But if you have brought these experiences to the feet of Jesus and continue to experience his grace, forgiveness, and renewal, then those experiences can be the very things that give our ministry life, breath, and breadth.
All in Church
But if you have brought these experiences to the feet of Jesus and continue to experience his grace, forgiveness, and renewal, then those experiences can be the very things that give our ministry life, breath, and breadth.
ACU is in its 116th year of Summit, and this spring’s edition focuses on the living word of God and the impact it has on our churches, our ministries, and our lives.
My prayer for all of us is that we are so secure in Christ’s love and acceptance, that it changes what we think about others, changes the very words we choose during the most difficult of times, with the most difficult people, and when we feel the most defensive.
Rather than focusing their attention on improving worship, the sermon, or their meeting hall, the Church of Scotland hopes to train members to start new forms of Christian communities in their backyards, on hiking trails, or in their garages.
For churches to flourish, the answer will lie in healthy congregational life and robust Christian formation.
Our entire lives do not have to be filled with tasks that others deem important. God is using us daily in small ways, but perhaps there will be a bigger thing later.
The gradual climb up this figurative staircase leads us upward toward becoming virtuosos rather than just admirers of the Christian lifestyle.
I’m no Bible scholar and don’t pretend to add much to what has already been said about Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. But as I read these scriptures through my communication-evangelist eyes, I can’t help but see a beautiful picture of what a believer is.
But in the arms of Jesus. She is more fully her and more truly home than she ever could have been here.
The truth remains: if you want to be successful at anything, including communication, you must develop successful habits.
The peace of God is transcendent. It is beyond the comprehension of the world.
Churches that live in the presence of the gospel are paying attention to spiritual vitality, passing and forming the Christian faith in people, and practicing hospitality to the world.
Someone says a punch line, and instantly a loud, boisterous ruckus erupts. Before you know it, your side is splitting, and tears are running down your face. The sound is loud, free, and pure joy.
In short, decide what matters to your church. Then do what it takes to further that approach.
I thank God for your leadership and your sacrifice. For many, it goes unseen by the congregation and unacknowledged. But know that you matter, you are valued, you are important to God
Simply put, we need new ways of thinking about church and outreach. We need a new imagination for what it means to be God’s people.
If I may be direct: see if you can find ways to encourage your people to enjoy togetherness. God is a master of bringing renewal to a dry and weary land, and the same is true with dry and weary hearts.
Abigail’s leadership is impressive and provides a great pattern for us as we navigate our own challenges and conflicts.
What we do with our wealth reveals what we believe about Christ. Wealth is nothing when it is not used in love and in light of our neighbor.