by Eric Hoffer
"We're different, here at my church. We aren't captive to the world." Have you ever encountered such a place? A Christian community where they see themselves as something special, something holy, something different? Sometimes these places are wonderful, filled with wonderful people with wonderful hearts doing wonderful things for those in need. Quite often, though, when we call ourselves different, we establish boundaries between us and them.
In her book, …
By Josh Linman
“Becoming missional will save the church.”
Whether we want to admit it or not, many mainline pastors and denominations are banking on this idea. In our race to become missional, we have allowed some key assumptions to endure that are actually roadblocks to renewal.
Missional Assumption 3: Faith is ignited in hearing the Gospel preached
Missional Reality 3: Faith is ignited in experiencing the Gospel practiced
This is probably the point where someone will take away my …
By Josh Linman
“Becoming missional will save the church.”
Whether we want to admit it or not, many mainline pastors and denominations are banking on this idea. In our race to become missional, we have allowed some key assumptions to endure that are actually roadblocks to renewal.
Missional Assumption 2: Worship is the centerpiece of Christian life
Missional Reality 2: Discipleship is the centerpiece of Christian life
Most mainline churches missed the “attractional” church …
By Josh Linman
“Becoming missional will save the church.”
Whether we want to admit it or not, many mainline pastors and denominations are banking on this idea. In our race to become missional, we have allowed some key assumptions to endure that are actually roadblocks to renewal.
Missional Assumption 1: Becoming missional should be our priority
Missional Reality 1: Developing disciples should be our priority
This assumption is not bad. In fact, becoming a missional congregation …
By Brigitte Leininger
The corporate world is learning to embrace failure, turning it into a positive exploration of opportunity. This article explores the newfound mentality of what it means to fail in the secular workspace, and what that same type of failure means for the church. Is it possible to look at failure in the same way -- a source for new opportunity, or is it simply another way our sinful nature is manifested in our work?
Failure: Opportunity or Human Brokenness?
Failure. Defeat. Catastrophe. …