
4 lessons from Paul’s Athens encounter
In a time when even small talk can spark tension, sharing our faith feels risky. One wrong word and the conversation shuts down.

In a time when even small talk can spark tension, sharing our faith feels risky. One wrong word and the conversation shuts down.

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The reputations of churches today are just one crisis away from being destroyed. Yet, an overwhelming majority of churches are unprepared to manage even the slightest level of hostility that is becoming more prevalent in American culture.

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I was 30 years old when my mental breakdown happened. In retrospect, I’m thankful it was as early as it was.

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As the spiritual leaders of the local church, pastors can adjust the prayer climate of their congregations. No pastor wants to be the thermometer when he is called to be the thermostat as it relates to the spiritual fervor and prayer culture of the church. Still, pastors need help in this area.
There’s an epidemic in our churches, and it seems to be true across evangelical, charismatic, mainline Protestant, and Catholic churches. Like most epidemics, it’s invisible but widespread. It’s an epidemic of insecurity. We believers are remarkably insecure. Before you take that as an insult, let me explain. It might just be the key to discovering a freshness, depth, and secure love you’ve never known before.
In this short article series, I hope to help cultivate—or, perhaps, restore—your hope for biblical community and your heart for local church small groups ministry. (In these articles, I’m using the phrases “small groups” and “community groups” interchangeably.)
There are two essential marks of a great story: A great story draws you in—into the character and the plot. And a great story sends you out—you immediately want to retell it.