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 […]
Having Cancer in the Name of the Lord Jesus
Colossians 3:1-17 is one of the first extended passages of Scripture I attempted to memorize. It’s worth spending time reading, praying, and reflecting on, whether you commit it to memory […]
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, […]
What Does “Set Apart” Look Like in a Regular 9 to 5?
“Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ: To those chosen, living as exilesdispersed abroad in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of […]
Where Christian Leadership Begins: Q&A with Jaron Scott
*Editor’s Note: Jaron Scott pastors Christ’s Church of Joplin and works on the faculty of Ozark Christian College as a professor of organizational leadership. Here, Jaron explains how Christian leadership […]
Is Masturbation a Sin? A Thoughtful Christian Exploration
“Of all the moral issues which face the community of Christian believers, there are few issues that Christians feel more uncomfortable discussing than the issue of masturbation.”[1] Masturbation is a […]
What Does “God Fearing” Mean?
What comes to mind when you hear the phrase “God fearing”? One of the first things I picture is an old movie. Maybe it’s even black and white. And one […]
Transfigured by Beholding Jesus
When you think of God, what do you see? I know God is Spirit, but Jesus is God—and so when you think of Him, what does His face look like? […]
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 […]
The Sound of Silence: Being Still and Knowing God
The LORD came and stood there, calling as at the other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” Then Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.” (1 Samuel 3:10, NIV) I am really […]
Seven Habits of Highly Effective Churches
All of us have habits. Some good; some bad. In The Patient Ferment of the Early Church, Alan Kreider calls habits our embodied behaviors—our reflexes. Habits are not strategies; they are […]
Why I’m Excited About the Future of the Restoration Movement
Full disclosure: I’ve been a part of a “Restoration Movement” church since preschool. If I sound like a “Campbellite,” it could be due to being dyed in the wool as […]
The Vanity of Knowledge: Aiming for Wisdom in an Artificial World
With what set of assumptions do you begin as you open the pages of Scripture? I find myself in agreement with James B. Jordan, Protestant theologian, with Matteiu Paggeau, the […]
Is Smoking a Sin?
It’s a question I’ve been asked more than once—especially since God moved our congregation into the heart of our city and we began walking closely with people experiencing homelessness, addiction, […]
Meekness: Strength Under Control?
December 6, 2025 Once upon a time, so the legend goes, there was a man named Xenophon who loved horses. He loved horses so much that he wrote an entire […]
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 […]
How to Extend Your Thanksgiving Meal
What’s the most encouraging note a teacher wrote on your report card? Maybe it was, “Great job this quarter!” Or “Fantastic job bringing your math grade up!” The earliest comment […]
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 […]
Values and Practices of High-Functioning Elder Teams
The model for plural church leadership finds its origin in our holy, triune God, who exists in perfect relationship. From the beginning, He has invited us into that divine relationship—calling […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
What Prayer & Fasting Does for Us . . . and Beyond
“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being […]
A Year of Fear & Formation
“We also celebrate in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint….” (Rom. 5:3-5) I was outside […]
Christian Books Everyone Should Read ASAP—In This Order
Christian Books Everyone Should Read for Life-Changing Discipleship Growth This list offers a clear reading order that moves from Scripture engagement to gospel depth to spiritual formation. Many Christians can […]
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 […]
Learning to Pray: Ask (Part 3 of P.R.A.Y.)
Prayer Request: Ask Boldly and Expectantly Even when prayer feels awkward, the article reminds us that asking is central to prayer and invites discouraged believers to start asking again. Through […]
A Weird Way We Win
Meek: The Weird Way Christians Win Battles Instead of mirroring the world’s aggression, meekness wins by keeping strength under control and responding with humility. Scripture shows Jesus conquering through gentleness—riding […]
Learning to Pray: Pause (Part 1 of P.R.A.Y.)
Pause in Prayer: The First Step Toward Deeper Connection Discover how slowing down before you speak helps you center your heart on God and approach prayer with reverence. Learn why […]
Permission to Say No to a Fight
Say No To A Fight And Pick Battles Like Jesus Notice how Jesus repeatedly refused to be pulled into distractions and redirected people toward God’s deeper priorities. Discern which conflicts […]
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 […]
Food Idolatry VS Living Water: Refreshing the Soul by Fasting
Food Idolatry VS Living Water in the Purifying Practice of Fasting Fasting exposes how food has become a modern golden calf, revealing misplaced cravings that should be satisfied in Jesus […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Something to Behold
Behold — Restored Sight in Dark Times On the 2020 winter solstice, the “Christmas Star” pulled attention from fatigue and fear toward wonder and worship. In Mark 8:23–25, Jesus touches […]
Straightening Out Your Self-Talk
Self-Talk — Truth, Grace, and Renewal Scripture guides inner dialogue: 1 John 3:18–20 affirms that even when feelings accuse, God’s truth steadies the heart. Confession to trusted believers models grace, […]
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’ […]
How I Learned to Look for “God Signs”
God Signs — Everyday Reminders of God’s Nearness A skeptic turns joyful after a “praying mantis” moment on her windshield, recognizing a personal nudge following talk of sparrows as signs […]
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 […]
Life-Changing Paragraphs: Mere Drift
Mere Drift — Training the Habit of Faith Lewis shows how moods rebel against reason and why training the habit of faith anchors belief amid shifting feelings. Daily practices—prayer, Bible […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
I’ve Got Peace like a Rocking Chair
Rocking Chair and Rest in God From a child’s “rock-a-chair” refrain, readers learn to seek quiet pauses with the Father amid chaos at home and overseas. Drawing on Nehemiah 8:9–10 […]
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, […]
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, […]
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, […]
Covenant
Covenant Meaning in God’s One-Way Grant Covenant shows a sharp contrast. While syntheke conveys a mutual contract, diatheke illustrates God’s unilateral arrangement. Scripture consistently uses covenant language. The New Testament […]
Pigs and Dogs: What is Jesus Talking About?
Pigs and Dogs in Jesus’ Teaching on Judgment Pigs and Dogs illustrate unreceptive hearts. Jesus warns that offering correction to those unwilling to receive it often leads to frustration and […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
The Slaughter of the Canaanites: An Answer
Slaughter of the Canaanites and God’s Justice Slaughter of the Canaanites reveals that the conquest was God’s wrath against wickedness, showing His sovereignty in deciding when judgment is due. Historical […]
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 […]
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 […]
Letter to a Christian on Twitter
Letter to a Christian on Twitter: Navigating Social Media Through Discipleship Twitter challenges Christian discipleship by encouraging quick reactions and performative communication over spiritual depth. Engaging the platform with intentional […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 Joker’s Smile
The Joker’s Smile: Disturbing Delight or Spiritual Danger? The Joker’s Smile isn’t frightening because of makeup, but because it celebrates cruelty without guilt, reflecting evil embraced without remorse. Sin seduces […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
How Do You Remain Faithful to God When Life Has Been Terrible to You? (Part 1)
How Do You Remain Faithful to God When Life Has Been Terrible to You Part 1 — Finding Strength in the Struggle How Do You Remain Faithful to God When […]
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 […]
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 […]
Growing Deeper in Prayer
Growing Deeper in Prayer: What You Need to Know Prayer is a personal journey, not a destination. Sydney Clayton shares how growing deeper in prayer begins with recognizing God’s Spirit […]
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 […]
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 […]
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. […]