve, I got swept up into a “Men’s Leadership” class at my suburban Detroit congregation. The class intended to prepare a new generation of young men […]

Build the Ark: Noah, Meaning, and the Church in an Age of Collapse

One of the first things the Bible teaches us—right there in Genesis—is that God is a God of order. God separates: light from darkness, sea from sky, meaning from murk. […]

What Happens When Churches Overemphasize Social Justice?

We believe in the gospel. It is not just “good news”—it is the best news a human being can ever hear. It tells us about the greatest act of redemption […]

A Case for Bible Words

Each culture develops its own language. This is true not only within ethnic cultures but within subcultures. Within the basketball culture there are words such as “cut,” “flare screen,” “zone,” […]

Why I Wrote ‘Baptism According to Scripture’

July 14, 2025 Today, along with three other organizations, we’re releasing what has been the hardest book I’ve ever written. And that’s saying something—I’ve written or co-written around 20 books. […]

Giving Your Family the Best of You

I’ll never forget a story I heard once about a father who had to stay late in the office to finish up some work. He felt so guilty about the […]

Paul the Missionary: How Paul’s Conversion Activated His Mission

Two thousand years ago, one single individual dedicated his life to traveling around the Roman Empire, making disciples, planting churches, appointing leaders, writing letters. He established doctrine and theology for […]

Is Discipleship the Wrong Paradigm for the Church Today?

*Editor’s Note: Is Jesus-style disciple making the core mission of the church today—or was it meant to be a pre-Pentecost paradigm? Does contemporary disciple making work? Or does it leave […]

5 Ways to Pray with Your Kids

How do our children see God based on the way we pray? Do they picture Him as the almighty Creator of the universe, the Shepherd of their souls, the One […]

Baptism According to Scripture: A Discussion

What if the clearest voice on baptism wasn’t a tradition, denomination, or preacher–but Scripture itself? Join Bobby Harrington (RENEW.org), Jerry Harris (Christian Standard), Gary Johnson (e2 Effective Elders), Karl Halverson […]

Salvation: We Have Been, Are Being, and Shall Be Saved

When I was a kid, around ten years old, my mom took me to a big revival meeting in some large municipal auditorium in our city. I forget who was […]

A Jesus-Centered Approach to Technology: Why This Article Was Not Written With AI

How Technology Shapes Us: Embracing a Christ-Centered Approach in a Digital World A Jesus-Centered Approach to Technology invites reflection. Explore how faith and discernment guide our use of AI in […]

Church Planting Resident? It’s Easier Than You Think

Article Summary: A turnkey distance residency program can help your church play a part in equipping church planters. Distance-based residencies let the emerging planter stay rooted in the local church […]

Can A Growing Church Still Feel Like Family?

In 2012, I had back surgery that left me sidelined for months. I secretly looked forward to the rest—books to read, movies to watch, naps to take. But what I […]

Teen Counseling Insights from the Book of Job: The Need for Listening & Encouragement

AUTHOR’S NOTE: One of the best ways we can learn what people in crisis need is by examining case studies of people who have successfully survived a crisis. The biblical […]

What Disciple Making Churches are Actually Doing

In my last article, I (Paul) shared stories from church leaders who are working to shift away from a purely attractional model and embracing a culture of disciple making. I […]

The Music of Worship: What Jacob Collier Reminds Us About the Heart of Discipleship

If you have not yet stumbled upon the musical phenomenon that is Jacob Collier, it is worth pausing for a moment to witness it. Collier, a young British musician whose […]

10 Reasons I Go To Church

I’ve heard it said, “We aren’t called to go to church. We are called to be the church.” Halfway true. Here’s the problem with that statement. Being and going strengthen each other. I can’t imagine how the being part […]

Teen Counseling Insights from the Book of Job: The Need for Dignity & Presence

AUTHOR’S NOTE: One of the best ways we can learn what people in crisis need is by examining case studies of people who have successfully survived a crisis. The biblical […]

Your Kids Are Watching

In the 1960s, an educational psychologist named Laszlo Polgar conducted an experiment on his own children. He believed geniuses are not born, but rather trained. So, he and his wife, […]

Disciple Making, Matthew Bates, and 5-Point Calvinism: Q&A with Bill Hull

*Editor’s Note: Our mission at RENEW.org is to “renew the teachings of Jesus to Fuel Disciple Making,” so we want to take note of an important debate that is currently […]

Worship That Walks: a Restoration Reading of Acts 3

It’s a small detail, easily missed, but it shows the power of worship to energize discipleship. Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, […]

Does Something Feel Off with Modern Church Leadership?

In this article, I’d like to share a journey for me and why it has been so necessary to my own health to walk away from a modern church mentality […]

Bob Russell on Being a Disciple Making Grandparent

At our 2025 RENEW.org National Gathering in Indianapolis, longtime minister Bob Russell spoke on the joy and importance of being a disciple making grandparent: If you want to learn more […]

We Worship the God of Normal Things

When my son, Andrew, was 5 years old, my wife and I read The Message for Kids from cover to cover with him. It’s a fantastic children’s Bible, and we […]

Igniting Disciple Making Movements in North America: Four Crucial Steps

There’s a question I get asked. A lot. The question church leaders ask me is, “Josh, why do you think disciple making movements are happening in places like China and India […]

You Are Standing on Holy Ground

“Do not come any closer,” the Lord warned. “Take off your shoes, for you are standing on holy ground.” (Exodus 3:5, NLT) “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who […]

Discomfort, a Missing Ingredient in Discipleship

“If you love me, obey my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you.” (John 14:15-16, NLT) As dean […]

What Are You Measuring? A Call to Better Metrics.

Over the past four to five years, I’ve had numerous conversations with church leaders who have embraced the challenge of shifting from primarily attractional strategies to a culture that prioritizes […]

Looking for a Discipleship Pathway? Check Out John 1.

Have you ever pondered the thought, “If Jesus started a discipleship plan, what would it look like?” Now, if you have been in ministry long enough, I am sure that […]

Four Disciple Making Essentials

You want to make disciples because it was Jesus’ last command and one of the most important expressions of love you could show to another human being. I cannot think […]

Grandparenting Advantages for Discipling Kids

It’s true that the Bible talks about parents way more than it talks about grandparents. The most foundational family discipleship passages in Scripture are written with the parent-child relationship in […]

The Shepherd

They come out of their gates each morning and follow him down the street because they know him. In the evening they slip back through their gates as he walks […]

Leading from the Subway: The Importance of Knowing Whom You Lead

Faced with one of the most daunting decisions to make, Winston Churchill found himself in a dilemma. One decision would plunge the United Kingdom into world war. The other choice […]

6 Tips from a Passionate Educator on Discipling Youth

*Editor’s Note: Dr. Tamara Turner is the Chief Executive Officer of Quality Education Academy, a premier public charter school in North Carolina. She is also a Christian who teaches Bible […]

Roots and Renewal: Why History Matters

Over the greater part of a decade, I served as a missionary in Central Europe, where the currents of history run deep. If you have ever traveled through that part […]

The Purpose of Lent? An Invitation of Decrease and Increase

I never quite understood Ash Wednesday when I was younger. My home church never emphasized anything about Lent, or even Good Friday for that matter. In my experience growing up […]

A Lesson from the Church in Croatia

“Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” (John 13:35, NLT) In the years since Croatia’s break from the Socialist Federal Republic of […]

Introduction to Disciple Making

We believe disciple making is the core mission of the church and that C. S. Lewis got it right when he said, “The Church exists for nothing else but to […]

The Importance of Reading Scripture Out Loud

It is a fascinating fact of intellectual history that, in antiquity, reading was not the silent, solitary endeavor we assume today, but rather an event of the spoken word—aural, communal, […]

Who’s on the Throne?

I’m going to be honest. I am hit—way more than I care to admit—with the realization that my agenda is my agenda and not God’s. I might have just preached a sermon […]

Remembering Saint Patrick and Hope for Today

“Kiss me. I’m Irish!” That was the phrase on my friend‘s coffee mug. When I saw it, I thought, “I have no idea what that means, but I sure could […]

Preaching: The Importance of Context and Clarity

Middle school students have a way of humbling you. I was speaking at our student ministry’s midweek gathering and closed with a reference to the apostle Paul. Running short on […]

A 3-Step Way of Telling Your Story

Assuming that you, the reader, are a Christ-follower, what if an unbelieving friend or family member came to you and said, “You know, I’ve been thinking about this Jesus, and […]

A Tasteful Way to Share the Gospel

God has given us the greatest gift that a person can ever receive through the gospel. If we truly appreciate what we have received and truly love people, we naturally […]

Don’t skip this step in evangelism!

There is one thing we are likely to skip when it comes to evangelism and discipleship but which makes all the difference: prayer. Okay, you may be better at it […]

Good News for the City

We know that gospel means good news, but what does that mean? The gospel has too often been reduced, personalized, and spiritualized so that it’s merely about acknowledging sin, accepting Christ, and […]

What Kobe Bryant Taught Me About Following Jesus

As Christians living in the USA, we hear truths so often that they can lose their luster and impact. We hear that Jesus died for our sins and rose from […]

Discipling Lost People into Salvation

“Metanoesein kai pistos emoi genesesthai!” These were the words of Flavius Josephus to a group of Jewish rebels in 66 A.D., commanding them to abandon their current course of action and […]

When a Worldview Leads to Crisis

It’s a beautiful grace that worldviews can change! The one you hold now is probably somewhat different from the one you held at an earlier stage in life. Each metamorphosis […]

Why I Chose to Preach on Sexuality and Gender, 
Part 1

It is no secret that one of the most explosive topics of our day is sexuality and gender. For many decades, there has been a concerted effort to change the […]

Flip the Script in Disciple Making

Let’s imagine that India and China go to war. Let’s pray they never do, but for the sake of this illustration, the two largest nations in the world are revving […]

A Place To Belong: Church as the Catalyst for True Religion

“God sets the lonely in families.” —Psalm 68:6a, NIV In 2013, The New York Times ran an article about a former Methodist minister looking for a fulfilling life after giving […]

Preach and Normalize Being a Disciple of Jesus

In a previous article on preaching and normalizing “King Jesus,” I argued that we want to avoid the false dichotomy of “King Jesus” vs. “Savior Jesus” by integrating and synthesizing […]

Keep Disciple Making Simple

“KISS it, Jett!” The call came from my peers as they watched me struggle during a training drill. As a new firefighter, I was pushed hard in drills, especially by […]

Come to the Water: Accepting Christ’s Invitation to Baptism

“Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him. John would have prevented him, saying, ‘I need to be baptized by you, and do […]

Learning from Lausanne: Reflections on an Evangelical Movement of World Missions

As many of us in America turned our eyes to the recent political election, you might’ve missed what happened a couple months ago when 5,000 believers from 200 countries gathered […]

What Your Kids Really Want

Each month, at our church, we ask the students in our Student Ministry one question about their relationship with their parents or their family as a whole, hoping to provide […]

Carry Each Other’s Burdens

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2, NIV) We are living in the most connected age in history. The lightning-quick […]

A New Missional Era

For the last year couple of years, I have been using a phrase that many people don’t seem to recognize. When referring to our task of taking the gospel to […]

Is Jesus the Only Way?

A few years ago, a really big question on the minds of a lot of people, especially around 9/11 (September 11, 2001), was about Islam: Is Islam a religion of […]

The Father, Son, and Spirit Are Missionaries

In recent data presented by the Barna Group, we discover that a good percentage of young American Christians struggle greatly with the concepts of evangelism and missions.[1] This comes as […]

Making Disciples Among College Students: Q&A

What might a disciple-making movement look like among college students? Recently, RENEW.org’s point leader Bobby Harrington and editorial director Daniel McCoy caught up with two disciple-making leaders who are seeing […]

How to Preach with Consistency? Q&A with Dr. Jason Poznich

*Editor’s Note: With the demands of ministry and Sunday morning around the corner, it can be tempting to cut important corners in sermon preparation. Sometimes, it’s easy to emphasize what […]

2024 Election Reflections

November 11, 2024 A week ago, Bobby Harrington wrote in a pre-election article for RENEW.org that an election is a reflection. He wrote, “More than anything, this election will tell […]

Revitalized Churches Pray, Preach, And Persist

I’ve wanted a Jeep Wrangler my entire life. In 2017, the stars seemed to align when I found the perfect Jeep and also stumbled across an argument that convinced my […]

What Matters More than the Election?

November 3, 2024 In my corner of the world, we vote this coming Tuesday. How should Christians view national elections? I want to suggest that elections can function for us […]

God’s Will…Period.

I’m sure you’re familiar with the Lord’s Prayer. I wonder if we get too familiar with the Lord’s Prayer. We know the words. We know them so well that if someone started […]

Preach and Normalize “King Jesus”

Christ is one of those words in the New Testament that I believe it is unfortunate that we transliterated instead of translated. Jesus Christ would have been understood in the […]

What Was Jesus’ Core Mission?

I’ve met many sincere Christians who spend considerable time wondering and praying, “What is God’s will for my life?” Maybe you have thought about that question in your quiet moments, […]

The Political Move You Haven’t Considered

In case you haven’t heard, Americans are electing a president soon. It’s all over news outlets, social media, and even Christian blogs and publishing houses. Amidst all the hype, I—like […]

What If This Election Is About Discipleship?

“The basic problem of the Christians in this country in the last eighty years or so, in regard to society and in regard to government, is that they have seen […]

Pastoral Burnout: Getting Below the Surface

Author’s note: This is my second article dealing with pastoral burnout. Recent Barna research revealed that 33% of ministers had given serious thought to quitting. My own research for a […]

Revitalized Churches Embrace Spiritual Parenting

When my son was young, I hadn’t yet learned to be the father I wanted to be. I was wrapped up in all of “my” things, and my tunnel vision […]

What Is the Gospel?

Let me start by stating the simplified answer to the question, “What is the gospel?” The “gospel” is an expression in Scripture that simply means “good news.” It is best […]

Feeling Alone in Ministry?

“Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt compelled to write and urge you to contend for the faith that […]

Review of Justin Brierley’s ‘The Surprising Rebirth of Belief in God’

Is Christian faith dying in the Western world? Have the “new atheists” succeeded in souring Christianity for thinking people? There are actually some fascinating signs of a resurgence of interest […]

Preaching Politics? 6 Thoughts from the Book of Daniel

“Did I hear you say that you’re preaching on politics?” “Yes, I’m looking forward to this series.” “Hmm. Good luck.” Scary, huh? There are two things that make for impolite […]

The Unintended Consequences of the Modern Church

It’s a good season to reexamine the effectiveness of the modern church. Our commitment, as RENEW.org leaders, is to continually go back to Scripture, to restore and prioritize what it […]

Accountability and the Bible: Are Christians Supposed to Hold Each Other Accountable?

Not too long ago, I attended church where I had been the senior minister/pastor many years earlier. After church, I had a conversation with a man about a Bible professor […]

Resisting the Lure of Legalism

“Are you so dull?” he asked. “Don’t you see that nothing that enters a person from the outside can defile them?” (Mark 7:18, NIV) Let’s talk about legalism. I know […]

Invitation to Discipleship: My Story of Being Discipled and Becoming a Discipler

In this invitation to discipleship, Anthony Walker describes how he was discipled to become a discipler.  Several times I’ve been asked to speak on varying topics from the epistles Paul […]

What Is Discipleship?

Discipleship is the state of being a disciple of Jesus Christ. So, what then is a disciple? A disciple is simply a follower or a student of Jesus Christ. When […]

Church Is Boring? 3 Times It Actually Is

When someone says or thinks that church is boring, what is it exactly that they are bored by? Here are three times a church gathering actually is boring—to us and, […]

David and Bathsheba and Affairs in Your Church

I recently preached through the story of David and Bathsheba from 2 Samuel 11:1-27 on a Sunday morning. There are several important learnings from within this story, as well as […]

Doctrinal Misalignment: A Relational Approach

*Editor’s Note: This article is a helpful illustration of how two people can confront doctrinal misalignment in a relational way. The specific scenario deals with the miraculous gifts of the […]

Sing to the Lord a New Song? Reflections on Psalm 98

Four times we are told in Scripture to “sing to the LORD a new song” (Psalm 96:1; 98:1; 149:1; Isaiah 42:10). Every song ever sung was new at some point. […]

Pastoral Burnout: Beating Burnout Before it Begins

Being a minister is hard. Being a lead minister in 2024, post-COVID in the United States, is harder than ever. Barna Research Group’s 2022 research revealed that 41% of lead ministers […]

Renewing a Focus on Unreached Peoples

Very few laborers are going to the unreached and unharvested parts of the world. This means we must rethink why, how, and where are we sending our people. If we […]

What Prevents Us from Life Transformation?

At a ministry conference recently, I commented that, when measured against the heart of God in the Sermon on the Mount, large segments of American Christianity seem to be going […]

What Does Our Faith Teach That Our Society Needs?

Christianity emerged in a world vastly different from the values espoused by followers of Christ. Slavery was assumed to be a necessary part of a functioning society, and slaves could […]

Is Discipleship Required: 6 Steps for the Local Church

Curt recently wrote a previous article, “Is Discipleship Required,” because we believe that in Scripture, Jesus, the Apostles, and the other New Testament writers spoke and wrote specifically about being […]

Pray for Reign in Africa

They told us not to expect much rain in Botswana during June. It’s their winter: the dry season for a country that is already dry. Miami will see as much […]

Is Discipleship Required?

I turn 50 this year, which means that I have been in a conservative evangelical church for 50 years now. Around 10 years ago, I was first introduced to the […]

Preaching That Engages the Skeptic: What? (Part 2)

Skepticism about Christianity is on the rise. That’s why we need to engage the skeptic in our preaching. The skeptic isn’t just “out there”; he or she is sitting in […]

How Beautiful Are the Feet?

