People love well-defined boundaries. We love to draw a clear line between the good and bad people. When a nation goes to war, for example, the enemy is often portrayed as evil. And we are always the good guys. Of course, the other side thinks the same thing. Lines like this give us comfort. They [...]

Cities shut down for it. Streets are closed for it. The chatter about this event seemingly goes on longer than any event most have ever focused on. You would think it had eternal consequences. Am I speaking of the Resurrection or Second Coming of Jesus? No, I’m referring to the Super Bowl.

The Indiana Central District has been strategically focused on an Urban Thrust to the Indianapolis region since April, 2010. An Urban Initiative Task Force, under the umbrella of Stewardship Outreach Strategies, has met together on several occasions to brainstorm, strategize and begin to facilitate an organized Urban Ministry Strategy. To do so, a feasibility study [...]

Online giving is a growing and viable giving channel for those who prefer to exchange funds in an electronic environment in addition to providing a steady stream of income for churches that isn’t dependent on the physical presence of the membership. It makes no sense for churches to create obstacles to giving. While this article [...]

Leadership development is the lynchpin of successfully reproducing and multiplying small groups. But how do leaders really develop? How does a small group leader go about developing a process for raising up apprentice leaders? What will truly help another leader grow in their small-group facilitation and spiritual maturity? Before you ever think about multiplying small [...]

Small group leaders often feel an obligation to TALK. There are a few times when allowing another voice to be heard is the best choice. 1.     When a small group leader asks a question. When leading a conversational Bible study, small group leaders have a tendency to ask a question then, if no one jumps [...]

“I’m planting a church people will never want to attend.” That was the comment made to a friend of mine by a church planter who had moved to her town. When I heard it, my mind began to race. What kind of church do people want to attend?

After 10 stops in 8 states plus 1 stop in New Brunswick, Canada, the Follow tour has come to an end.  We logged over 8,500 miles and clocked 960 hours as the invitation to Follow Jesus was given to over 6000 students. The Follow tour, which started back in April made its final two stops [...]