Search Results for: church

Why did you start by reading this line? Well—you may say—because it makes the most sense to start at the beginning. This is true, but when it comes to disciple making, we often start at the end.  Curious? Good, let’s dive in. Let’s start at the beginning of our story. “So God created humans in…

There are 15 ministries that will be teaching about disciple making at the National Forum in April. We want to give you an idea of some of the key breakout topics to be discussed as they add so much value to the event and to the ministries of those who attend. We also hope this familiarizes you…

Have you ever done an inventory of your friendships? Who are your friends? Where did you meet them? What is the story behind the relationship? Ironically, some of my best friends used to be my “enemies.” Well, maybe not enemies, but not the ones I initially wanted a relationship with based on their opinions or…

If your goal is to live as a fully developed disciple with Christlike character and conduct, then perhaps the following creed would be a good reminder for how to live out the next 365 days of your life. Read it regularly and let it be a reminder what is important and how to order your…

Years ago I heard it said, “The key to the Christian life is to pray more and sin less.” It was said somewhat tongue in cheek, as if to acknowledge that on its surface the statement merely states the obvious, but for most of us it proves to be maddeningly hard to achieve. As I’ve…

Where does disciple making take place? Is it in church services on Sundays between 11:00 am and 12:00 pm? Or is it in a  discipleship group on Wednesday mornings at the local coffee shop? Honestly, I think disciple making can happen in both places, but, I’d like to suggest a third option — the marketplace. …

Earlier this year, about thirty of us from varying youth ministry organizations gathered in Orlando with one singular focus. Reaching the next generation. At the outset, a statistic was shared that became our rallying point. Recent research by the Barna Group provided sobering clarity. 7% of the next generation globally identify themselves as Christ-followers. Are we, the…

“Intentional family discipleship encourages those in our homes to draw their worth from the God who created them with value before birth.” I received a dad joke calendar for Christmas this year. The gift was a result of me sending my assistant dad jokes I had seen posted. However, she regrets the calendar because now…

The most-asked question I hear from pastors is – “How do I get more leaders?” Most pastors say they need more leaders over money, buildings, and programs. The problem is, they don’t know where to find them. They don’t actually say it, but they are hoping they move in from another church! So, the big…

Oh grow up! That was on my mind when my wife and I had just returned from being with our daughter. We were working through a pesky issue our daughter was having with a neighbor.  We were discussing the potential options. Helen had one idea and I had another. Helen began unpacking my rationale. The…

I have been in ministry for over 30 years. Nothing has been more of a “war,” or hotly debated topic, than the area of worship. My ministry began in the early 1990s, when the shift from traditional worship to modern worship began to emerge and quickly become a battle. Some churches decided they were not…