“How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, ‘Your God […]

Thinking Clearly About Evangelism

It’s no secret that many American churches are struggling, particularly with a decline in church attendance. Close to home (for me at least), Churches of Christ were bleeding members prior […]

Preaching That Engages the Skeptic: Why (Part 1)

In Charade, a 1963 movie starring Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn, dangerous thieves have been cheated out of their stolen money by a fellow thief. Apparently, they kill the thief […]

Paul and Timothy: 7 Steps of Apprenticeship

The American church today is facing a pastoral succession crisis. The vast majority of church leaders struggle to find mature emerging leaders. But what if the problem isn’t a leadership […]

Beyond Words per Minute: Applying Speed Reading Principles in Disciple Making

In my junior year at Harding University, I read a book on speed reading, when I probably should have been studying for exams. The book promised to teach me how […]

Preach to Reach

Earlier this spring, I had the opportunity to lead a workshop at the Exponential regional roundtable in Boise on “Preaching as Evangelism.” Honestly, I couldn’t have been more excited about […]

The Ministry of Shutting Up

It was excruciating, frustrating, even cringe-worthy. I was in a place of business, as a customer, talking with an employee about their services. Except… I wasn’t really talking at all. […]

How Do I Start Having Intentional Conversations?

*Editor’s Note: The following is an excerpt from Corey Trimble’s An Authentic Experience: Creating an Inviting Culture with Biblical Integrity. Corey is convinced (and has shown as a pastor of an […]

Gen Z Is Ready. Are We?

By now you’ve heard the stats. Gen Z is… Anxious and depressed, lonely, and overwhelmed At the same time, we are told they are… Ambitious, authentic, and altruistic Most of […]

Spoiler Alert: Are Churches Going the Way of Hollywood Predictability?

Did movies get worse? Over the holiday I saw Wonka at my childhood movie theater. That cinema features one screen, no online reservations, and seats reminiscent of jury duty. However, I walked […]

5 Reasons Why We Must Reach the University

As a campus minister, it is my belief that the university campus is one of the most exciting and strategic mission fields in the United States. Here are my top […]

Called to Missions? Rethinking Our Language in Light of Scripture

When it comes to missions, the personal call is that which is as often cited by the missionary candidate during fund raising as is the need of the people to […]

Koinónia as a Key to Understanding Our Global Mission

Over decades of study, I have pondered many of Jesus’ pithy sayings. One that has especially intrigued me is in John 5:17, where Jesus said, “My Father is working until […]

Lessons from the Church in China

Editor’s Note: For 28 years, Mike Stone made multiple annual excursions to the People’s Republic of China, where he was blessed to teach the Bible and make disciples throughout the […]

Preaching to Reach People Who Do Not Yet Trust and Follow Jesus

Editor’s Note: Vince is known in church planting and leadership circles and beyond for his activism in reaching lost people. He has served as lead pastor and planted two churches—the […]

Characteristics of an Effective Counselor: Unique Characteristics of a Christian Counselor (Part 4)

*Editor’s Note: this is Part 4 in a series on how you—yes, you—can help bring wise and kind counsel to a young person’s life. For Part 1 (“Do You Have […]

What Is the Lord’s Supper? Exploring Unity, Renewal, and Remembrance

What is the Lord’s Supper? On a Thursday night, Jesus was celebrating a Passover meal with his disciples when he shocked them by explaining how the wine and unleavened bread […]

Don’t Be a Preacher Running a 1994 Play in a 2024 World…

January 22, 2024 Dear Renew.org Network, The subtitle of this post could be: Don’t require teenagers in your church to have more courage than their preacher . . . . […]

Characteristics of an Effective Counselor: Additional Traits That Contribute to Successful Youth Counseling (Part 3)

*Editor’s Note: this is Part 3 in a series on how you—yes, you—can help bring wise and kind counsel to a young person’s life. For Part 1 (“Do You Have […]

7 Steps to Catalyze A Disciple-Making Movement

Hello, I’m a pastor in North America. I minister to a church and am simultaneously seeking to help catalyze a disciple making movement. Because of the opposition we’ve encountered in […]

The Fear of All Somes: Rethinking Our Fearful Reflexes

Fear is a necessary emotion. People who backpack in isolation in the mountains should worry about running out of water. Boaters should take precautions to avoid high waves. Drivers should […]

Characteristics of an Effective Counselor: The “Big 3” Characteristics (Part 2)

*Editor’s Note: this is Part 2 in a series on how you—yes, you—can help bring wise and kind counsel to a young person’s life. For Part 1 (“Do You Have What […]

Characteristics of an Effective Counselor: Do You Have What It Takes? (Part 1)

“Kids respond to people whom they sense have a feel for what they’re going through.” —Rich Van Pelt, Intensive Care: Helping Teenagers in Crisis[1] “Leaders must not wait until they […]

Theology in the Wild: Why Theology Matters in the Messiness of Ministry

(What follows is the manuscript of a talk that I gave at the 2023 Spire Conference for church leaders in Nashville, TN.) Those who put together this conference asked me […]

Do You Have the Kind of Discipleship That Stands through the Storm?

I find that people who often have the hardest time becoming relational are those who have been in church a long time. If you ask personal questions, they don’t want […]

Your Ministry Will End Someday. Have You Thought Much About How?

You should really consider leaving ministry. Before you change the date and turn in your pre-written resignation letter to the board of your church, let me clarify. Wherever you are […]

Disciple Making in the Megachurch: Q&A with Bart Shaw of Trader’s Point Christian Church

Can large, long-established churches move to a disciple-making core focus? What steps need to be taken? I recently caught up with Bart Shaw, Campus Pastor and Lead Discipleship Pastor at […]

Why Care About the Rural Church? A Q&A with Tyler VanWey

Editor’s Note: Why care about the rural church? While it’s easy to focus on growing urban and suburban churches because of their population density, it also becomes easier to forget […]

Who Is Your Target Audience? Opening Your Eyes to Where God Has You

Business experts agree that for any endeavor to find lasting success it must have a compelling mission, effective strategy, and a specific target audience. Doing something for everyone often means […]

Baptize Them in the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit?

In the Great Commission, Jesus told his disciples to make disciples and to “baptize them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.” So, what is the role […]

3 ‘Real Life Theology’ Resources You Should Know About

If you spend any time on the Renew.org website or at a Renew.org booth at a conference, you will run into the title “Real Life Theology.” Many of our books […]

3 Healthy Ways to Handle Ministry Pressure

Serving in ministry full-time, part-time, or even as a volunteer can be a daunting task. Constantly developing sermon series, teaching materials, leading or participating in staff meetings, board meetings, small […]

Preaching: Drawing Lines to the Text within the Sermon

Anytime the preacher says, “Look again at verse 5. The word there means…,” the audience moves their attention to Scripture. They learn that in Bible Study, as in any other […]

How to Use the ‘Trust & Follow Jesus’ Manual for Disciple Making

I was first introduced to the Trust & Follow Jesus manual for disciple making through Bobby Harrington. He came and did a practical seminar on how to replicate disciple making groups […]

Why Are There Still So Many Unreached People?

Jesus rose from the dead and ascended into heaven over 2,000 years ago. Before he left, he empowered his disciples and asked them to take the gospel to the ends […]

Discipleship Is Not A Program—So What Is It?

There seems to be a confusion of definitions when it comes to defining discipleship. People want to define discipleship as all the things they are already doing. And the things […]

How Quickly Should We Share the Gospel?

How quickly should we share the gospel? It’s an important question and one that we shouldn’t take lightly. As I read and listen to people talk about evangelism, it seems […]

Discipling Girls and Women: A Q&A with Anessa Westbrook

When it comes to discipling girls and women to trust and follow Jesus, are there any observations or tips that help make it more effective? Anessa Westbrook, DMin, professor of […]

Preaching: Creating a Sermon Plan

A few months before I retired, a newcomer stopped me in the lobby to chat. He wanted to know if we purchased our sermon series. For him, they all seemed […]

Knowing Christ: The Goal That Makes Other Obsessions Look Like Garbage

Being a disciple is not just about attending church once a week, or on the “special” times throughout the year, like Christmas and Easter, putting some surplus cash in the […]

6 Truths I Learned from Randy Gariss About Emotional Maturity

Isn’t it frustrating when recipients of God’s lavish grace bark at each other during the church board meeting? Or when a sermon fills you with a blaze of courage only […]

Efficiency and Discipleship

On our little hobby farm, we recently introduced some new birds to our existing flock of layers. The new girls are a traditional breed of chicken that was once one […]

Four Evangelism Lessons From Las Vegas

In 2010 my family started a new church just off the Las Vegas Strip. This month, we are merging with a great church called The Crossing. In between was a […]

Preaching: Knowing the People We Live Among

In The 21st Century Pastor, David Fisher discusses when he moved from rural Goldendale, Washington, to historic Park Street Church in downtown Boston. The move forced him to acknowledge the […]

Naaman, Elisha, and Do We Want to Follow?

Naaman’s servants went to him and said, “My father, if the prophet had told you to do some great thing, would you not have done it? How much more, then, […]

The 3 People I Should Ask to Be Part of a Disciple Making Group

Are you convicted that you ought to be making disciples, but you just don’t know where to start? The purpose of this article is to identify the type of individual […]

Christian Education: Discipline as Discipleship

I am writing this at the beginning of August, with teachers and school leaders across the world gearing up for back-to-school craziness. It’s a bizarre mixture of excitement and trepidation, […]

Make Disciple Makers, Not Just Disciples

I know, I know that Jesus said, “Go and make disciples,” not “Go and make disciple makers,” but I believe that a disciple is a disciple maker. Here is why […]

Preaching: Kingdom Advancement through Kingdom Values

Some might justifiably argue that this article should have preceded the previous one (“You’ll Never Know if You’ve Arrived if You Don’t Know Where You Are Going”). You might ask, […]

Preaching: You’ll Never Know if You’ve Arrived if You Don’t Know Where You’re Going

The first question I ask when teaching my Doctor of Ministry course is, “What do you want your congregation to look like in a year?” Followed by, “For what do […]

6 Ways to Teach Your Church Through Altar Calls

Close to a century ago, C.H. Dodd in his since-controversial The Apostolic Preaching and Its Developments argued for a distinction in the New Testament between the kerygma, the preaching of […]

The Dirty Secret of the Mission Field

I got on the airplane ready to take on the world. I was moving to India to be a missionary. I couldn’t wait to save as many lost people as […]

Family Discipleship? The Tools Your Church Needs.

What’s the best way you can invest in the future of the church? The answer: family discipleship. To invest in your church’s future, you empower parents to disciple their children in […]

Afraid of Getting Baptized?

You are afraid of WHAT?! When bold men bow their knee to Jesus willingly and vulnerably, it reminds me that Jesus really is “the Man.” My friend and I were […]

Do’s & Don’ts in Reaching Veterans

Visiting any Christian bookstore in America, you will find a section of books with lists of helpful strategies or ideas for various topics, such as 7 keys to grow your […]

Challenges for Multicultural Churches

One of the challenges of leading a church that desires to be multicultural is very simple: many of us have never seen one. We’ve graduated from multicultural universities and passed […]

2 Betrayals Which Fuel anti-Christian Cynicism

If cynicism were a rock, it would be a volcanic rock formed from lava. Now cooled off and hardened, the dull, porous rock looks nothing like the explosive river of […]

A Journey to Contentment

You don’t just arrive at a destination. You have to navigate the course and journey there. Sometimes it requires physical exertion. At other times, it may require more thought. But […]

Why Isn’t Jesus Enough to Fix My Mental Health Issues?

If you’re wrestling with this question, then I’m glad you’re curious and I’m also sorry for what you’re going through. In what follows, I’ll try to respond to this question […]

Preaching and Cultural Issues?

We are living through rapid cultural change. Many are turning from historic Christianity. Many are adopting Marxist and intersectional feminist ideals which turn them cynical toward biblical teachings. Progressivism now […]

Facing Pressure? Remember Your Baptism.

Years ago in the city of Jonesboro, Arkansas, two boys pulled the fire alarm at the Westside Middle School. As the students and their teachers exited the building, these boys […]

What Was Jesus’ Disciple Making Method?

It was a tough few weeks for me. I was juggling my responsibilities with the church I serve as lead pastor. I was working with a small group of senior […]

How to Use Preaching for Relational Discipleship

Preachers have unique opportunities to develop stronger disciples while also enhancing the quality of their preaching. It often feels as if we must choose between two essential activities in order […]

The Great Mother’s Day Temptation

What kind of grinch would want to cancel Mother’s Day? As it turns out, the first person to petition to have Mother’s Day canceled wasn’t a grinch at all. She […]

What Is Expository Preaching? What It Isn’t, What It Is, and Why It Matters

What is expository preaching? Rather than a particular method or style, expository preaching is a theological/philosophical approach to preaching which makes a text of Scripture central. Expository preaching builds from […]

A Christian’s Four Mission Fields

Global missionaries often use the term “mission field” to describe where they have been called by God to take the gospel. Yet there are actually four “mission fields” followers of […]

Some Ideas for Reaching Veterans through Your Church

In my previous article “A Suffering Group We’ve Largely Forgotten,” I addressed the way in which the church has struggled to provide holistic care for the military veterans within our […]

How Do I Become a Better Listener?

You’ve heard the old joke: My wife told me I have two main faults. One is I’m not a good listener, and I don’t remember what the other one is. […]

Do You Want to Make Disciples? First, Be One.

I was shocked when he said it…maybe even a little offended. I was sitting in a room listening to Curtis Sergeant deliver one of his workshops (which I highly recommend). […]

How Churches Can Engage in Family Discipleship: Q&A with Jay Austin

*Editor’s Note: Why is family discipleship something churches should care about? And how can churches do a better job helping their parents disciple their children? I recently caught up with […]

Five Ways to Disciple People in Light of Easter Weekend

I am a senior pastor; I have been one for more than 30 years. So I know the subtle pressure that can sneak in: to produce, provide, and program for […]

A Conversation on DMM’s in North America: Q&A with Paul Huyghebaert

*Editor’s Note: Can Disciple Making Movements (DMM’s) happen in North America? Recently, I got to chat with Paul Huyghebaert, one of RENEW.org’s associate directors of learning communities and the senior […]

4 Tracks in American Christianity: A Tool for Cutting Through the Smoke and Heat

Christianity in America seems more confusing than ever. Imagine American Christianity as a vehicle that seems to be breaking down on a long road trip. The check engine light is […]

Behind the Curtain: How God Built a Missionary Family into a Family of Missionaries

“Woe to me!” I cried. “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen […]

The Role of Mentoring and Discipleship in a Women’s Ministry

So, what Is mentoring? The word “mentor” originally came from the name of a friend of King Odysseus in Homer’s Odyssey. Mentor was entrusted with Telemachus, the king’s only son, […]

How Prayer Fuels Disciple Making

Roughly five years ago I had the blessing of sitting in a room with about 20 other lead pastors to listen as Shodankeh Johnson shared about the incredible Kingdom growth […]

What to Do When Your Child Stops Believing

When he was about fourteen years old, my son, Jonathan, sat me down and told me that he had lost his faith in God. I was hurt, but I wasn’t […]

How to Preach a Sermon Every Week

I remember sitting in church as a kid listening to my dad preach a sermon week after week. Over time, I worried that he would run out of material one […]

Learning by Doing: Preparing People We Lead for Action

Several important things changed for my son during the summer between his 8th and 9th grade year of school. Not only was that the summer we moved from Iowa back […]

What Works in Disciple Making? 10 Answers from People I’ve Discipled

At core, I’m a disciple maker. I believe Jesus’ Great Commission to “make disciples of all nations” (Matt. 28:18-20) is a command on my life to walk beside women as […]

Ready for Real Relationship? A Review of Jim Putman’s ‘RelationShift’

*Editor’s Note: Jim Putman will lead an in-depth class at the 2023 Renew Gathering on April 26th on his new book, RelationShift: Five Shifts for Disciple Makers to Live and […]

What Are People Looking for in You?

I remember when I was a student pastor (we called them youth pastors in 2006) and I was taking my students to a district youth rally in a small rural […]

Family Worship: 6 Ways Connecting with God Together Will Bless Your Family

Family worship, at its most basic level, is the regular gathering of the family to worship God and receive instruction in the Christian faith. Parents have been given a responsibility […]

What God Accomplishes Around a Table

When I started out preaching, I attended a church growth conference where the presenter shared that the two most important rooms in the church were the nursery and the women’s […]

Having Anxiety? Remember the Sabbath.

*Editor’s Note: Why should we “remember the Sabbath”? Jesus once explained that “the Sabbath was made for man’’ (Mark 2:27a, NIV). He must have wanted us to understand that God […]

Preparing Your Church for the Lord’s Supper at Christmas

Staff meetings and church services in the month of December are understandably centered on the Christmas holiday. And I for one am grateful we’re taking the time to remember Jesus’ […]

What I Learned from Walking in Jesus’ Footsteps

“Whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.” (1 John 2:6, ESV) Last May, I carved out nine days for an […]

Discipling Children: Protecting the Future (Part 3)

This is the final installment in a three-part series on parenting, outlining three phases of discipleship in our children. Plant the Seeds: Discipleship by Planting Seeds of Stability Provide for […]

Making a 10,000-Year Difference

As summer was wrapping up and churches were ramping up for fall, I heard a couple of sermons challenging the church to make a difference in their communities. The question […]

Designing and Proposing a Women’s Ministry

Figuring out how to define women’s ministry can be tricky. As a term, most people have heard “women’s ministry” used but may not have given it much thought. Is women’s […]

A Principled Approach: What DMMs Know and Are Teaching Us

In recent years many of us in church leadership have begun paying attention to what is happening in Disciple Making Movements (DMM). If you are unfamiliar with DMM, let me […]

Infant Baptism: Does the New Testament Teach Paedobaptism?

