By Matt Larson Jesus said some pretty powerful words to Peter: “I also say that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.” (Matthew 16:18). The more I think about this verse, the less I view God’s version of church as our … Continue reading Church on Mission: Changing the Way We Think About Church
By Jeff Goins, Editor Mark Oestreicher is the President of Youth Specialties, professional speaker, and author on the subject of youth ministry in the church. We just sat down for an interview with him regarding his new book Youth Ministry 3.0: 1) In a couple sentences, what is the main theme and reason behind writing … Continue reading Youth Ministry 3.0: Eight Questions with Mark Oestreicher
By Matt Snyder From South Africa: I really want to write whatever it is that’s on my heart, but I’m having a hard time distinguishing between everything that’s flitting through it. I used to be able to write with such profoundness, with such an ability to discern what I needed to say or what I … Continue reading An Apology to the American Church
By Neil Schori About 18 months ago, I became the Lead Pastor of Naperville Christian Church. God took a former partying, fraternity guy who was getting ready to go to law school and He radically changed my heart. Twelve years later, it still amazes me how God chooses whom he chooses. Prior to becoming a … Continue reading Our Resurrected Hearts
By Jen Reyneri I was asked recently to define the Kingdom of God. I don’t know if anything qualifies me to come up with a sound definition, but as a lover and follower of Jesus Christ, I am beginning to see the beauty in the reality of those three words. I continually grow deeper into … Continue reading How Do You Define the Kingdom of God?
By Jeff Goins, Editor The church is a complicated mess these days – full of people claiming all kinds of bizarre things about their version of truth and what God has shown them. So, I just want to say that I believe in the local church, that I attend one and really love the fellowship … Continue reading What If Jesus Were Your Pastor?
By Wrecked for the Ordinary Frank Viola, author of Pagan Christianity and Reimagining Church, released the first chapter of his new book From Eternity to Here in audio format for free. You can listen to it here: The First Chapter of “From Eternity to Here” Continue reading Audio Version of From Eternity to Here by Frank Viola
By Jeff Goins, Editor Church is simple. You really should try it. It’s Wednesday night when I’m writing this, and I’ve just returned from a fellowship gathering at the house of one of our church members who is allowing us to meet there, even when they’re out of town. We sat in their living room, … Continue reading Church Is Simple
By Seth Barnes, Founder of Adventures in Missions In 1995 I preached at a small church in the town of Bauta, Cuba. The Lord gave me Romans 12 as my last-second theme. I read a verse and then I told the congregation that they were going to illustrate it with their own testimonies. It was … Continue reading How to Minister: Mourn with the mourners
By Timothy Kurek I often picture Christianity like I picture the Sopranos, separate families working exclusively for the betterment of themselves and no one else. These “families” attempt to have their hands in every pocket, and even train soldiers, enforcers and capos for the purpose of more efficiently accomplishing these objectives, advancing the cause with … Continue reading Soprano Christianity: Fundamentalism Vs. Emergent