I listened to the burden of a pastor friend of mine who, through their broken heart, shared the story of a child who has strayed from faith. I have many other friends who tell the same story—they’ve devoted their lives to ministry, only to witness a child of their own take steps away from God.
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If the first church had a website, the tagline “Together” would have been on brand. The community of faith in its earliest days serves as the standard for every local church going forward. However, pastors today are seeing a deepening apathy toward the value and vitality of biblical community. According to the Greatest Needs of Pastors research, 75% of pastors say people’s apathy or lack of commitment is the most challenging people dynamic they deal with in ministry.
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From the beginning of history, God has worked through agents to carry out His mission. Patrick Schreiner, Associate Professor of New Testament and Biblical Theology at Midwestern Seminary, writes, “[God] enacts His mission and furthers His mission specifically through His people.”
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Ministry sometimes feels like a slap in the face, often when you least expect it to happen. Sometimes doing God's will still hurts. What do you do when that happens?
Remember, first impressions matter. With a well thought out, pre-service plan, your church can show guests just how much you care and want them back.
RIDGECREST, N.C. (BP) -- This summer's Sunday School Leadership Conference likely was "the largest Sunday School weekend ever in our history," said Bruce Raley, director of leadership and evangelism at LifeWay Christian Resources.