Does the Bible teach infant baptism (also called paedobaptism)? Many denominations of Christianity practice infant baptism, but an exploration of the Scriptures describing baptism and its purpose challenges the practice. […]

7 Reasons Some Preachers Avoid Politics in Sermons

Why do some preachers avoid politics in their preaching? Here’s a helpful list… 1. They aren’t very informed. They didn’t major in political science and have never held office. They […]

Discipling Children: Providing for the Plant (Part 2)

This is the second in a three-part series on parenting, outlining three phases of discipleship in our children. Plant the Seeds: Discipleship by Planting Seeds of Stability Provide for the […]

12 Key Prayer Points for Disciple Making Movements

Effectiveness in prayer is often related to knowing what to ask. This is the list of the top twelve prayer points used by Shodankeh Johnson and others in movements in […]

Ten Reasons to Not Homeschool Your Children: Real Life Theology with Renée Sproles

Mothers Renée Sproles, Karen Costello, and Holli Turner speak on their experience of homeschooling, its risks and rewards, and the reasons it is not for everyone.

5 Tips for Multigenerational Ministry

Our church has included a mixture of ages from day one. If you attend a Sunday worship gathering, you’ll see plenty of gray hair, hear crying babies, and encounter everyone […]

6 Discipleship Insights We Learn from Watching Jesus with Disciples

Watching Jesus with disciples is one of the best ways we learn to disciple others. There are a lot of healthy conversations in churches and Christian leadership about discipleship methods. […]

Discipling Children: Planting the Seeds (Part 1)

My husband and I teach a class of 100 adults on Sunday mornings. Earlier this year we were walking through J.D. Greear’s book on the Holy Spirit, Jesus Continued: Why the […]

Connecting Our Church’s Vision to God’s Global Mission

How do we and our churches awaken to the vision of God’s global mission to save people from every nation, tribe, and people? It starts with being a disciple of […]

The Present & Future State of Family Discipleship

In my role as the point leader of Discipleship.org and RENEW.org, I convened a meeting of national leaders in the area of family discipleship on Monday, August 15. The focus […]

Good Parenting Goes Beyond Keeping Kids Happy

What is good parenting according to the Bible? A lot of parents may assume that the point of parenting is to help their kids be happy at all times. Yet […]

Discipling the Next Generation by Inviting Them into God’s Mission

Discipling the next generation may seem daunting. But it’s in the church’s DNA. We see Jesus disciple and launch young men who changed the world with his gospel. We see […]

Three Things We Learn About Making Disciples from Shodankeh Johnson

A number of disciple makers have profoundly impacted my ministry over the last three years. Shodankeh Johnson in West Africa is near the top of that list. Prior to meeting […]

Stuck in the Urgent, Sacrificing the Future

As an avid sports fan, I always enjoy it when each sport approaches draft season. Draft season is a time when professional teams assess which young players they can add […]

Good Pastor, Bad Parent

Katy Perry. Alice Cooper. Jessica Simpson. The Jonas Brothers. What do all these have in common? They are all pastor’s kids. Why do so many pastor’s kids turn out weird […]

Discipleship in the Bible (It’s More Than Just the New Testament)

What is discipleship in the Bible? It’s a thread throughout both Old and New Testaments where teachers pass along their life and teachings to their disciples. The disciples are then […]

Five Reasons Every Church Should Love Their Community

If you drive down the street in just about any town, you are sure to see a church or two or thirty. As you pass each of these buildings marked […]

Two-Fisted Fighting (Spiritually): The Importance of Relationships AND Truth

I am the lead pastor/minister of a church in Post Falls, Idaho, but many people who know me have heard about my past in wrestling. At the collegiate level, I […]

Weekend Gatherings in Disciple Making Churches

Over 1% of the world’s population is currently engaged in a disciple making movement.[1] Some experts say this includes 2-3%+ of the people in China and India. Disciple Making Movements […]

How Then Should We Live: Models of Christian Engagement of Culture

How should a Christian live his or her life in this world? We rightly assume that our Christian faith is not merely abstract belief. Our faith means something. It has […]

6 Reasons Why You Need to Attend Church in Person

Since the Covid lockdown, many churchgoers no longer attend worship services regularly, alleging it is easier and less time-consuming to stay home and watch an online service. When confronted, some […]

5 Mothers in the Bible and What We Can Learn From Them

Mothers in the Bible range from saintly to seriously scary. In this article, we’ll narrate the stories of 5 mothers in the Bible and explore what we can learn from […]

Losing My Faith in Progressive Christianity: The Fleeting Fulfillment of a Feelings-Based Faith (Part 6)

Progressive Christianity Part 1: Insights from Deconstruction Stovall recounts a season of doubt, questioning a culture built on the sinner’s prayer and feelings-based assurance. The narrative challenges easy-belief formulas, contrasting […]

Discipling Minds for This Cultural Moment

Part of Christian discipleship is to disciple minds. In order to help us disciple minds for this cultural moment, we will explore three questions about current Western culture. You know […]

Apology Accepted: The Art of Evangel-ogetics

Apologetics and evangelism belong together (hence, “evangel-ogetics”). Trying to defend the faith without seeking to help people know Jesus is just an intellectual exercise.  Words are funny things. I find […]

The Trampled Mind of a Rural Pastor

In a rural church where the pastor feels he should shoulder the needs of so many, it becomes crucial to guard the mind. Ignorance, in many ways, is bliss when […]

What Does the Bible Say about Baptism?

What does the Bible say about baptism? Baptism is immersion in water which expresses repentance from sinful lifestyles and saving faith in Jesus. It is to becoming a Christian what […]

Three Things to Learn from Curtis Sergeant About Disciple Making Movements

Curtis Sergeant has had a tremendous influence in disciple making movements around the globe. The movement that started through his ministry in China reached 10 million people in a decade. […]

Hiring Ministerial Staff Today: Q&A with Tim Foot

Bobby Harrington and Tim Foot, CEO/President of Slingshot Group, discuss the current needs churches face in hiring ministerial staff who are aligned around mission and theology. They also discuss RENEW’s […]

Trusting God When Church Life Changes

When church life changes because of situations out of our control, how can we use the season as an opportunity to pursue God?  Our church was regaining her rhythm, as […]

8 New Books for Discipling Minds in 2022

My favorite verses on the invisible and spiritual war that we are involved in as disciples of Jesus are found in 2 Corinthians 10:3-5. The apostle Paul writes, For though […]

What Anxiety Means and How Christians Can Respond

What anxiety means and what fear means are different. This article by clinical psychologist Andrew Haworth helps distinguish the two and explores how Christians can respond to anxiety in healthy […]

Letting Jesus Define Our Terms

Words and their meanings matter. When it comes to words like “disciple,” “discipleship,” and “kingdom,” we need to let Jesus define the terms. When we redefine them, these words lose […]

What I Learn about My Purpose from a Fisherman in the Bible

Simon was a fisherman in the Bible whose catch of fish hundreds of years ago tells me a lot about how I should be living today… When I was a […]

Lessons from Christians in Egypt

Christians in Egypt teach us to care about what’s on the Lord’s heart, as well as to take heart when there is pressure to give up the faith.   The woman […]

Adolescent Drug Use: Why Do They Do It?

Adolescent drug use: Why do so many teens experiment with drugs? What do we need to know about the motivations behind it?  Case Studies of Adolescent Drug Use Karl[1] was […]

Thank God We Took Our Youth Seriously

The majority of churches in the United States have more gray hair, walkers, and oxygen tanks than young people. Churches are dying and closing their doors daily. Many churches are […]

What Is a Disciple?

What Is a Disciple: A Biblical Framework for Following Jesus What Is a Disciple? A disciple is someone who follows Jesus, trusts Him in faith, and begins their journey through […]

How to Pray When You Don’t Know How You Feel

How to Pray When You Don’t Know How You Feel: A 4-Emotion Prayer Practice How to Pray When You Don’t Know How You Feel begins by naming what’s sad and […]

7 Preaching Trends Needed in 2022 More Than Ever

7 Preaching Trends Needed for Bold, Authentic Preaching in 2022 Unity-centered preaching strengthens the church by calling people back to Jesus’ mission over cultural division. Kingdom-sized perspective fuels hope when […]

The Barbell Strategy and the Church in the New Covid World

Barbell Strategy: How Churches Can Thrive After Covid Churches can move beyond the lukewarm middle by structuring ministry for high-commitment discipleship instead of mediocre programs. Deep spiritual formation happens through […]

Why Storytelling is Important to the Life of a Christian

Christian Storytelling: Why It Matters for Faith Chime argues that storytelling is a constant part of human life, building connection, unlocking memory, and helping people make meaning. Scripture models God’s […]

Introduction to The End: The Return of King Jesus and the Renewal of All Things

The End of Time: Return of King Jesus & New Creation Gary Johnson explains why Jesus’ return matters: it ends the war with evil and brings resurrection and eternal life. […]

The End Author Q&A – Gary Johnson with Bobby Harrington

Eschatology Q&A: Must-Know Truths on Jesus’ Return Bobby Harrington and Gary Johnson frame the Bible as a “travel brochure” that helps believers understand what Scripture teaches about the end. Through […]

Dr. Carol Swain on the Challenges Christian Face Today

Dr. Carol Swain on Living Faithfully in a Confusing Age Through personal testimony, Dr. Swain recounts how her journey from academic success to Christian conviction reshaped her identity in Christ. […]

A Few Keys to Reconciling Broken Relationships

How to Reconcile: 3 Keys to Restoring Broken Relationships Begin by acknowledging the brokenness, because healing can’t start while the damage—or your part in it—is minimized or denied. Humility replaces […]

Answering Questions with Stories

Answering Questions with Stories: Powerful Truth Jesus often taught through stories, answering questions in ways that shape what we believe and how we live. Family narratives form identity, and Scripture […]

What’s the Point of Teaching the Bible?

Obedience-Based Discipleship: Unshakable Hope Teaching the Bible must lead to obedience, because the Great Commission calls us to teach disciples to obey everything Jesus commanded. Part-time learning can become on-the-job […]

The Power of Stories

Power of Stories: Unforgettable Stories That Reveal God’s Truth Instead of a theology textbook, Scripture unfolds God’s self-revelation through true stories that show who he is and what he has […]

When Evangelism Doesn’t Work

Evangelism: Hope When It Feels Like Nothing Works Silence after sharing the gospel can be crushing, especially when someone misunderstands Jesus or shows no sign of repentance. Unlike limited human […]

What Is Love and Why Is It Important?

What Is Love and Why Is It Important? A Cross-Shaped Way of Life Disciples of Jesus show love through actions that glorify God and genuinely benefit others. Jesus defines love […]

5 Insights Jason Whitlock Has Given Me About Being a Disciple of Jesus

Jason Whitlock Christian Insights for Fearless Discipleship Today Fearless conviction is needed to call out deception and resist cultural pressure with biblical clarity. Ruthless honesty builds credibility when confronting sin […]

How to Tell the Story of the Bible in 7 Kingdoms

7 Kingdoms in the Bible That Reveal the Kingdom We’ve Longed For Biblical history moves through Egypt, Israel, Babylon, Persia, Greece, and Rome, showing how human kingdoms repeatedly bring tragedy […]

What Does the Kingdom of God Look Like Through the Church?

Church and Kingdom Through the Authority of the Ekklesia Jesus builds his church as an assembly of kingdom people who display what God’s reign looks like under King Jesus. *Through […]

Introduction to Kingdom Life: Experience God’s Reign Through Love and Holiness

Kingdom Life and the Questions That Guide God’s Reign Kelvin Teamer introduces Kingdom Life as living under the majestic rule of King Jesus. This series walks through five key questions […]

Kingdom Life Author Q&A – Kelvin Teamer with Bobby Harrington

‘Kingdom Life’ Author Q&A and Insights on God’s Reign Bobby Harrington interviews Kelvin Teamer about Kingdom Life and why the kingdom of God is central to Jesus’ message. Through their […]

How Does Faith Respond to the Enthronement of King Jesus?

King Jesus and Faithful Responses to His Enthronement Faith responds to the enthroned King Jesus by living faithfully and pursuing the Great Commission with compassion, hope, and worship despite hardship. […]

What Is Faith Without Works?

Faith Without Works and the Loyalty That Makes Faith Alive James declares that faith without works is dead because true belief must move into action. Rather than earning salvation, works […]

Learning Faithful Faith from the Church in Niger

Church in Niger and Faith That Serves Through Persecution After riots destroyed Christian buildings and homes, believers responded by caring for hospitals, prisons, and the very communities that harmed them. […]

How Does Jesus Call Us to Both Salvation and Discipleship?

Salvation and Discipleship: The Lifelong Invitation of Jesus Jesus defines salvation as a lifelong relationship, not merely a one-time event like baptism or forgiveness. Through healing and restoration, Christ reunites […]

How Do We Share the Gospel?

Sharing the Gospel: Witnessing to Jesus the Victorious King Obedience to Jesus requires sharing the gospel, even when culture resists through skepticism, narcissism, and false tolerance. Witness includes both history […]

Grieving, Praying, and Hoping for Afghanistan – Q&A with Chris Dewelt

Pray for Afghanistan: Grieving and Hoping with Afghan Believers Persecution is likely to intensify, so pray for Afghan Christians to be protected, strengthened, and faithful under pressure. Real stories make […]

Introduction to Faithful Faith: Reclaiming Faith from Culture and Tradition

Reclaiming Faith: A Roadmap for Faithful Faith Mark E. Moore introduces Faithful Faith as biblical teaching meant to empower the church to live authentically and make disciples. Five questions guide […]

This Person Has Enormous Power Over You

Not Ashamed and the King Who Rules Your Life Recognize that shame reveals your ruler—whoever can make you most ashamed when you disobey them has enormous power over you. See […]

How Is Jesus’ Kingship Beneficial?

Jesus’ Kingship and the Benefits Scripture Describes Clarify what kind of King Jesus is—crowned with thorns, born in a manger, and riding on a donkey—so his kingship isn’t left ambiguous. […]

Introduction to The Gospel Precisely: Surprisingly Good News about Jesus Christ the King

The Gospel Precisely: Why the Gospel Must Be Clear The Gospel Precisely equips believers to participate more fully in God’s saving mission by learning the gospel with greater nuance and […]

The Gospel Precisely Author Q&A – Matthew Bates with Bobby Harrington

Definition of the Gospel: Clear & Urgent Q&A Definition of the Gospel is clarified as the story of Jesus the saving King—sent by the Father, incarnate in David’s line, crucified, […]

What Does It Mean to Be Baptized for the Forgiveness of Our Sins?

What Does It Mean to Be Baptized? Clear Forgiveness What does it mean to be baptized? Bapism is described as the normative point where faith connects with God’s grace and […]

Your Reconstruction Story as Told by Jesus

Faith Reconstruction and Jesus Repairing the Foundation Faith Reconstruction highlights how Jesus deconstructs what cannot remain, leaving only what God intends to be truly foundational. John’s “I am” statements show […]

What Does It Mean to Confess Jesus as Lord?

Confess Jesus: What It Means to Boldly Declare Him as Lord Declaring Jesus as Lord means pledging loyalty to Him as King and rejecting every rival claim to rule your […]

What Does It Mean to Repent?

Repentance: What It Means to Truly Turn to Jesus Genuine repentance shows up as a change in heart and behavior, not just an apology without follow-through. Paul’s dramatic turnaround and […]

What Does It Mean to Place One’s Faith in Jesus?

Faith in Jesus: What It Means to Truly Believe and Follow In John’s Gospel, belief is an action word, showing that real faith includes an outward response. Trusting Jesus means […]

How People Make the Commitment to Jesus in Baptism

Baptism Commitment and the Covenant Promise to Follow Jesus Baptism commitment is the formal covenant pledge where a believer repents, trusts in Jesus, and receives God’s promises of forgiveness and […]

How to Botch a Baptism

Baptism Fail and the Discipleship That Must Follow Baptism fail occurs when churches baptize someone and then abandon them without the training and relationships needed to grow as a disciple. […]

Why Is a New Birth Necessary?

New Birth and the Restoration of Our Relationship With God New Birth is necessary because sin disrupted humanity’s relationship with God, beginning with Adam and Eve’s choice to do life […]

Which Is a Better Way to Grow Disciples: Vine-Ripened or Mass-Produced?

Better Way to Grow Disciples and the Vine-Ripened Path to Fruit Better Way to Grow Disciples is illustrated through vine-ripened tomatoes—slow, nurtured growth that produces lasting, flavorful fruit. Modern efficiency […]

Introduction to New Birth: Conversion and Baptism

Conversion and Baptism and the New Birth Into a Living Hope Conversion and Baptism explains why being “born again” is about starting new life through Jesus, rooted in 1 Peter […]

New Birth Author Q&A – Anessa Westbrook and Michael Strickland with Daniel McCoy

New Birth Author Q&A: Baptism, New Birth, and Conversion Listeners will learn why many people misunderstand the need to be born again and how baptism connects to spiritual transformation. The […]

How Should We Treat Elements of Our Faith That Are Not Essential?

Essential Elements And Important Faith Truths Recognize that beliefs not classified as essential are still important and deserve study, time, and devotion. Learn from Jesus, Apollos, and humble instruction how […]

When You Face Criticism in Ministry

Criticism In Ministry and Wise Leadership Responses Identify the difference between helpful critique and a critical attitude using Jethro’s counsel and the spies’ negativity. Evaluate negative feedback through biblical wisdom […]

Christian Convictions Author Q&A – Chad Ragsdale and Bobby Harrington

Christian Convictions Q&A on Essential, Important, and Personal Beliefs Chad shares how his apologetics teaching led to a framework for distinguishing essential Christian beliefs from important doctrines and personal opinions. […]

Introduction to Christian Convictions: Discerning the Essential, Important, and Personal Elements

Introduction to Christian Convictions for Discernment and Faith Growth Chad recounts how his dad helped him overcome baptism anxiety by affirming core beliefs and encouraging ongoing spiritual growth. This introduction […]

The Life and Legacy of One Kingdom Worker

One Kingdom Worker and the Legacy of Quiet Faithfulness Vince’s story begins with simple confusion about entering church, but Scripture and a welcoming community led him to Jesus and ministry. […]

How Does the Holy Spirit Make Us like Jesus?

