Author: Administrador

By Matt Capps Sunday comes every week, which is 52 times a year. Preaching pastors know that one of the inevitable realities of ministry is that sermon preparation cannot be postponed. For this reason it is particularly important to plan a preaching schedule. While determining a preaching strategy requires thought and energy, it also allows … Continue reading “Why Planning Your Preaching Is Important”

By Thom Rainer The word missional is a popular buzzword in the church today. Living missionally simply means having a Great Commission and Great Commandment mindset in all your encounters. It’s easy for church members to grow accustomed to spending most of their time with other Christians. But living on mission means spending time with … Continue reading “How to Motivate Church Members to Live on Mission”

By Ed Stetzer I love research. I’m kind of a nerd that way. I also love the Church. So leading a large Christian research organization committed to producing results that serve the Church works out well for me. Recently, I was asked how church leaders should use the data we produce, which I thought was … Continue reading “Understanding the Gospel and Culture”

By Ron Edmondson I once had conflict with a leader in a church I pastored. We had always been close. I felt I was more than his pastor. He was my friend, but I could tell something was strange about our relationship. I’ve never been afraid of healthy conflict, so I called him and asked … Continue reading “7 Healthy Ways to Deal With Conflict Among Christians”

By Staff While nine in 10 Americans will celebrate Christmas this year, a growing number will do so apart from the religious aspects. Two recent surveys found that people are starting to view the holiday more as a cultural celebration, than a religious one. How do Americans celebrate Christmas?   Pew Research found that 51 … Continue reading “Christmas is Less Religious for Many Americans”

By Diana Davis A Lifeway Research study of unchurched Americans found those outside of our churches are often more open to spiritual conversations than we realize. How will God use your church in the coming year? Here are 52 easy ideas to inspire you: 1. The 52 Challenge: Members commit to personally invite one person—friend or stranger—to … Continue reading “52 Ideas for Your Church This Year”

By Ron Edmondson One would have to be living under a rock to not know we have grown larger as a people in the United States. Obesity is a growing concern in our nation. And, few in the church have bothered with the issue or even seen it as a problem. We have no problem … Continue reading “5 Ways Physical Training Helps With Spiritual Training”

By Bob Smietana One of the dangers of being a reporter who goes to church is that you know when the preacher is wrong. Not wrong in theology. Wrong in facts. Like this one, which came halfway through a recent sermon on marriage. Things are scary out there, the preacher told us. And there’s no … Continue reading “False Facts: Why Pastors Love Bad Stats”

By Carol Pipes Extroverts are outgoing and introverts are shy, right? Not necessarily. Extroversion and introversion describe where people focus and find their energy—outside themselves or inwardly. Extroverts (or those who have extroverted tendencies) gain energy by being around other people. They recharge in social situations. Often, the more people that are around, the more energized … Continue reading “How to Lead the Introverts and Extroverts on Your Team”

By Sam O’Neal What symptoms do you experience when you feel panicked? Shortness of breath? A tingling at the back of your neck? A sense that the world is closing in around you? There are a lot of people experiencing that panic right now because their first small-group meeting time is rapidly approaching, and they … Continue reading “5 Things to Look for When Choosing Your Next Bible Study”