What does the sport of wrestling have to do with church? Pastor Jim Putman would give the answer of “everything” in his book, Church is a Team Sport, because people understand sports better than they do church. Putman was a three time All-American collegiate wrestler who came to Christ after college. For ten years, heContinue reading “Is Your Church Winning? – a book review”
Tag Archives: church
One Reason Not to Go to Church (Lesson #17- Summer School with Jesus)
Today’s Reading: Matthew 5:23-26 (HCSB) So if you are offering your gift on the altar, and there you remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift. Reach a settlement quickly withContinue reading “One Reason Not to Go to Church (Lesson #17- Summer School with Jesus)”
Get Out of Church! (Review of the Externally Focused Church by Rusaw/Swanson)
If non-Christians are not knocking down your door to get into the church, maybe your focus is wrong. I am not suggesting a seeker-friendly service or gimmicks to get people in. According to Rick Risaw and Eric Swanson, getting people into church means we must first get out of church. In their book, The ExternallyContinue reading “Get Out of Church! (Review of the Externally Focused Church by Rusaw/Swanson)”
The Life and Times of the Lone “Reacher” (Spirit-led Outreach Series)
There she goes. The Lone “Reacher.” Riding off into the sunset after a long, but eventful day of sharing the Gospel. She is a seasoned evangelist who can take down almost any argument against God. There are few who are like her. Maybe that is a good thing. While some people enjoy the solitude ofContinue reading “The Life and Times of the Lone “Reacher” (Spirit-led Outreach Series)”
Spirit-Led Outreach
The potential to radically impact the world for Christ that is partially due to a missing link. Many believers have not made the connection between the gifts of the Spirit they possess and the call of Christ to share the Gospel. The fact is that most Christians do not share the Gospel. In addition, lessContinue reading “Spirit-Led Outreach”
What are Spiritual Gifts?
What is a “spiritual gift?” Some churches talk about these, others never mention them, and some talk about them all the time. Few issues have garnered more controversy in the Church than gifts of the Spirit. But what are they? Bruce Bugbee offers a definition of “what” for spiritual gifts as “Specially endowed abilities thatContinue reading “What are Spiritual Gifts?”
The Tragic Neglect of Spiritual Gifts
What if the Church is leaving a great resource largely untapped? What if the key to church growth and reaching the world for Christ is right in front of our nose? The potential to radically impact the world for Christ is unrealized because applicable principles regarding spiritual gifts are not being taught. Sullivan County, NewContinue reading “The Tragic Neglect of Spiritual Gifts”
5 Things “A Church Member” Wants His Leadership to Know
“Help me find the ministry that God has for me in this church. I want to serve so that I can help others, but I need to know what to do, how to do it, and how I am doing. Sincerely, A Church Member.” This is the cry of a church member who is followingContinue reading “5 Things “A Church Member” Wants His Leadership to Know”
Do I Owe My Soul to the Company Store? (Ministry Trends Series)
Are believers in Christ working so much at their jobs that they don’t have time to minister to people? One trend that has influenced volunteer ministry in the church is the career decisions of believers. Marlene Wilson acknowledges that the times have changed. “The fact is that people are volunteering- just not in the waysContinue reading “Do I Owe My Soul to the Company Store? (Ministry Trends Series)”
Is 100% Possible? (Grammatically Correct Church Series)
Some fellow pastors think I am crazy. I honestly expect that every church should have 100% of the believers in the congregations involved in active ministry. Is this unrealistic to expect that every person in my church who has trusted Christ for salvation would use their gifts and time to serve others? But I find that someContinue reading “Is 100% Possible? (Grammatically Correct Church Series)”
Shepherding Well 