Holy Spirit Filled and Becoming Like Jesus The Holy Spirit unites believers in one shared life with God, building deep community and strengthening the church. Romans 8 highlights how the […]

Make Your Choice: Learning from the Chinese Church

Chinese Church Lessons for Faith Under Pressure Persecution in China reveals how believers endure surveillance and intimidation by standing firm in Jesus without compromise. Conviction grows when Christians count the […]

What Does It Mean for the Holy Spirit to Live within Us?

Holy Spirit Empowered Living Through God’s Immersion Baptism brings believers into relationship with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, opening a Spirit-filled way of life beyond the flesh. Participation in […]

Book Review: Deep Discipleship by J.T. English

‘Deep Discipleship’ Review for Building Whole Disciples English argues that biblical and doctrinal illiteracy is a major cause of dysfunction in today’s church and calls for deeper teaching. This book […]

A Personal Culture That Leads to Discipling Relationships

Discipling Relationships: Shaping an Inviting Everyday Culture Ordinary routines become mission fields. Regularly visiting the same cafés, stores, and neighborhoods builds trust so natural friendships can grow into discipling relationships. […]

Warmth in Worship

Warmth in Worship: Creating Authentic Church Moments Relational warmth changes the atmosphere as churches prioritize welcome, hospitality, and genuine care over flashy programming, especially for youth and young adults. Thoughtful […]

Let Go or Be Dragged: 4 Things to Let Go Of

Let Go or Be Dragged: Freedom from What Holds You Let Go or Be Dragged shows how clinging to the need to be right traps you in self-righteousness, while surrendering […]

3 Steps to Passing Along the Faith: Repeat (Part 3)

Shema and Forming the Next Generation in Faith Shema highlights a timeless pattern of hearing, obeying, and repeating, showing parents and leaders how continual remembrance shapes a child’s view of […]

The Holy Spirit Is on the Move

Holy Spirit Is on the Move Across the Globe Holy Spirit Is on the Move as explosive growth in Africa, Latin America, and Asia shows millions turning to Jesus through […]

Why Did Jesus Pick Fishermen? Answer: The Gospel.

Gospel for Fishermen: Why Jesus Started with Ordinary People Mark 1 shows the gospel for fishermen calls anyone to repent and believe as God’s kingdom draws near. Instead of choosing […]

How Do Disciples Live in This World?

Disciples Live in This World: Empowered by the Holy Spirit Disciples Live in This World by pursuing an immersive relationship with the Holy Spirit, not just routines or techniques. Acts […]

3 Steps to Passing Along the Faith: Do (Part 2)

Shema Part 2: Loving God Through Obedient Devotion Shema Part 2 shows that loving God is an action that forms disciples, not just a feeling. Moses calls God’s people to […]

On Gender and the Bible: Thoughts of a Theologian and a Therapist on the Transgender Debate (Part 11)

Transgender Debate Part 11: Biblical Clarity for Today’s Questions Transgender Debate Part 11 affirms God made humans male and female, grounding identity in creation and biology. Key definitions like gender […]

What Is the Result of Disciple Making?

What Is the Result of Disciple Making: Fruitful Growth and Generous Love What Is the Result of Disciple Making is a church that grows fruitfully as God brings the increase […]

Gardening and Spiritual Growth

Spiritual Growth: Cultivating Faith Through Gardening Lessons Spiritual Growth may start small like a seed, but God can multiply simple obedience into lasting impact. Gardening shows that what we sow […]

Why Is Disciple Making the Core Mission of the Church?

Disciple Making the Core Mission of the Church: Inspiring Purpose Disciple Making the Core Mission of the Church brings people to Jesus and helps them become fully mature in Christ. […]

What Is a Disciple of Jesus?

Disciple of Jesus Foundations for True Discipleship This teaching unpacks Mark 1:17 to show that a Disciple of Jesus is someone who follows him, is transformed by him, and learns […]

My Favorite Paragraph of Disciple Making: The Core Mission of the Church

Mission of the Church: Intentional Relational Transformation Mission of the Church is portrayed as helping people toward the next life through intentional, relationship-based disciple making that treats people as true […]

Why Are the Teachings and Life of Jesus Important for Disciple Making?

Teachings and Life of Jesus in Disciple Making Teachings and Life of Jesus anchor the Great Commission, where making disciples means teaching people to obey everything he commanded, not just […]

3 Steps to Passing Along the Faith: Hear (Part 1)

3 Steps to Passing Along the Faith in the Shema Rooted in Deuteronomy 6, this first step Hear calls Israel—and us—to recognize that the Lord alone is God and deserves […]

On What Basis Will God Evaluate Our Lives?

God Evaluate Our Lives and the Teachings of Jesus Jesus’ words in John 8, John 12, and Matthew 7 reveal that God Evaluate Our Lives based on whether we build […]

Disciple Making Author Q&A – Bobby Harrington & Scott Sager

Disciple Making Q&A Perspectives on the Church’s Mission Bobby and Scott explain that disciple making is the core mission of the church, grounded in Jesus’ model of intentional relational formation. […]

Introduction to Disciple Making: The Core Mission of the Church, by Bobby Harrington & Scott Sager

Core Mission of the Church in Intentional Disciple Making Disciple making defines the church’s purpose. Bobby Harrington and Scott Sager explain that the core mission of the church is to […]

Preparing for Something Far Better than the New Normal

New Normal in Light of Christian Discipleship Jeff Robertson contrasts the culture’s New Normal with the biblical call to fix our minds on unseen, eternal realities rather than temporary comforts. […]

Stop Comparing Your Church: Why Contextualization, Missiology, and Authenticity Matters

Contextualization in Your God Given Church Setting Contextualization counters comparison. When pastors are tempted to measure their ministry against other churches’ highlight reels, remembering their own unique context protects them […]

Sermon on the Mount: 7 Questions to Ask of Each Beatitude

Beatitudes Part 13 Pathway into Kingdom Living Beatitudes Part 13 unpacks seven probing questions that help you draw out the virtues, paradoxes, and promises woven into each Beatitude. Seeing Beatitudes […]

The Secret to Telling the World a Better Story

Telling the World with Better Stories Telling the world a better story begins by recognizing that God has already given the church the richest stories in Scripture. By using a […]

The People of God Refuel in the Desert

People of God Strength in Desolate Places Desert encounters with God show that the People of God can become strongest against temptation when they withdraw like Jesus to lonely places […]

Moving Mountains in Myanmar: A Guide to Prayer and Action for Myanmar

Pray for Myanmar Faith That Moves Mountains Amid violent crackdowns and fear, Pray for Myanmar reminds believers that the true enemy is the unseen powers of darkness, not the people […]

Worship Leader Q&A: What Happens When Worship Leaders Doubt?

Worship Leader Q&A: Leading Worship Amid Doubt Biblical models of worship in doubt show how figures like the desperate father, psalmists, and Abraham still turn to God even while wrestling […]

Q&A – How Does Christianity Relate to Other Cultures?

Christianity Relate to Other Cultures in Kingdom Identity Kingdom identity reshapes loyalty as leaders explain that disciples are first citizens of God’s kingdom, which frees them to appreciate and serve […]

Worship Leader Q&A: What Steps Invite the Skeptic Back?

Skeptic Back in the Journey to Wholehearted Worship Honest stories from worship leaders walking through divorce, grief, and doubt help skeptics see that broken people can still sing about God’s […]

Q&A – 3 Questions We’ve Started Asking at Baptism

Baptism Q&A Lifelong Discipleship Commitments Through Baptism Q&A, new believers publicly affirm Jesus as King, trust His death and resurrection, and commit to follow Him without conditions for life. Emphasizing […]

Q&A – What Habits Can Break Barriers to Building a Multiethnic Church?

Multiethnic Church Habits That Foster Unity Leaders build trust when they intentionally enter the daily spaces of people from different cultures, following Jesus’ example of going into others’ worlds. Christlike […]

6 Principles for Doubting Well

Doubting Well in Honest Christian Faith Readers learn to name different levels of doubt, from core questions about God to secondary church issues, so they don’t abandon faith unnecessarily. This […]

What the Exile Can Teach Us about Returning to Church

Returning to Church with Exilic Hope and Joy Drawing from Israel’s exile and Psalm 126, this article pictures returning to Church as a joyful homecoming where God turns seasons of […]

Sermon on the Mount: The Persecuted

Persecuted in the Sermon on the Mount Beatitudes Drawing from Matthew 5, this article shows that being persecuted for righteousness marks believers as visibly different Kingdom people whose lives confront […]

Worry: The Acceptable Sin?

Acceptable Sin in the Form of Worry Jesus exposes worry as more than an acceptable habit, calling disciples to trust the Father’s care instead of living like fearful slaves. Anchoring […]

Q&A – What Gets in the Way of Being a Multiethnic Church?

Being a Multiethnic Church with Intentional Courage Intentionality is required, since churches naturally reach people like themselves unless leaders pray, plan, and step beyond their comfort zones. Devotion to the […]

What’s the Difference between Mission and Missions?

Missions and the Church’s Cross-Cultural Calling Defining missions separately from God’s broader mission helps churches avoid calling every activity “missions” and stay focused on cross-cultural outreach. Clarifying missions as evangelism, […]

The Deconstruction Story That Makes the Most Sense

Deconstruction as the Work of Jesus in Our Lives Christ-centered deconstruction exposes false views of God and self, as Jesus analyzes human beliefs, judges them by God’s standard, and replaces […]

Q&A – Why Is It Worth It to Pursue a Multiethnic Church?

Pursue a Multiethnic Church as a Visible Witness Pursuing a multiethnic church follows Jesus’ call to make disciples of all nations, proving that His vision embraces people from every culture […]

Christian Parenting Is the Passing On of an Inheritance

Christian Parenting as Generational Faith Inheritance Christian Parenting treats faith like treasure, showing kids that trusting Jesus is a rich inheritance built through years of God’s provision, sacrifice, and grace. […]

4 Observations from the Frontlines of Disciple Making

Frontlines of Disciple Making in Today’s Church Frontlines of Disciple Making begins with creating deep belonging, where genuine friendship and shared struggle move people from mere churchgoing to committed disciples […]

There Are Two Crosses in the Life of a Christian

Life of a Christian – Walking the Path of Two Crosses Carrying the two crosses reveals true discipleship. Christ’s cross brings salvation, while our cross calls us to die to […]

What Sets Jesus Apart?

What Sets Jesus Apart – The Hope of His Resurrection Resurrection makes Jesus utterly unique. Unlike any other religious figure, He passes through death into a new kind of life, […]

Losing My Faith in Progressive Christianity: The Three Unforgivable Sins — Drinking, Smoking, and Cussing (Part 3)

Progressive Christianity Part 3: Lessons in Grace and Drift Progressive Christianity Part 3 traces how childhood taboos about drinking, smoking, and cussing slowly gave way to a “liberated” lifestyle that […]

The Historical Evidence for the Death, Burial and Resurrection of Jesus – Evidence for Easter (Part 3)

Historical Evidence for Easter—Death, Burial, Resurrection Scholars from skeptical to believing affirm Jesus’ crucifixion, with ancient sources and archaeology detailing the practice and its brutality. In Jerusalem, the empty-tomb claim […]

Why Should Christians Learn World Religions?

World Religions — Learning to Clarify, Love, and Witness Clarifying facts about other faiths helps Christians avoid stereotypes and speak truthfully in conversations. Loving neighbors well means understanding their beliefs, […]

Worship Leader Q&A: How Do You Lead the Skeptic?

Skeptic in Worship: Leader Guidance Expect and welcome seekers. 1 Corinthians 14 frames gathered worship to include people who don’t yet understand, so hospitality and clarity matter. Model honest praise […]

Pain and the Necessity of Pruning

Pain in Pruning: Lessons for Growth Amid cultural upheaval and personal loss, God is actively shaping character rather than promising a pain-free life. Scripture reveals that the Father prunes fruitful […]

A Microscopic Killer Gone Viral

Microscopic Killer in Isolation: Gospel Hope Linking the pandemic’s loneliness and loss to humanity’s deeper “infection” of sin reveals our universal need for Christ’s healing life. Through John 11 and […]

Everybody Is Recovering from Something

Recovering — Steps to Spiritual Health Powerlessness led to trust in God, beginning a Scripture-shaped transformation marked by honest surrender and dependence on His strength. Through the twelve steps—surrender, confession, […]

Come to the Bible with Questions – Q&A with Orpheus J. Heyward

Bible with Questions — Practicing Sound Interpretation Start by examining context (before/after), genre, and language so a passage’s meaning isn’t lifted out of its setting. Recognize historical, linguistic, and cultural […]

Top Ten Forward-Thinking Trends for Disciple Makers

Top Ten Forward-Thinking Trends — Priorities for Disciple Makers Clarify definitions and mission, making disciple making the core focus while moving beyond Sunday-only to a seven-day relational approach with phygital […]

Sermon on the Mount: Pure in Heart

Pure in Heart — Cleanness that Sees God Jesus moves past externals to the inner life, insisting a clean heart matters more than ritual performance (Mt 5–7; 15). Leviticus’ pattern—confession, […]

Small Beginnings for Discipling a Child

Discipling a Child — Small Beginnings that Last A simple bedtime song becomes parental witness across generations—imperfect, heartfelt, and consistent enough to plant truth. As repetition invites participation, a child […]

Restoring Our City – Q&A with Kelvin Teamer

Restoring — Spirit-Led Renewal in Atlanta Monthly prayer walks through City Hall, campuses, and shuttered business corridors ask God to heal disorder and plant the kingdom’s flag in the city. […]

Crossing the Invisible Fence: An Opportunity for the Church to Lead

Invisible Fence — Leading with Hope As restrictions lift, churches can model confident, responsible in-person worship to show life beyond the fence is safe and meaningful. Testimonies from congregations that […]

How Can Churches Cultivate a Disciple Making Culture? Q&A with Brandon Guindon

Q&A with Brandon Guindon: Building a Culture of Disciple Making Q&A with Brandon Guindon emphasizes that true disciple making starts with obedience to Jesus’ Great Commission, not programs or sermons. […]

Friendship Evangelism in a Post-Christian Era

Friendship Evangelism in Everyday Neighboring Amid post-Christian skepticism, relationships built on presence, prayer, and kindness open doors to talk about Jesus naturally. Practical neighboring—yard conversations, simple help, and block-party hospitality—creates […]

Do I Love People? Honestly?

Love People with Biblical Integrity Scripture grounds love in Mark 12:31, 1 Corinthians 13, and 1 John 4:19, moving believers from judgment to empathy shaped by God’s character. Through prayer […]

Sharpening Our Focus on the Great Commission

Great Commission and the Church’s Discipling Mission As Jesus frames it, discipling is the main command of the Great Commission, with going, baptizing, and teaching describing how the church carries […]

Fruitfulness in God’s Kingdom Takes This Uncomfortable Step

Fruitfulness in God’s Kingdom and the Pain of Pruning Carefully cultivated blackberries illustrate how intentional, repeated pruning leads to a far greater harvest than wild, unmanaged growth. Through John 15, […]

Want to Do Something Eternal? Do Kids Ministry.

Kids Ministry — Building Lifelong Disciples Before adulthood, many choose to follow Jesus; intentional teaching at church and home plants convictions that endure. Parents who prioritize gathering and partner with […]

A Resilient Church in a Cancel Culture

Cancel Culture — Practicing Church Resilience Grounded in disciple making, the church develops resilient believers who hold to biblical convictions with joy and courage. Facing cultural pressure, Christians reject timidity […]

An Invitation to Come in Out of the Dark

Dark — Pathways into God’s Light From Genesis to John, Scripture shows God’s presence bringing light that exposes deception and brings order to chaos. Turning to Jesus, the Light of […]

What’s So Important about Context? – Q&A with Orpheus J. Heyward

Context — Handling Scripture With Integrity Rightly handling the Word (2 Timothy 2:15) guards us from bending verses to our will and keeps God’s will central. Examples like Ephesians 2:8, […]

Why Humans?

Humans — Purpose, Image, and Kingdom Work From Genesis and the Ancient Near Eastern backdrop, the story reveals a good Creator forming people to share His goodness and steward creation. […]

Thinking about an Extended Fast? Lessons Learned from My Gen Z’er

Extended Fast — Community, Conviction, Direction Participating with church or friends sustains resolve, even from a distance, as shared Scripture and stories strengthen obedience during fasting. As prayer deepens, the […]

What’s So Dangerous about Bible Misinterpretation? – Q&A with Orpheus J. Heyward

Misinterpretation — Context, Clarity, and Accountability Examples like 1 Corinthians 14:40 and Acts 17 show how texts detached from context become tools to police practices God wasn’t addressing. Reader-response approaches […]

The Long March through the Institutions of Society

Long March in Today’s Institutions—A Discipleship Response Decades of university influence spread into media, corporations, and policy, advancing Critical Theory across culture. Marxist-rooted frameworks center power and suppression, conflicting with […]

3 Spiritual Boundary Stones to Leave in Place

Boundary Stones in Discipleship: Ownership, Identity, Actions Ownership belongs to God. Devotion stays “Wholly His” when believers reject external idols and deny inner desires that try to shift their hearts. […]

Disciple Making Shift #5 – From Competing Goals to One End Goal

End Goal in Disciple Making—All Nations Discipled Grounded in Matthew 28:18–20, the article defines the end as discipling every people group and completing the Great Commission. Facing reality, 7,414 unreached […]

Lessons from the Church in Eastern Canada: Get Creative

Canada in Post-Christian Ministry—Creative Lessons Healthy churches prioritize disciple making over size, channeling resources so disciples make disciples in any context. Bivocational and covocational models—like funding a coffee shop that […]

Youth Suicide Prevention: Risk and Response

Youth Suicide Intervention—QPR Actions Direct questions open the door: ask clearly about suicidal thoughts, using wording you can say, to surface real risk. Compassionate listening persuades toward help: avoid judgment, […]

Letter to Someone Struggling with an Anxious Heart

Anxious Heart — A Letter of Peace From racing thoughts to simple prayers, the writer brings fear to Jesus and invites family support to re-center trust. Scripture anchors courage: Psalms […]

Lessons from the Church in Eastern Canada: Success in a Post-Christian World

Post-Christian World — Eastern Canada Field Notes In Metro Halifax where fewer than 5% attend church, success shifts from weekly shows to small missional communities living Acts 2 rhythms together. […]

Worship Leader Q&A: Can I Worship God in My PJ’s?

