Discipleship
See Lives Transformed
Why did you go into ministry in the first place? Most likely you wanted to make disciples, see lives changed, see the Kingdom of God advanced. You wanted to see transformation.
Churches and ministries only grow as well as the disciples they develop. It’s time to go back to the basics with a focus on discipleship. We can help you create a simple, relational, yet focused system that can help you get traction for making disciples at all levels.
Small Groups: Guidelines and Norms
Every group has norms, whether they are stated or unstated, examined or unexamined. If you are overseeing small groups in your ministry, I would suggest there are significant advantages to be had by stating, examining, processing, and reinforcing small groups...
NEW BOOK! An Undivided Heart
Early in the pandemic, I was talking with my friend Ralph Plumb about the role of compassion in the Kingdom of God and in society. Ralph is widely traveled with much of those travels focused on the relief of human suffering. He also served the Union Rescue Mission in...
Discipleship Principles vs. Methodology
Methods, approaches, and styles change over time. Different strategies work in different seasons. Trends in ministry come and go. Yet I wonder: among all the change, what stays the same? As the culture shifts and changes around us, what proven principles remain firm...
What is whole life worship?
Transformation is the great white whale of ministry. We plan for it, pray for it, and dedicate our lives and ministries to its pursuit. We see it spout from a distance, feel the ripples that promise it is near, but real, honest to goodness transformation eludes...
How can I curb the trend of kids leaving the church after high school?
I have heard this question asked over and over again… among all types of churches and all types of congregations. Kids leaving church after high school is an almost universal concern among church leaders. In September of 2019, Barna research organization announced...
Why am I not seeing transformation?
This is a question we hear a lot as we visit churches and talk with pastors and denominational leaders. The undercurrent is, “We are doing the stuff. We are doing our program. Why aren’t people responding with some kind of tangible life change or outreach?” These are...
When anger becomes unhealthy
There's a good chance you are struggling with anger right about now. The state of the world has left people anxious, frustrated, hurt, and scared... all of which seem to birth anger. Even if you aren't finding yourself short tempered, it is likely that you've felt the...
4 Spiritual conversation starters for kids
Want to engage in some relational discipleship with your kids that isn’t too structured or teachy? It can be as simple as asking a good question and actively listening for what God is doing in them. Try using some of the conversation starters below! Questions to get...
Two common abuses of spiritual gifts
I have been around churches and ministries for long enough to have seen some misuse—and even abuse—of spiritual gifts. Although spiritual gifts are biblical and essential for healthy ministry, anything can be misused in a fallen world. Here are two abuses of spiritual...
Spiritual Gifts: Empowerment for the least of these
An incredible aspect of spiritual gifts is that they are completely equitable. The Holy Spirit bestows gifts to all of God's children in every location, demographic, and circumstance. God empowers equally— everyone has worth and a contribution to make. To encourage...