What if God Was One of Us?

The popular theologian C. S. Lewis wrote of the incarnation in his book called Miracles:  “They say that God became Man.  Every other miracle prepares for this, or exhibits this, or results from this. . . . In the Christian story God descends to re-ascend. He comes down; down from the heights of absolute being into time and space, down into humanity . . . down to the very roots and sea-bed of the Nature He has created.”  Lewis goes on to paint the picture of a deep sea diver who descends in the blackness in order to recover a … read more

Update: Midwest and South Cafés Train Leaders

“Neither politicians nor philanthropists can offer people what they need the most – the incarnate love of Christ. Unless the Church fulfills its responsibility to proclaim by word and deed the ‘Good News to the poor,’ the poor have no true hope. We, the Church, bear the only true gospel of hope!”  – John Perkins Leaders The Community Based Ministries of The Wesleyan Church, in relationship with the CCDA (ccda.org), the Indiana Central, Indiana North, and Florida Districts of The Wesleyan Church kicked off two Cafés last month attracting over 175 leaders from across the United States.  The first event … read more

Our Story: City Life Church – Grand Rapids

City Life Church, of Grand Rapids, MI, is located in the core city neighborhoods on a street known for drug dealing, prostitution and homelessness. However, my wife, Christy, and I dream of a day when the reputation of our community changes because Jesus has transformed it through his Church. One of the biggest fears we had when City Life started in 2005 was that we would be a drive-in church. We were afraid we would be a church full of people who drove from the suburbs to the city core on Sundays, and driving back without making much impact on … read more

The 5 Anchors That Will Keep Millennials On Your Staff

Why Small Groups Are a Big Deal

Seven things every pastor needs to know about the emergence of small group ministry. by Brett Eastman There is no simple solution to growing a healthy, balanced body of believers. However, a thriving small group ministry may be one of the best ways to fulfill the biblical purposes of the church—and solve many of the issues of evangelism and stewardship that can confound pastors. Here are seven reasons why every pastor should consider investing resources into building a healthy small group ministry: 1. Small group community is a primary felt need in America, let alone in our churches. In … read more

Spirituality for All the Wrong Reasons

Eugene Peterson talks about lies and illusions that destroy the church. Eugene Peterson had a publishing life before The Message. And one could argue that it was his previous publications that led, at least in part, to the renewal of Christian spirituality among pastors and laypeople today. In such books as Five Smooth Stones for Pastoral Work, Run with the Horses, A Long Obedience in the Same Direction: Discipleship in an Instant Society, and The Contemplative Pastor: Returning to the Art of Spiritual Direction, Peterson exposed the shallowness of American Christianity and offered a bracing and invigorating alternative. It … read more

Confronting Idols, Leadership & Making Disciples