Worship and Authentic Connection in a Changing Church During livestream worship, leaders found freedom in rest, preparation, and embracing imperfection as part of authentic praise. Informality helped believers shed pretense, […]

Disciple Making Shift #4 – From Teaching Information to Teaching Obedience

Disciple Making Shift #4: Training for Obedience Obedience over information. Jesus commands us to teach obedience (Matt. 28:20), turning truth into lived practice. Use “I will” statements. Specific, measurable actions […]

Youth Suicide Prevention: Dos and Don’ts

Suicide Prevention in Youth Ministry Detect clusters of clues—behavior changes, withdrawal, prior attempts, and talk of hopelessness—and treat them as urgent. Start compassionate conversations by asking directly about suicidal thoughts, […]

Disciple Making Shift #3 – From Professionals to Everyone Reaching the Lost

Disciple Making Shift #3 — Mobilizing Every Believer Churches that rely only on attractional models see limited fruit; empowering all believers to introduce people to Jesus multiplies impact. Barna findings […]

6 Lies That Sink Marriages

6 Lies That Sink Marriages — Practical Guardrails Reject “greener grass” fantasies and fairy-tale expectations; intentionally nurture your spouse and grow together through every season. Seek outside support when needed—trusted […]

Disciple Making Shift #2 – From Going to Church to Going to Lost People

Disciple Making Shift #2 Inspires Missional Living Through Disciple Making Shift #2, believers learn to step outside church walls and intentionally reach the lost where they live and work. The […]

Losing My Faith…in Progressive Christianity (Part 1)

Progressive Christianity Part 1: Insights from Deconstruction Stovall recounts a season of doubt, questioning a culture built on the sinner’s prayer and feelings-based assurance. The narrative challenges easy-belief formulas, contrasting […]

Disciple Making Shift #1: From Church Members to Disciple Makers

Disciple Makers in Everyday Mission Identity reframed as disciple makers reshapes daily choices, moving believers from passive attendance to active obedience. Instead of “doing church,” followers reach the lost, train […]

Church, It’s Time to Bring Back Apprenticeships.

Apprenticeships that Shape Ministry Readiness Rooted in Scripture, Apprenticeships mirror Jesus with the Twelve, Moses and Joshua, and Paul with Timothy to form leaders through life-on-life mentoring. Beyond classrooms, they […]

5 Shifts to Return to Jesus-Style Disciple Making

Jesus-Style Disciple Making — Five Shifts in Practice Rooted in Matthew 28:18–20, this approach returns to Jesus as the Master Disciple Maker and His plan to go, baptize, and teach […]

Top 10 Renew.org Articles in 2020

Top 10 — Lessons that Strengthened the Church Featuring standout discussions on gender, LGBTQ, race, and faith, these articles shaped meaningful reflection in 2020. Addressing deconversion, marriage, and disciple-making, the […]

The Stages of Disciple Making: Go and Make Disciples (Part 5)

Disciple Making — Replication in the Great Commission Rooted in Matthew 28:19–20 and John 20:21, Jesus sends trained disciples to go, baptize, teach obedience, and remember His presence. Beyond conversion, […]

Worship Leader Q&A: Lessons Learned from Livestreaming Church

Livestreaming Church — Worship Leaders’ Tested Insights From four worship ministers, production quality and reach surged; teams leveled up and online participation broadened across states. Leaders emphasize intentional engagement at […]

The Stages of Disciple Making: “Come Take Up Your Cross” (Part 4)

The Stages of Disciple Making — Phase 4: Come Take Up Your Cross At Caesarea Philippi, Jesus clarifies His identity and calls disciples to deny themselves, take up the cross, […]

The Stages of Disciple Making: “Come and Be with Me” (Part 3)

Disciple Making Part 3 — Prayer, Selection, Coaching Through an all-night prayer (Luke 6:12–13), Jesus seeks the Father and then chooses the Twelve, concentrating especially on Peter, James, and John. […]

7 Rules Healthy Couples Set for Themselves

7 Rules Healthy Couples — Marriage Habits That Endure Community with peer and mentor couples offers honest support in hard seasons and keeps the relationship from isolating. Prioritizing dates, shared […]

The Stages of Disciple Making: “Come and Follow Me” (Part 2)

Stages of Disciple Making Part 2 — Come and Follow Me in Community After hearing “Follow me,” new disciples step into deeper teaching, witness Jesus’ works, and face real conflicts […]

The Stages of Disciple Making: “Come and See” (Part 1)

Stages of Disciple Making Part 1 — Come and See Foundations In the opening phase, seekers watch Jesus at Cana, the temple, with Nicodemus, and with the Samaritan woman before […]

God Is the Healer of Your Wounds

God Is the Healer — Jehovah Rapha and True Restoration From Psalms to Hebrews, Scripture affirms that God binds the brokenhearted, answers distress, and invites confident grace-seeking. In honest prayer […]

Discouragement & Dropout: Why Ministers Leave the Ministry

Why Ministers Leave the Ministry — Causes and Care Unrealistic ideals collide with reality, so mentoring that names failures and models growth helps ministers navigate weekly crises. Unhealthy leadership cultures […]

When You Talk to Yourself, What Do You Say?

When You Talk to Yourself — Core Insights Explore how self-talk shapes attitudes, resilience, and daily discipleship, with practical ways to bring thoughts under the light of Scripture. Recognize negative […]

Prayer and Fasting: the “Why” and the “How”

Prayer and Fasting — Practices that Shape Disciple Makers This webinar unpacks the biblical “why” and practical “how,” equipping both newcomers and seasoned believers to embrace this life-giving discipline. Jesus’ […]

Minister, You Need a Learning Community

Learning Community — Why It Matters Now Ministers under pressure find encouragement, practical counsel, and a trusted band of peers instead of leading in isolation. In bi-monthly cohorts, leaders engage […]

6 Hidden Signs of an Unhealthy Marriage

6 Hidden Signs of an Unhealthy Marriage and What They Reveal Emotional distance often begins subtly, turning relationships into routines that lack real connection and spiritual intimacy. Neglecting forgiveness and […]

Developing a Prayer and Fasting Culture: A Q&A with David Roadcup and Bobby Harrington

Q&A with David Roadcup and Bobby Harrington — A Churchwide Prayer & Fasting Path Leaders emphasize that sustained prayer and fasting often precede revival and should become steady rhythms in […]

Reasons Why Adolescents Attempt Suicide

Suicide — Understanding Why Teens Consider It Motives range from escaping “intolerable” situations to punishing survivors or seeking attention—each still requiring serious care. Pressures like avoiding punishment or burdening family, […]

Church Leader, We Are So Thankful for You

Church Leader — Encouragement for Uncertain Times Through conflict, elections, and a pandemic, you pursued unity, protected the vulnerable, and kept people connected while trusting God. Scripture-shaped leadership preached truth, […]

The Authentic Experience Church Model with Corey Trimble

Corey Trimble — Authentic Church Culture & Disciple Making Expository teaching anchors culture, welcoming seekers while holding firm to Scripture. Leaders practice incarnational outreach, building real bridges with grace and […]

Discipling Group for a Pandemic?

Discipling Group for a Pandemic Blueprint Phygital rhythm sustains formation. Groups blend monthly in-person connection with weekly one-hour online meetings to deepen relationships and discipleship. Leaders shape small, focused circles. […]

What Does God Think about My Mental Disorder?

Mental Disorder and God’s Redemptive Purpose John 9:1–3 reveals suffering can display God’s works, reframing mental disorder from punishment to a place for His glory. Rather than hiding in stigma, […]

Lessons from the Church in Germany: Tsunami

Lessons from the Church in Germany Tsunami Response From Europe’s aftermath of higher criticism, Brett Seybold calls U.S. churches to pair personal relationships with strong apologetics and unity with other […]

Can a Pastor of 5,000 Understand a Church of 150?

Can a Pastor of 5,000 Understand a Church of 150—Practical Path Culture beats trend: growth flows from a church culture that is 100% faithful to the Bible while welcoming outsiders […]

On Gender and the Bible: One Church’s Real-World Fight (Part 8)

One Church Real-World Fight and Biblical Transformation Building a culture rooted in Scripture, One Church’s Real-World Fight recounts how obedience reshaped leadership and deepened faith. Through consistent discipleship and prayerful […]

Starting a Transparency Group Video Training: What’s Next in Disciple Making with Bobby Harrington

Disciple Making with Bobby Harrington Training Highlights Field-tested model equips churches to start small transparency groups (2–5), in person or on Zoom, for life-on-life growth. Leaders invite believers and seekers, […]

Lessons from the Church in Germany: Post-Christianity

The Church in Germany Insights for Today From classrooms to pulpits, negative higher criticism eroded confidence in Scripture, opening a spiritual vacuum filled by rival worldviews. Mission progress is slow—often […]

Exposing Some Common Myths about Suicide

Common Myths about Suicide and What Really Helps Research shows many who die by suicide do signal intent; learn to catch direct and indirect warnings. Pastors should ask plainly about […]

Learning a Grace-Filled Approach to Ministry: Sacrificial Love

Sacrificial Love in Grace-Filled Ministry Christ’s example in Philippians 2 shows love that surrenders status, modeling how leaders lay down preferences for God’s will. Practically, ministers restrain ego, accept correction, […]

What Are Christians Doing on Social Media?

What Are Christians Doing on Social Media — Practices for Digital Witness Algorithms often inflame division, so disciples pursue humility, self-control, and allegiance to Jesus when posting or debating. Open, […]

Peter, Paul, and Race

Peter, Paul, and Race — Gospel Unity Lived at the Table Grounded in Galatians 2:14, the piece insists racial unity is a core gospel conviction, not an optional add-on. From […]

An Election Day Prayer

Election Day Prayer — Peace, Wisdom, and Hope in Christ Rooted in 1 Timothy 2 and Jeremiah 29, the prayer seeks national peace so believers may live quiet, godly lives. […]

Learning a Grace-Filled Approach to Ministry: Understanding

Grace-Filled Approach to Ministry: Leading with Understanding A grace-centered leader seeks to understand people’s lives, trading legalism and pride for humility that blesses worshipers. Volunteer care calls for patience and […]

Saving Christian Education

Christian Education in an Integrated Mission Resist mission drift by anchoring every discipline to Christ’s lordship (Phil. 1:9–11), choosing an integrated model over historical or value-added approaches. Deploy learning for […]

Should You Consider Prison Ministry?

Should You Consider Prison Ministry — Visiting & Discipling Rooted in Matthew 25:35–36, this piece shows how visiting, prayer, and steady mentoring cultivate disciples behind bars. Despite limited access and […]

Learning a Grace-Filled Approach to Ministry: Gratitude

Gratitude — Habits for Grace-Filled Ministry Drawing on 2 Peter 1:3, gratitude replaces entitlement and frees worship teams to serve with joy under a grace-filled posture. Leaders practice weekly thank-you […]

Sermon on the Mount: the Pursuit of Happiness

Pursuit of Happiness — Kingdom Portrait Amid shallow buzzes and self-made idols, Jesus sketches a citizen of the Kingdom whose blessing comes first, not after rule-keeping. Drawing contrasts with Deuteronomy […]

On Gender and the Bible: Practical Advice by Complementarian Women for Local Churches (Part 7)

Practical Advice by Complementarian Women — Implementing in Local Churches Leaders clarify biblical complementarity, communicate it openly, and invite women’s voices in decisions, prayer, Scripture readings, and visible service. Churches […]

How Can I Reach Out to a Lonely Person in a Year of Loss?

Lonely Person — Outreach that Heals Begin with a caring check-in: listen without fixing, acknowledge loss, and show up consistently, as Darius does for Ming. Offer practical help and safe […]

Grieving a Lost Life and a Lost Culture

Grieving a Lost Life and a Lost Culture — Honoring Life’s Value Through a father’s miscarriage loss, the piece contrasts Scripture’s view of children as blessing with a culture that […]

Q: What If My Kid Thinks the Bible Is Boring?

Bible Is Boring — Helping Kids Engage Scripture Love and kindness are current. Show that Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever, so his way remains deeply relevant. Relationship […]

Learning a Grace-Filled Approach to Ministry: Hospitality

Hospitality — Grace-Filled Worship Leadership Grace creates a welcome-mat culture in rehearsals, meetings, and conversations so care lingers beyond the gathering. Rather than coercion or cheerleading, invitation guides worship, echoing […]

Pursuing Revival Is Better than Impressing Crowds

Pursuing Revival — Spirit-Led Church Renewal Authenticity beats consumerism. Preferences and performance won’t mature believers; younger generations hunger for substance over show. Like Acts 1, seek God together. Gather in […]

Life-Changing Paragraphs: A Paragraph That Kept Me in Ministry

Paragraph That Kept Me in Ministry — Costly Grace That Reshaped a Calling Bonhoeffer’s costly-vs-cheap grace showed that true discipleship demands surrender yet gives the only true life. At a […]

When Am I Getting off Social Media?

Getting off Social Media — Discernment for Digital “Third Places” Documentary insights and personal research show platforms hijack attention, fuel mental strain, and deform virtue, making quitting a daily temptation. […]

Can We Be a Unified Church in a Divided World?

Can We Be a Unified Church in a Divided World — Unity That Acts During polarizing seasons, leaders model humility and keep the pulpit non-partisan so honest dialogue can flourish. […]

A Fatal Misstep in Addiction Recovery

Addiction Recovery in Daily Dependence Overconfidence invites relapse since neuroplasticity keeps learned cravings, leaving former addicts permanently vulnerable. Ongoing community—AA, NA, Celebrate Recovery—and steady habits sustain sobriety and resist isolation. […]

Matters of Trust: A Crisis of Crumbling Authority

Crumbling Authority in Our Homes and Hearts From Vietnam and Watergate to social media echo chambers, institutional trust collapsed and “trust me” turned suspect. Young families now prize independence over […]

Sermon on the Mount: Crowds or Disciples?

Crowds or Disciples: The Sermon on the Mount Call In Crowds or Disciples, the audience is split. Jesus addresses committed followers while seekers listen, pushing fence-sitters to step into genuine […]

3 Keys for Training Your Kids for Lifelong Faithfulness

3 Keys for Training Your Kids — Forming Lifelong Faith Model wholehearted love for God so kids imitate a living relationship, not mere religious activity. Weave Scripture into everyday decisions—at […]

Revival: God Could Do It Again!

Revival – Pathways to Renewal From the Reformation to six historic “waves,” God has repeatedly revived His church—and He can do it again. Through united prayer, fasting, repentance, and obedient […]

A Leadership Training Manual on Avoiding the Ditches

Leadership – Disciple Making Without Ditches Corey Trimble’s An Authentic Experience equips churches to build an inviting culture with biblical integrity for sustainable disciple making. Avoiding the two ditches—ineffective traditionalism […]

Jesus, Suicide, and Our Lowest Points

Jesus – Care at Our Lowest Points From Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36–38) to Mark 2:17, He acknowledges deep anguish and invites the broken to His healing. Prayer, gratitude, and corporate intercession […]

In Defense of Christian Missions

Christian Missions – Humility Across Cultures Scripture condemns twisting the gospel and calls missionaries to serve without imposing culture (Romans 16:17–20; 2 Peter 3:16; Matthew 23). Across the New Testament, […]

Don’t Let Your Faith Be Contradicted by Your Posts

Faith – Words and Witness Online Social media can magnify your testimony, but contradictory posts undermine your witness and make everyday evangelism harder. Paul urges prayer, watchfulness, gratitude, and conversations […]

Letter to a Parent of a College Student

Letter to a Parent – College-Year Guidance Early weeks shape worldview; encourage wise friends, discerning mentors, and a strong campus ministry. Rather than rescuing, equip your student to handle conflicts […]

Shane Wood – Enneagram Micro Course – Introduction

Shane Wood – Enneagram Insights Shane Wood explains the Enneagram through Genesis and theology, showing how it connects with creation, brokenness, and God’s pursuit. He highlights how self-awareness and loving […]

The Inspiration of the Old Testament

The Inspiration of the Old Testament – Core Teachings The Inspiration of the Old Testament is shown in how Moses recorded God’s commands, passing them to Israel as a lasting […]

A Simple Way to Share the Gospel

Simple Way to Share the Gospel – Acts 2 Roadmap Starting with Jesus as Lord, Peter’s sermon brings conviction and the urgent question, “What should we do?” Peter calls hearers […]

Reasons for Church Decline in the West

Church Decline in the West – Causes, Culture, Renewal Prosperity can breed forgetfulness of God, dulling urgency about death, judgment, and obedience. Secularism disciples people to live as if God […]

On Gender and the Bible: Does God Allow Women Preachers in 1 Timothy 2? (Part 4)

Does God Allow Women Preachers in 1 Timothy 2 – Context & Teaching Drawing from 1 Timothy 2:11–15, the article argues that Paul grounds instructions in creation order and aims […]

Promise Keepers: Stand in the Gap

Stand in the Gap – Sacred Assembly Impact Over two years of planning, fasting, and prayer culminated in a Washington DC gathering where more than a million men sought God […]

Following Jesus through Chaos and Cancel Culture: Race, Sexuality, Gender, & the Gospel

Chaos and Cancel Culture – Faithful Discipleship Grounds believers in Jesus’ way amid public shaming, modeling grace and truth in conversations on race, sexuality, and gender. Offers a biblical framework […]

We Can Now Go Post-Christian

Post-Christian Cultural Shift From 60s counterculture to intersectional activism, power is reassigned and “The Man” gets blown down. Ethics remain while faith and authority are displaced, forming a new orthodoxy […]

Great Leaders Are Led by Convictions

Great Leaders in Conviction-Fueled Courage Caleb demonstrates that convictions—God will lead, be with us, help us, and overcome—ignite courageous action. When excitement fades or obstacles loom, conviction redirects ministries to […]

Progressivism and Church Decline

Progressivism in Church Trajectory Surveyed trends show practicing Christians shrinking as culture-first reinterpretations of Scripture take root. Denominational drift toward progressive theology trades core doctrines—Jesus’ exclusivity and biblical sexual ethics—for […]

On Gender and the Bible: Why Do Women Stay Silent in 1 Corinthians 14? (Part 3)

Why Do Women Stay Silent in 1 Corinthians 14 — Context, Order, and Headship Drawing from 1 Corinthians 11–14, the article shows Paul correcting disorder in worship—telling tongue speakers, prophets, […]

My Approach to Apologetics: God Will Come Through

Apologetics and Trust in God’s Faithfulness The approach to apologetics emphasizes God’s reliability rather than human desperation to defend Him. Evidence from creation, prophecy, and Scripture reveals God’s truth and […]

Fishing & Faith

Fishing & Faith — Lessons from John 21 From the Sea of Galilee setting, the narrative shows that faith is enacted through obedient action, not merely held as belief. Peter’s […]

When Advice Isn’t Helpful

Advice — Listening Before Speaking When mistakes happen, people often need care more than lectures; be present like Job’s friends were—before they started talking. Social posts and quick opinions can […]

6 Ways to Emerge from COVID Ready for Hospitality

COVID — Hospitality in Practice From solicitors at the door to neighbors in need, respond with empathy—offer a drink, a seat, a ride, or a shared meal. Scripture frames welcome […]

Emerging from COVID with a Commitment to Hospitality

Emerging from COVID — Hospitality in Practice Scripture urges welcoming strangers; Hebrews 13:1–2 and 1 Peter 4:9 present hospitality as love in action. Everything comes from God; use your home […]

Great Worship during a Terrible Time

Great Worship — Joy in Hard Seasons Great Worship treats praise as the overflow of treasuring God, so joy remains even when life hurts. When COVID-era plans collapse, choose to […]

Promise Keepers: The Night We Encouraged Our Pastors

Pastors — Honoring Our Shepherds From the 1994 Promise Keepers ovation, public appreciation lifted weary hearts and affirmed the weight pastors carry. Many ministers rarely hear thanks, revealing the need […]

We’re Doing Evangelism in Wartime

Evangelism in Wartime — Field Strategy See the battlefield clearly: people aren’t enemies but souls to rescue, so view conversations through Jesus’ lens and prioritize eternity. Use God-powered weapons by […]

A Reckoning for the Church

Reckoning for the Church — Repent and Reconcile Names the harm: judgmentalism and political coercion left many as casualties who need healing, not campaigns. Demands repentance: the church must own […]

Caution Fatigued, Yet?

Caution Fatigued in the Pandemic: Persevering with Wisdom Recognize caution fatigue can cloud judgment and tempt risky behavior; choose wise, others-first practices anchored in Galatians 6:9 and Ephesians 5:15. Pray […]

We Have Only One Life to Live

One Life to Live — Time with Eternal Impact Jesus modeled saying and doing only what the Father wills, leading us into Spirit-led words and work (John 8:28; 12:49). By […]

Preparing Students for College: Intergenerational Relationships

Intergenerational Relationships for College Resilience Research shows that church belonging and adult encouragement anchor students’ faith during the transition to campus. Shared experiences—worship, service, trips, and small groups—build authentic bonds […]

How Do I Build Peace into a Stressful Day?

How Do I Build Peace into a Stressful Day — Everyday Practices Deep breaths, worship “timeouts,” and coloring prayers create quick “rock-a-chair” moments that quiet anxiety. Writing laments and honest […]

It’s Time for a Second Wind

Second Wind in Seasons of Refining Amid bleak headlines and fatigue, the author shifts from discouragement to God’s power, seeking the lesson He is teaching in this season. 1 Peter […]

Intersectionality, Christianity, & Why Reconciliation > Reversal

Reconciliation in a Divided Age Jesus reframes suffering by confronting it with compassion, turning “just the way things are” into restored life and calling disciples to serve the least of […]

Lessons from the Church in Pakistan: Boldness

Church in Pakistan and Courageous Discipleship Small groups study Scripture verse by verse and tackle core Muslim questions—Jesus as Son of God, who God is, and why the Bible is […]

Changing Times: Part 3 of a Conversation with Bob Russell

Part 3 of a Conversation with Bob Russell on Faithful Leadership Facing shifting cultural views, Russell urges thick skin with soft hearts, resisting the drift to “shout grace and whisper […]

Ditches to Avoid – Part 2 of a Conversation with Bob Russell

Ditches to Avoid and Guardrails for Leadership Preaching through Scripture steadies congregations as elders shield ministers from political flashpoints and help keep Jesus central. Differentiating principles from methods frees churches […]

Lessons from the Church in Pakistan: Persecution and Progress

Persecution and Progress: Lessons from Pakistan’s Church Persecution and Progress highlights harsh blasphemy laws and sporadic mob violence while noting recent moves toward greater religious freedom. Amid threats and required […]

Preparing Students for College: Cultural Discernment

Cultural Discernment for College Faithfulness Filtering every lecture, message, and lifestyle cue through Scripture equips freshmen to choose communities and habits that honor Jesus. Teaching the Bible’s meta-narrative forms a […]

When Should You Confront a Fellow Christian’s Sin? Part 2

Christian’s Sin — Spirit-Led Intervention Wise, Spirit-led believers restore gently, often with others, balancing truth and love to help a brother or sister return to faithfulness. Because situations are messy […]

Are You Feeling Alone?

Are You Feeling Alone: Communion at the Table Amid isolation and online church, the author hears “Come to the table” and recognizes Jesus’ invitation to fellowship. Remembering the Lord’s Supper, […]

Stay Curious in Relationships

Stay Curious in Disciple-Making Conversations Quiet presence and thoughtful questions helped a grieving father feel heard without advice. Curiosity over personal agendas keeps the focus on the other’s story, building […]

When Should You Confront a Fellow Christian’s Sin? Part 1

Fellow Christian’s Sin in Church Discipline Scripture separates fuzzy conscience matters from blatant disobedience that calls for loving intervention. Paul’s guidance urges humble judgment “inside” the church to rescue the […]

Persistence: Easy to Neglect, Impossible to Ignore

Persistence in Prayer, Justice, and Discipleship From the persistent widow to modern civil rights stories, steady pursuit shows that justice isn’t untouchable and change can come. Anchored in Luke 18, […]

A Discipling Model You Can Use Tomorrow: Virtual and Face-to-Face

Virtual and Face-to-Face in Disciple Making From a simple Transformation Group design, anyone can start same-gender groups using three tools and meet effectively despite busy schedules. Leaders pray and recruit […]

A Four-Word Solution to Reach a Divided Nation

Divided Nation in Missionary Engagement Adopting a missionary posture reframes culture wars by affirming the good, naming the broken, and pointing to Jesus over partisanship. Centering on King Jesus moves […]

Room for Grief: The Missing Component of Evangelism

Evangelism in Grief-Aware Discipleship Recognizing the five grief stages helps you meet seekers where they are rather than forcing quick decisions. Instead of taking resistance personally, keep studies centered on […]

Some of your Best Ministry Is Just Being There

Best Ministry in Faithful Presence Through a preacher’s steady presence, life moments—baptism, ballgames, camp, and funerals—became genuine pastoral care. Remembering years later, people cherish leaders who show up, listen, and […]

Disciples Should Expect God’s Discipline

God’s Discipline — Lessons for Growing Up in Christ Trials expose our weaknesses and invite repentance, producing the “peaceful fruit of righteousness” in those trained by them (Hebrews 12:11). Parents […]

Introducing the Lifestyle of “Theopraxy”

Theopraxy — Living in God’s Will Daily Rooted in Jesus, it means knowing Him, imitating Him, and seeking God’s Kingdom above competing duties. Practically, you learn to recognize God’s voice, […]

Letter to a Christian Going through Trauma

Letter to a Christian in Trauma: Hope & Practical Steps From a pastor-father who survived his daughters’ devastating crash, this letter assures you’re seen, heard, and able to keep moving. […]

Preparing Students for College: Intimate Relationship with Jesus

Intimate Relationship with Jesus — College Prep Insights Students thrive when intimacy with Jesus—not rule-keeping—anchors identity, joy, and worship. Encourage curious faith by welcoming hard questions, grounding answers in Scripture […]

Break for…Homecoming

Homecoming — Practicing Abiding Returning to God’s quiet presence centers the heart on Jesus’ promise (John 14:23) and steadies the mind in prayer. When distractions or sin pull you away, […]

Lessons from the Church in Kenya: Spirit-Led Leadership

Spirit-Led Leadership — Practical Ministry Habits Walking in the Spirit—not human strength—empowers obedience to Jesus and bold witness (Acts 1:8). When busyness dulls dependence, pause to repent and ask the […]

Grieving the Beliefs You Leave Behind

Grieving the Beliefs — Walking Through Change Recognizing denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance helps Christians process loss as old views yield to biblical convictions. Examples such as resurrection hope, […]

Baptism, Salvation, and Discipleship

Baptism and New Life: Conversion to Discipleship Conversion with repentance leads to salvation. Heaven rejoices over a sinner who repents, as God pours out forgiving grace (Luke 15:10). Union with […]

4 Spiritual Pitfalls at the University

4 Spiritual Pitfalls on the College Journey Autonomy tempts freshmen toward parties, hookups, and neglect of Scripture and fellowship unless wise boundaries are chosen. In classrooms and peer culture, challenges […]

Young Ministers Need Older Encouragers

Young Ministers and the Power of Encouragement Older encouragers like Paul Ayers show how patient guidance and steady faith can shape the lives of young ministers. The ripple effect of […]

The Romans 14 Posture as a Guide to Reopening

The Romans 14 Posture and Reopening Churches The Romans 14 Posture encourages unity by reminding believers that disagreements over reopening are not worth dividing the church. Respect for differing convictions […]

Lessons from the Church in Kenya: Members or Disciples?

Church in Kenya Lessons for Spiritual Growth Church in Kenya reveals how entertainment-driven models risk producing members instead of authentic disciples. Discipleship in the Church in Kenya emphasizes prayer, Scripture, […]

Promise Keepers & Stories of Changed Lives

Stories of Changed Lives in Faith and Transformation Stories of Changed Lives highlight reconciliation, as men returned to their families and restored broken marriages after encountering Jesus. Life-change was evident […]

Some Good News in the Kingdom

Good News in the Kingdom During the Pandemic Good News in the Kingdom reveals unity across nations. From Australia to Brazil to Saudi Arabia, believers share the same struggles yet […]

The Gospel Coalition, Matthew Bates, and Renew.org

Gospel Coalition and Renew.org: Key Differences Gospel Coalition emphasizes Calvinist theology while Renew.org highlights human free will, showing two distinct approaches to understanding salvation and faith. Matthew Bates challenges Gospel […]

Could You Be a Church Planter?

Church Planter Pathways to Multiplication Acts 1:8 frames the mission to scatter and multiply, while Acts 8:1 warns that God may disrupt comfort to move the church outward. Antioch-like churches […]

Why Plant New Churches?

Plant New Churches for Gospel Multiplication Rooted in Genesis, God calls His people to be fruitful, multiply, and fill the earth—church planting embodies that mandate. In Acts, the church stalled […]

Can Churches Have Friendly Dialogue with the LGBTQ Community?

LGBTQ Community Bridge-Building Insights Lead with humility and honesty. Admitting weakness lowers defenses and opens space for friendship, evangelism, and discipleship. Serve together on shared causes. Working side-by-side for the […]

The How’s of Humility

Humility Practices for Real-Life Formation Fasting exposes dependence on God and quickly reorients the heart toward Him. Seeing God’s majesty—making God big in your mind—reshapes pride into worship. Choosing lowly […]

Did Jesus Really Mean “Judge Not”?!

Judge Not: Living Jesus’ Teaching Jesus frames “judging” as a condemning attitude that spots a brother’s speck while ignoring our own plank, not wise evaluation of fruit. Matthew 7 with […]

O.P.E.N.: 4 Things Elders Must Do

4 Things Elders Must Do for Safe Reopening Oversee policy and timing as shepherds, owning responsibility for when and how the church gathers again. Plan the big calls—distancing, touch-free communion, […]

Church Leaders Need Friends

Church Leaders: Friendship Practices Progress from acquaintances to closest brothers with growing time, trust, accountability, and vulnerability. Speak truth with grace, sharing weaknesses and guarding confidentiality to deepen real ministry […]

Practical Guide to Monster Hunting

Monster Hunting and the Hope We Need Imagined monsters mirror hidden fears and longings—loneliness, control, security—especially during disruptive seasons. Naming the monster helps us see what we’re trusting most and […]

4 Creative Ways Churches are Serving Their Communities

4 Creative Ways Churches are Serving Their Communities in Action Churches launched initiatives like the “Dollar Club” to meet local needs, showing that 4 Creative Ways Churches are Serving Their […]

Communing with the Church, from My Kitchen

Communing with the Church in Everyday Life Communing with the Church transcends distance, as taking communion at home during Easter revealed unity with believers around the world. Personal reflection deepens […]

A Global Awakening

Global Awakening in Times of Crisis Global Awakening highlights how humanity is rediscovering interdependence as compassion and selflessness echo worldwide. Through Global Awakening, examples of medical workers, factories, and even […]

How to Disciple through Emotional Trauma: Truth

Truth in Discipleship and Healing Hearts Truth from God releases people from emotional trauma, opening the way to love Him and others more fully. Emma’s story shows how internalizing the […]

4 Ways to Grow as a Disciple When You’re Isolated

4 Ways to Grow as a Disciple in Isolation with Faithful Practices Serving others is one of the 4 Ways to Grow as a Disciple, whether by donating food, running […]

How to Disciple through Emotional Trauma: Grace

Grace and Discipleship in Overcoming Emotional Trauma Grace transforms emotional wounds into love. Leonard’s journey shows how receiving God’s grace released him from shame and anger, enabling deeper love for […]

4 Ways to Steward Your Suffering

4 Ways to Steward Your Suffering in Faith 4 Ways to Steward Your Suffering highlight how receiving comfort equips us to extend that same compassion to others who grieve. Easing […]

4 Takeaways from LGBTQ Documentary

4 Takeaways from LGBTQ Documentary on Faith and Dialogue 4 Takeaways from LGBTQ Documentary reveal that churches must foster transparency, offering both truth and grace so believers struggling with same-sex […]

Reaching the Unreached with Stories

Unreached Communities and Transformative Storytelling Stories mirror the method of Jesus, who used parables to engage hearts and reveal truth, showing the power of storytelling for oral cultures. Oral learners […]

How to Disciple through Emotional Trauma: Time

Time in Discipleship: Healing Through Patience Time allows God’s work to unfold, reminding us that emotional healing cannot be rushed but requires His perfect timing. Restoration happens gradually, combining prayer, […]

Paralyzed or Mobilized?

Paralyzed or Mobilized and the Path of Faith Faith turns paralysis into purpose. When crises strike, God calls us not to freeze in fear but to trust Him and act […]

This Is the Weekend to Get Right with God

Get Right with God This Easter Weekend Transformation begins when you surrender your brokenness to Jesus, just as Eli did when he realized God’s love was bigger than his past. […]

This Easter Reminds Me of Another Easter

Easter and God’s Presence in Uncertainty The first Easter shows how sadness, fear, and frustration turned into assurance that God was at work. Waiting seasons reflect the disciples’ struggles, yet […]

Help! I’m Stuck at Home Teaching My Kids!

Teaching My Kids at Home with Faith and Routines Teaching My Kids begins with extending grace, shifting negative thoughts into gratitude and relying on God’s truth to guide words and […]

Walking through a Psalm of Resurrection

Psalm of Resurrection and God’s Surprising Grace Psalm of Resurrection reveals dramatic reversals. David experienced God’s power turning near-death into life, sorrow into joy, and silence into singing. This psalm […]

Rhett, Link, & Kingdom Building

Kingdom Building and Lasting Devotion Kingdom Building is illustrated through Rhett and Link’s journey, where creative gifts once nurtured for ministry shifted toward personal recognition. Faithful stewardship of talents is […]

Top 10 Best Practices of Healthy Churches During the Virus

Top 10 Best Practices of Healthy Churches During the Virus and Their Lessons In Top 10 Best Practices of Healthy Churches During the Virus, prayer, worship, and communication are shown […]

Confronting Coronavirus with a Dozen Contradictory Emotions

Confronting Coronavirus and the Struggles of Faith Confronting Coronavirus reveals how believers experience fear, grief, and gratitude all at once while facing the pandemic. The article shows how Scripture, from […]

Discipling Busy People Online (and More), Part 2

Discipling Busy People Online Part 2 and Its Practical Insights Discipling Busy People Online Part 2 demonstrates how flexible online groups make space for discipleship despite hectic schedules. The article […]

A Call to Pastors: Don’t Run

Call to Pastors in Times of Crisis and Leadership Call to Pastors highlights the need for shepherds who stay faithful and courageous when fear and suffering threaten the flock. The […]

Discipling Busy People Online (and More), Part 1

Discipling Busy People Online Part 1 and Practical Rhythms Discipling Busy People Online Part 1 reveals how online platforms like Zoom help overcome logistical barriers to consistent discipleship. The article […]

Virtual Services – 10 Tips for Highest Impact

10 Tips for Highest Impact in Virtual Ministry Spread the word effectively by directing members to online services, updating calendars, and ensuring visitors know how to join virtually. Use strong […]

The Power of Reading the Bible with Brothers

Power of Reading the Bible and Its Life Impact Power of Reading the Bible is shown through the author’s journey of finding faith, conviction, and transformation when guided by committed […]

Don’t Even Think About Discipleship Until You’re Doing This First

Think About Discipleship and Growing Through Scripture Daily engagement with God’s Word equips disciple makers, creating habits that strengthen faith and provide life-giving guidance for others. Scripture transforms both heart […]

Relearning How to Reach the Unreached

Relearning to Reach the Unreached with Orality Relearning mission approaches shows that most unreached groups are oral learners who absorb truth best through stories, songs, and traditions. Embracing relearning in […]

Tornados and Grace

Tornados and Grace: Lessons of Hope and Kindness Tornados and Grace reveals how one of America’s deadliest storms devastated Joplin but also showcased God’s redeeming presence through compassion. Volunteers from […]

The Promise Keepers and Spiritual Warfare

Spiritual Warfare and the Lessons from Promise Keepers Spiritual Warfare is real and relentless, as Satan attacks through division, discouragement, and external opposition, seeking to destroy families, churches, and ministries. […]

What Today’s Disciples Can Learn from the First Disciples

Disciples — Lessons from Lydia and Philippi From a riverside prayer gathering, Lydia’s opened heart led to baptism and hospitable ministry that birthed a house church. In Philippi, households—including the […]

Lent & the Value of Subtraction

Value of Subtraction – Practicing Lent’s rhythms Begin by removing what dulls devotion—fasting, repentance, and prayer create space for God to draw near. Remember that God subtracts our sin as […]

Are You Creating Consumers or Disciples? Interview with Kelvin Teamer

Are You Creating Consumers or Disciples: Church Reboot Interview with Kelvin Teamer contrasts consumer Christianity with true discipleship and urges prayer-and-fasting as the spark for Holy Spirit revival. Indicators of […]

Reaching the Next Generation Using the Methods of Jesus

Reaching the Next Generation — Jesus’ Methods in Action Prioritize relationships that multiply by doing life together, mentoring, and forming disciple-making bonds beyond Sunday gatherings. Proclaim a message that actually […]

Christians and the Coronavirus

Christians and the Coronavirus: Loving Responses Seek truth and empathy by listening to Chinese voices, praying for peace, and resisting sensational rumors. Practice love over fear through practical help, invitations […]

The Seasonal Nature of Discipling

Seasonal Nature of Discipling in Christian Living Seasonal Nature of Discipling shows how discipling relationships are meant for specific seasons that foster maturity. The article explains that Seasonal Nature of […]

When Church Comes to a Crossroads

When Church Comes to a Crossroads in Christian Living When Church Comes to a Crossroads contrasts consumer-driven decision-making with the biblical call to exalt Christ. The article shows that When […]

The Basis for Church Unity

Church Unity in Ephesians 4’s Seven Ones Church Unity centers on one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God, calling believers to keep […]

6 Lenses for Reading the Psalms (Part 2)

6 Lenses for Reading the Psalms Part 2 for Christ-Focused Reading Jesus’ prayers and quotes—from Psalm 22 on the cross to Luke 24:44—teach us to wear “Jesus glasses,” seeing his […]

Push-Ups: A Parable of Spiritual Growth

Parable of Spiritual Growth Lessons for Intentional Living Intentionality matters because starting strong isn’t enough—real growth requires consistent follow-through. Discipline is forged when effort continues daily, whether the task feels […]

Gen Z and Mental Health – Interview with Gary Zustiak

Interview with Gary Zustiak on Gen Z Challenges Interview with Gary Zustiak highlights rising anxiety and depression among Gen Z and the cultural forces shaping their struggles. Interview with Gary […]

Kobe, Shaq, & Learning from Loss

Learning from Loss – What Shaquille O’Neal’s Grief Teaches Us Shaq’s experience shows that legacy fades, but relationships endure. His sorrow over Kobe’s passing shifted focus from trophies to time […]

Q: What Are Men Really Hungry For? (Part 2)

What Are Men Really Hungry For Part 2: Real Discipleship Needs for Men Deep spiritual hunger is addressed in What Are Men Really Hungry For Part 2 by calling men […]

When You Can’t Trust Your Brain

When You Can’t Trust Your Brain: Breaking the Cycle When You Can’t Trust Your Brain, trauma distorts truth. Emotional memories stored in the hippocampus can trigger irrational and harmful reactions. […]

Ministry, Family, and Sustainability – Interview with Anthony Walker

Interview with Anthony Walker: Ministry Leadership Lessons Interview with Anthony Walker explores how ministers can cultivate balance between church and family without sacrificing either. This conversation offers insights into sustainability, […]

Q: What Are Men Really Hungry For? (Part 1)

What Are Men Really Hungry For Part 1: Exploring Deep Desires in Discipleship What Are Men Really Hungry For Part 1 uncovers how spiritual growth and real brotherhood meet men’s […]

How the Resurrection Fuels Disciple Making

Resurrection Awakens Mission-Fueled Devotion Resurrection proves life-changing truth. Mary’s encounter with the risen Christ transformed her sorrow into bold testimony. Faith was reignited by Resurrection hope. Jesus’ tender call to […]

Why Wonder

Why Wonder Sparks Transformational Worship Wonder renews stale worship. Predictable formats can dull hearts, but reintroducing awe recenters our attention on Jesus’ majesty. Gratitude opens the eyes of faith. When […]

The 7 Rhythms Played Out

7 Rhythms Played Out Redefines Discipleship Jesus modeled relational rhythms like prayer, eating, resting, and serving that deeply shaped His followers into disciple makers. Chinese believers live out these rhythms. […]

Book Review: Origins, by Paul Copan and Douglas Jacoby

Origins Book Review Copan Jacoby Shows the Power of Reframing Genesis Origins book review Copan Jacoby highlights how Genesis 1–11 reinterprets Ancient Near Eastern stories with a revolutionary biblical worldview. […]

Promise Keepers and the Power of Prayer

Power of Prayer That Ignited a Movement Power of Prayer shaped every decision and step of the Promise Keepers’ leadership as they relied on God’s wisdom and presence. Dedicated intercessory […]

10 Things Every Christian Should Do When Traveling Abroad

10 Things Every Christian Should Do While Immersed in New Cultures 10 Things Every Christian Should Do starts with embracing humility through language barriers and cultural differences. Supporting missionaries and […]

Why Not the Increase? (Hint: Consider First-Century Weddings)

First-Century Weddings Reveal Why Many Churches Miss the Increase Rooted in Jewish tradition, first-century weddings emphasized the groom—not the bride—helping clarify John the Baptist’s role and mindset. John’s example shows […]

Dreaming as a Sign of Spiritual Health

Dreaming as a Pathway to Spiritual Growth Dreaming helps believers understand God’s divine will by nurturing bold, faith-filled vision. Aligning with God’s purpose through dreaming empowers obedience and intentional action. […]

An Inviting Alternative to Defensiveness

Defensiveness: Responding with Grace Over Reaction Rather than snapping back, Christians can follow Jesus’ model of disarming skepticism with gentle invitations to explore faith. By shifting the focus from rebuttals […]

How Fear Cripples Faith

Fear and the Imagination That Limits Obedience Fear thrives in unfamiliar territory, convincing us that we’re unprepared to face what we’ve never experienced. Rather than protecting us, fear distorts strength, […]

Embracing the Truth about Your Adoption

Truth about Your Adoption and Spiritual Identity Discover how the Truth about Your Adoption reveals God’s plan to bring you into His family and give you a new identity in […]

Is the Church Accomplishing Anything?

Is the Church Accomplishing Anything in Today’s Challenges In disaster relief efforts, Is the Church Accomplishing Anything by transforming loss into opportunities for hope and gospel outreach. Through missions and […]

Family Resemblance in Foreign Christians

Family Resemblance: How Faith Binds Christians Across Borders Through personal stories in China and beyond, the article shows the instant connection believers share through Christ. Despite cultural and language differences, […]

College Chaos: Beyond the Bad News (Part 2)

Beyond the Bad News Part 2: Hope-Filled Revival Among College Students Amid cultural and spiritual chaos, many college students are increasingly open to faith, purpose, and discipleship—revealing a readiness for […]

Your Invitation to Holy Places

Holy Places: How Sacred Encounters Strengthen Our Faith Personal and biblical locations, like a hospital room or Jerusalem’s temple steps, become holy places when marked by life-changing encounters with God. […]

The Most Important Habit for 2020

The Most Important Habit for 2020: Daily Bible Reading for Lasting Growth The Most Important Habit for 2020 emphasizes daily Bible reading as the top resolution for spiritual transformation and […]

Being Discipled in Discernment

Discipled in Discernment: Jesus Models Mercy Over Tradition Discipled hearts are shaped when we learn from Jesus how to apply God’s commands with compassion, even when others cling to rigid […]

What’s a Biblical Disciple to Do with Trump?

Biblical Disciple Perspective on Politics Today Biblical disciples resist political idolatry, keeping their devotion centered on Christ rather than elevating human leaders. Following Jesus means praying for all in authority, […]

College Chaos: Beyond the Bad News (Part 1)

Beyond the Bad News Part 1: What a Professor Saw on Campus Beyond the Bad News Part 1 reveals how today’s college students are often unfamiliar with basic Bible stories […]

The First Promise Keepers Event: Witnessing the Power of God

First Promise Keepers Event – How God Moved Among Men Massive response marked the First Promise Keepers Event, as over 600 men came forward seeking Christ during a powerful day […]

Letter to a Volunteer in Preteen Ministry

Letter to a Volunteer in Preteen Ministry: Encouragement for Impactful Service Letter to a Volunteer in Preteen Ministry highlights the unique spiritual window of 4th and 5th graders, offering practical […]

Refueling When You’ve Been Rejected

Rejected: How God Refuels the Wounded Facing dismissal isn’t unfamiliar to Jesus. From His hometown to His closest circles, He knew the sting of being turned away—and still pressed on […]

A Bible-Believing Person of Science? – Interview with Richard Knopp

Interview with Richard Knopp: Exploring the Role of Reason in Faith Apologetics offers a thoughtful framework for explaining belief, combining logic and humility, as discussed by Dr. Knopp. The relationship […]

Inexhaustible: Leading Worship without Growing Tired

Inexhaustible for Worship Leaders — Staying Fresh in Praise Inexhaustible affirms God’s worth never runs out, so leaders can embrace repetition while keeping hearts awake to wonder. By remembering God’s […]

Defeating Anxiety: Not an Either-Or

Defeating Anxiety — Integrating Faith and Wise Care Rather than either-or, the article urges combining prayer, Scripture, counseling, and—when needed—medication to steady mind and heart. From a pastor’s panic attack, […]

Letter to a Woman Who Wants to Be a Missionary

Letter to a Woman Who Wants to Be a Missionary — Wisdom for the Journey Choose love and grace across cultures, owning mistakes with humility and showing respect that people […]

What Is the “Person of Peace”?

What Is the Person of Peace? Biblical Insight for Disciple-Making What Is the Person of Peace introduces the biblical principle Jesus taught His disciples—to find spiritually open individuals who become […]

Behold the Family of God

Behold the Family of God: Lessons in Spiritual Kinship Behold the Family of God reflects on Jesus’ tender moment from the Cross, where He entrusts His mother to a disciple—showing […]

Leading in Confusing Times – Interview with Matt Proctor

Interview with Matt Proctor: Leadership, Convictions, and Calling Interview with Matt Proctor highlights how he leads Ozark Christian College with conviction, prayer, and a deep reliance on God’s sovereignty—especially in […]

The 3 Spheres of Addiction

3 Spheres of Addiction: Exploring the Whole-Person Impact Addiction isn’t just chemical. The article explains how biology—such as genetics and prescribed painkillers—can set the stage for substance dependence. Pain drives […]

If I Had One Sermon to Preach to the American Church

American Church: Returning to the Lordship of Jesus Salvation without surrender isn’t biblical. Many profess belief in Jesus without submitting to His Lordship, distorting the gospel message. Discipleship must follow […]

Freedom Doesn’t Mean What You Think It Means

Freedom: Discovering True Submission to God’s Design Freedom isn’t autonomy. The article debunks the myth that doing whatever you want equals real freedom—it often leads to bondage instead. God’s rule […]

Planet

Planet: How the Bible Warns Against Wandering from the Truth Planet means “to go astray.” In Greek, planetes refers to wandering stars—mirroring how people drift from God’s truth. Spiritual wandering […]

Not My Call When It Comes to My Calling

Not My Call: Letting God Define Our Calling Not My Call explores how ministry isn’t about personal preferences, but surrendering to God’s direction—even when it’s hard. God often calls us […]

Overcoming Staleness in Bible Reading

Overcoming Staleness in Bible Reading: Reignite Your Passion Overcoming staleness begins by recognizing seasons of inconsistency and spiritual dryness, while choosing to reengage God’s Word with intention. Consistency and obedience […]

Something the Old Testament Does Better

Old Testament Joy: Reviving Celebration in Church Old Testament joy is contagious. God’s people were commanded to celebrate through sacred festivals and rejoicing in His blessings. God’s celebrations were meant […]

Tiptoeing on the Tricky Tightrope of Boundaries in Ministry

Boundaries in Ministry: When Ministry Feels Unclear Ministry is a tightrope of compassion and wisdom. From helping those in crisis to managing unchanging situations, leaders face tough calls on when […]

What Were the Scariest Words of Jesus?

What Were the Scariest Words of Jesus? – Lessons from an Uncommon Invitation Jesus’ words “Follow Me” challenge comfort and call us into courageous faith. True discipleship demands more than […]

Is It Legalism–or Obedience?

Legalism or Obedience: Discerning the Heart Behind the Action Understand the crucial distinction between obedience rooted in grace and legalism driven by self-righteousness. Learn how cultural confusion and fear of […]

Bridge the Gap

Bridge the Gap: How Faithful Preaching Connects a Changing World Bridge the Gap calls Christian leaders to remain faithful to Scripture while building relational bridges in a culture drifting from […]

It May Not Be Your Gift, but It Is His Command

Command for Evangelism and Disciple Making Command distinguishes gifts from obedience, urging every believer to share the gospel, not only those especially gifted. Mission and purpose are clarified—enjoy God and […]

A Road Map to Women’s Discipleship

A Road Map to Women’s Discipleship: A Practical Guide to Spiritual Mentoring A Road Map to Women’s Discipleship draws from Acts 2 to model how women can walk alongside each […]

How Didn’t I See That Parallel Before?

How Didn’t I See That Parallel Before? The Overlooked Link Between Discipleship and the Gospel The Great Commission and Romans 1:5 align perfectly. Matthew Bates shows how Jesus’s command to […]

You Need a Tribe: 5 Reasons People Are Joining the Renew.org Gathering

5 Reasons People Are Joining the Renew.org Gathering for Gospel-Centered Community Renew.org Gathering offers clarity in confusion. In a fast-changing digital world, the Gathering helps believers navigate cultural shifts with […]

This Is How the Ancient World Received Grace, Part 2

How the Ancient World Received Grace Part 2: A Forgotten Expectation Ancient grace required a response. In biblical times, gifts like grace weren’t passive—they expected a loyal return from the […]

You’ve Got Chores in the Household of God

Chores in the Household of God: What It Means to Belong Chores in the Household of God reminds us that responsibilities in God’s family aren’t about earning our place—they’re a […]

Church, I’m Afraid We Have an Anxiety Problem

An Anxiety Problem: How Churches Can Grow Through It Anxiety often shapes church decisions. Many church conflicts, leadership burnout, and member departures stem more from anxiety than theology. Ministers absorb […]

Church and Culture: An Interview with Christian Ray Flores

An Interview with Christian Ray Flores: Faithful Responses in a Shifting Culture Christian Ray Flores speaks to the Church’s cultural calling. This interview explores how the Church can influence society […]

What Your Prayers Tell You about You

What Your Prayers Tell You about You: Prayer Insights What Your Prayers Tell You about You explores how your prayer life reflects your beliefs about God’s nearness, goodness, and power. […]

The World Needs Your Words

The World Needs Your Words: Why Your Story Matters Your story strengthens others. When disciples share their faith journey, it encourages fellow believers and helps build up the Body of […]

How My Dad’s OCD Trained Me for Ministry

How My Dad’s OCD Trained Me for Ministry: What Church Leaders Can Learn Living with OCD built emotional radar. Growing up in a household shaped by anxiety taught the author […]

This Is How the Ancient World Received Grace, Part 1

How the Ancient World Received Grace Part 1 – Gift Expectations Grace required a response. In ancient times, a gift wasn’t truly received unless it was reciprocated. Grace came with […]

Baptism is Beautiful

Baptism Is Beautiful: Sacred Union with Christ Baptism Is Beautiful reminds us that baptism isn’t just a command—it’s a meaningful, joyful milestone symbolizing union with Christ. Like a wedding, baptism […]

The Holy Spirit Is Doing What the Holy Spirit Does

The Holy Spirit Is Doing What the Holy Spirit Does – Powerful Renewal The article challenges the narrative that Christianity is declining, emphasizing that the Holy Spirit continues to renew […]

A Focused Definition for an Out-of-Focus Church

Out-of-Focus Church and the Call to True Discipleship Out-of-Focus Church highlights the challenge of too many programs distracting from Jesus’ mission to make disciples. Clarity comes when leaders unite ministries […]

The Mission of God: the Long and Short of It

The Mission of God and His Relentless Heart The Mission of God reflects the Triune pursuit of the lost through the stories of the Good Shepherd, the searching woman, and […]

Choosing Joy with OCD and Messy Children

OCD and Messy Children — Practicing Presence over Perfection Relationships before chores. From Luke 10’s Mary and Martha, Jesus redirects priorities so time with Him and with kids outranks spotless […]

Why Do So Many Ministers Drop Out of Ministry? How We Can Help

Why Do So Many Ministers Drop Out of Ministry — Action the Church Can Take Parents are urged to give their best to God by encouraging gifted sons and daughters […]

Peace

Peace in the Bible and Why It Still Matters Today Peace means more than no conflict. In Scripture, “shalom” refers to wholeness, security, and well-being—not just silence or safety. God […]

Why Do So Many Ministers Drop out of Ministry: 6 Reasons

6 Reasons Why Do So Many Ministers Drop out of Ministry: Eye-Opening Insights Financial stress takes a toll on ministers’ well-being. Many pastors face mounting pressure with limited benefits and […]

Fasting: A Surprising Journey into Joy

Fasting: A Surprising Journey into Joy Desperation led to a new spiritual rhythm. In a season of overwhelming burden, the author turned to fasting and found unexpected peace and clarity […]

Don’t Plant Flowers in the Desert

Flowers in the Desert: A Leadership Lesson on Knowing When to Walk Away Discover why Jesus told His disciples to move on when people rejected the message—and what that means […]

3 Dilemmas, 2 Discoveries, and 1 Desire: My Thoughts on Matthew Bates’s Gospel Allegiance

3 Dilemmas, 2 Discoveries, and 1 Desire: A Gospel Wake-Up Call Evangelism often lacks depth, leading to conversions without lasting discipleship or allegiance to King Jesus. Misunderstandings about the gospel […]

Can ANY Christian Become a Disciple Maker?

Can ANY Christian Become a Disciple Maker? Yes—Regardless of Background or Personality Disciple making isn’t for a select few. Scripture reveals that men and women of diverse personalities and roles […]

3 Life Lessons I’ve Learned from Lawn Care

3 Life Lessons I’ve Learned from Lawn Care That Matter 3 Life Lessons I’ve Learned from Lawn Care teach spiritual truths. Jesus often used nature to explain faith, and lawn […]

Courage in the Storm (Part 2)

Courage in the Storm Part 2: Lessons in Divine Detours Courage in the Storm Part 2 shares how Paul’s unplanned stops became sacred moments, proving God uses even wrecks to […]

Courage in the Storm (Part 1)

Courage in the Storm Part 1 – Key Takeaways for Faith and Growth Paul’s storms weren’t random – they revealed his unwavering trust in God’s promises, even when shipwrecked and […]

Accidental Thinking

Accidental Thinking: When Knowing Scripture Isn’t the Same as Living It Accidental Thinking reveals how knowing Scripture isn’t enough—we must live it. Real faith is expressed through action. Biblical knowledge […]

The Perfect Lie of Discipleship

The Perfect Lie of Discipleship: Breaking the Myth of Perfection The Perfect Lie of Discipleship confronts the false belief that we must be flawless to disciple others, reminding us that […]

Worship Leaders Are Hosts

Worship Leaders Are Hosts Who Serve and Stretch Worship leaders are hosts who guide congregations by lovingly offering familiar and new experiences that grow their understanding of God’s presence. Serving […]

God Does Not Want You to Deal with Your Stuff Alone

God Does Not Want You to Deal with Your Stuff Alone: Why Repentance and Community Matter Why does God involve others in your repentance? Scripture shows that repentance isn’t meant […]

Rabbis and Their Disciples between the 1st Century B.C. and the 2nd Century A.D.

Rabbis and Their Disciples: Ancient Practices That Still Shape Christian Discipleship Today Rabbis and their disciples shaped Jewish life through teaching, imitation, and service. These traditions were essential to preserving […]

Bridging the Gap with the Gay Community: Interview with Guy Hammond

Interview with Guy Hammond: Faithful Insights on LGBTQ Ministry What does a faithful response to the LGBTQ community look like? Guy Hammond shares how Christians can engage with compassion, truth, […]

Shane Wood on Being a Scholar and a Christian

Shane Wood on Being a Scholar and a Christian – Key Insights from His Journey Holding Faith and Scholarship in TensionShane Wood discusses the challenge of balancing his academic pursuits […]

The Cure for Loneliness

The Cure for Loneliness: What You Need to Know Loneliness is a growing epidemic—even among the faithful. Despite our hyper-connected world, many feel isolated, overlooked, and emotionally burdened. God’s answer […]

Devotion to Each Other

Devotion to Each Other and Its Role in Church Unity Devotion to each other shapes Christian identity. Believers are called to stay connected and work through relational tension as a […]

Rip Current

Rip Current Realities – Navigating Faith through Resistance Spiritual rip currents pull us from God. Just as ocean currents drag swimmers out, life’s ministry hardships can make us feel distant […]

Songwriter Marty Sampson and the Unsustainability of Feelings-Based Faith

Songwriter Marty Sampson – 3 Key Insights on Worship, Faith, and Deconstruction Charisma doesn’t equal foundation. Songwriter Marty Sampson’s disillusionment shows that emotionally stirring worship songs don’t always build enduring […]

Shane Wood on Why He Loves Revelation

Shane Wood on Why He Loves Revelation – Insights That Awaken the Modern Church Revelation was written for transformation. Shane explains how this apocalyptic book reshapes readers by revealing a […]

Can Your Church Love Its Community Well? Here’s How This One Did.

Can Your Church Love Its Community Well? Learn from This Example What happens when church becomes a verb? Crossroads Christian Church in Macon, MO, canceled its Sunday service to serve […]

What If the Church Just Goes?

What If the Church Just Goes – A Spirit-Empowered Mission Beyond the Pew What if the church just goes instead of waiting? This bold vision calls believers to act, trusting […]

Fight for It

Fight for It: Releasing Emotional Weight for Relational Health Carrying emotional weight—like unforgiveness and hurt— is common in church communities, but it hinders both spiritual and relational health. Healing begins […]

Worship Leading: Minutes, Moments, and Memory

Worship Leading That Guides with Structure and Surrender Planning is part of worship leading. Leaders must manage countdowns, transitions, and service elements while staying attentive to the team and logistics. […]

5 Important Things New Ministers Need to Know

5 Important Things New Ministers Need to Know for Starting Strong Spiritual health is foundational – New ministers must guard their relationship with God to avoid burnout and lead from […]

Do You Know What You’re Asking for Your Kids?

Do You Know What You’re Asking for Your Kids – Lessons for Parents The article Do You Know What You’re Asking for Your Kids explores how a mother’s bold request […]

Admonition.

Admonition in Shaping Godly Character Admonition is the biblical call to correct wrong attitudes, guiding hearts toward repentance and spiritual maturity. Instruction with admonition goes beyond teaching facts, aiming to […]

A Pastor’s 4 Reflections on Joshua Harris’s Latest Goodbye

4 Reflections on Joshua Harris Latest Goodbye: Heartbreaking Truth Joshua Harris’s story reveals overreaction and the wounds of purity culture. Learn how his journey still impacts Christian youth today. These […]

My Decade as a Born-Again Virgin & Why the World Doesn’t Understand Sex

Understanding the Impact: Why the World Does not Understand Sex The world’s view of sex feels hollow. Jon Sherwood reflects on how worldly pleasure left him empty and searching for […]

How Do You Remain Faithful to God When Life Has Been Terrible to You (Part 2)

How Do You Remain Faithful to God Part 2 When Life Feels Overwhelming and Hope Is Fading Discover how focusing on Jesus’ endurance on the cross strengthens your ability to […]

You Can’t Make Disciples until You Make This Shift

Disciple Making Requires a Shift in Mindset Disciple growth demands a new focus. Moving from spiritual consumption to contribution is essential for disciple making. Disciple maturity fuels church health. Spiritually […]

Mark Moore on Life, Legacy, and Core 52

Core 52 By Mark Moore — Lessons on Legacy, Joy, and Discipleship Core 52 By Mark Moore connects biblical knowledge to daily life. The conversation highlights how Scripture can shape […]

Untangling Addictions with Marcus De Carvalho

Untangling Addictions with Marcus De Carvalho: Breaking Free Through Faith and Neuroscience Untangling Addictions with Marcus De Carvalho explores how addiction alters brain chemistry through dopamine and neuroplasticity. Discipleship can […]

What if Your City Had a Lower Percentage of Christians Than North Korea?

What if Your City Had a Lower Percentage of Christians Than North Korea? 3 Key Truths from the Gospel Front Lines Some U.S. cities are more unreached than nations like […]

Is Anxiety Interfering in Your Relationship with God?

Is Anxiety Interfering in Your Relationship with God? Understand Its Spiritual Impact Is anxiety interfering in your relationship with God through fear-based faith? When fear replaces reverence, even worship can […]

Advice for Scholars Who Are Trying to Remain Faithful to Christ

Advice for Scholars Who Are Trying to Remain Faithful to Christ: A Timely 3-Point Reflection Many Christian scholars lose their way not through heresy but through pride, subtly drifting from […]

Tired of Living as Predictably as a Facebook Advertisement?

Tired of Living as Predictably as a Facebook Advertisement? Here’s What You Can Learn Jesus offers lasting freedom from predictable patterns. The Samaritan woman’s encounter at the well reveals that […]

Snapshot of Hope: Flowers of Lebanon

Snapshot of Hope – A Refugee’s Story of Resilience and Joy Snapshot of Hope captures how a mother clings to dignity amid displacement. Even while grieving her husband’s death and […]

Getting Found in the Shuffle

Getting Found in the Shuffle and Joining God’s Mission Getting Found in the Shuffle isn’t accidental—it’s intentional. God is moving people across the globe so they can seek and find […]

Would Jesus and the Apostles Use Online Marketing?

Would Jesus and the Apostles Use Online Marketing to Reach Today’s World? Jesus and Paul went where the people were—today, that place is online. The early church used strategic outreach; […]

6 Keys to a Culture of Evangelism

6 Keys to a Culture of Evangelism That Drives Disciple-Making Excellence reflects gospel urgency. CCV’s commitment to excellence sets a high standard that welcomes newcomers and honors Christ’s mission. Evangelism […]

It’s OK Not to Be OK: A Q&A on Mental Health and Following Jesus

Q&A on Mental Health and Following Jesus – What You’ll Learn from This Interview Mental health struggles don’t disqualify faith. This candid Q&A on Mental Health and Following Jesus reveals […]

Harding Commencement Address (Part 2)

Commencement Address – Key Takeaways Harding Commencement Address (Part 2) urges graduates and believers to live out the full mission of disciple-making as the heartbeat of the Christian life. Disciple-making […]

Discover It: Cultivating a Disciple-Making Culture (Part 2)

Disciple Making Culture That Transforms Lives What is a Disciple Making Culture? The article explores how Jesus and Paul modeled a relational, life-sharing approach that built true followers—not just converts. […]

Your Worth as a Disciple Maker

Disciple Maker Insights – Why Your Role Matters More Than You Know Being a Disciple Maker is about more than mentoring others—it’s about reflecting the heart of Jesus in everyday […]

Harding Commencement Address (Part 1)

Commencement Address Part 1 – Why Disciple-Making Is Central to the Kingdom Jesus’ final command defines our mission. David Young’s Commencement Address Part 1 emphasizes disciple-making as the foundational response […]

From Hurt to Healing

Hurt to Healing – How God Transforms Pain into Purpose Those closest to us can hurt the most. Emotional pain often comes from those we love, but God offers restoration […]

9 Fears Related to the Alabama Abortion Law

Alabama Abortion Law: Crucial Realities Christians Should Know What does the Alabama Abortion Law mean legally? The law criminalizes most abortions, aiming to challenge Roe v. Wade and redefine federal […]

4 Ways to Treat the Prisoner as a Person

4 Ways to Treat the Prisoner as a Person in Light of Biblical Justice Treat the prisoner with dignity and compassion. Many incarcerated individuals are awaiting trial and deserve humane […]

Is it safe to follow my feelings? (Reflections on Lukianoff & Haidt’s The Coddling of the American Mind – Part 2 of 3)

Is It Safe to Follow My Feelings When They Distort the Truth? Emotional instincts may mislead. The article explores how modern culture promotes emotions as the ultimate authority, using The […]

Discover It: Cultivating a Disciple-Making Culture (Part 1)

Disciple Making Culture Part 1: Rediscovering the Way of Jesus Today’s churches often miss the mark when it comes to forming disciples. This article challenges the assumption that Gospel preaching […]

Professor Mary Poplin, an Unlikely Convert

Professor Mary Poplin an Unlikely Convert Who Found Faith Beyond Academia Professor Mary Poplin an Unlikely Convert finds truth beyond academia. A tenured professor’s spiritual journey leads her from radical […]

Is it a virtue to be fragile? (Reflections on Lukianoff & Haidt’s The Coddling of the American Mind – Part 1 of 3)

Is It a Virtue to Be Fragile? Understanding Safetyism Through a Christian Lens Is it a virtue to be fragile? Explore how “safetyism” promotes emotional fragility, shielding people from growth […]

Book Review: Braving The Future, Christian Faith in a World of Limitless Tech by Douglas Estes

Douglas Estes Braving the Future Review: A Christian Guide to Navigating Emerging Technology Douglas Estes Braving the Future review explores how Christians can respond to rapid technological change with biblical […]

What Narrative Are We Writing in the Hearts of Refugees?

What Narrative Are We Writing in the Hearts of Refugees? A Call to Christian Witness and Compassion Hearts of Refugees are shaped by our witness. Many refugees encounter Christianity for […]

Meals of Jesus

Meals of Jesus Reveals God’s Kingdom Through Table Fellowship Meals of Jesus highlights how Christ used shared meals to connect with outcasts, offering grace and belonging. Transformations unfolded as people […]

Loneliness in Ministry

Loneliness in Ministry Is Real—But You Don’t Have to Endure It Alone Loneliness in Ministry is more common than most realize. Even Paul the Apostle felt abandoned and isolated during […]

The Problem of Addiction Today

The Problem of Addiction Today: How Emotional Pain Fuels a Growing Crisis The problem of addiction today is more personal than ever. What once felt distant now touches nearly every […]

Forthcoming: ‘Baptism According to Scripture: A Clear, Short, and Unfiltered Guide’

Baptism According to Scripture: What This New Guide Will Help You Understand Baptism According to Scripture is more than tradition—it’s about transformation, repentance, and new life in Christ. This clear […]

Jesus Never Lost at Rock, Paper, Scissor

Jesus Never Lost: What Rock, Paper, Scissors Reveals About His Priorities Discover how Jesus ranked justice, mercy, and faithfulness over ritual. See why “Jesus Never Lost” applies to His moral […]

Grace as a Bop on the Head in the Middle of the Night

Grace as a Bop on the Head: 3 Insights on God’s Loving Conviction Grace as a bop on the head reflects God’s loving correction. He disciplines to align us with […]

Introducing Renew

Why Introducing Renew Speaks to a Culture in Need of Biblical Clarity? Introducing Renew highlights the dangers of self-inspired theology. It calls believers to reject mixed messages from culture and […]

Discipleship

Discipleship: Why It’s the Greatest Mission on Earth Discipleship is relational, not just instructional. The article emphasizes that disciple-making often happens in everyday moments—like car rides or campfires—rather than only […]

How to Model Passionate Politeness

Model Passionate Politeness Model Passionate Politeness by Cultivating Christlike Civility: To model passionate politeness, we begin by embodying Christ’s kindness and gentleness. Reflecting God’s character in our conversations makes our […]

How Do I Make My Teenager Love Jesus?

Can I Really Make My Teenager Love Jesus? Here’s What Faithful Parenting Looks Like: Can I really make my teenager love Jesus? While genuine faith is ultimately a gift from […]

I Led a Growing Megachurch, and We Were Losing

We Were Losing, Even as I Led a Growing Megachurch What happens when church growth outpaces leadership? Jim Putman recounts how explosive attendance at Real Life Ministries exposed critical gaps […]

Could the Way You Approach Change Be Short-Changing Your Results?

Short Changing Your Results? It Might Start with How You View Change Short Changing Your Results can happen long before you even realize it—often starting with how you approach change. […]

Two Halves That Make a Perfect Whole

Why “Two Halves That Make a Perfect Whole” Captures the Heart of Discipleship? Discipleship flourishes when service and learning walk hand in hand. The article explores how “two halves that […]

Serving God Doesn’t Mean Living Life in Fifth Gear

Why Living Life in Fifth Gear Leads to Burnout and Spiritual Depletion? Living Life in Fifth Gear isn’t sustainable. Ministry burnout often stems from constant overcommitment and the pressure to […]

The Celebration, Floats, Party Atmosphere and My Broken Heart

What Broke My Heart at the Pride Parade? My Broken Heart revealed a Christian’s compassion at Pride, not condemnation. Guy Hammond reflects on his inner conflict while attending a parade […]

Renewing and the Spirit with Shodankeh Johnson

How Renewing and the Spirit Fuel Global Disciple-Making Movements Renewing and the Spirit empower lasting disciple-making. Shodankeh Johnson shares how Spirit-led renewal through prayer and fasting becomes the catalyst for […]

Leadership Matters

Why Leadership Matters More Than Ever in the Church? Leadership training is often overlooked in ministry preparation, even though leadership matters deeply. Paul Huyghebaert reflects on the lack of leadership […]

Inviting the Invisible: Why the Church’s View of Prisoners Matters

How the Church’s View of Prisoners Shapes Redemption and Restoration? Why the Church View of Prisoners Matters? The Bible calls believers to see the incarcerated as made in God’s image, […]