Blog

Talking Politics and Spiritual Formation: A Conversation with Author Michael Wear

We talked with the author of The Spirit of Our Politics: Spiritual Formation and the Renovation of Public Life, Michael Wear, president of the Center for Christianity and Public Life, about the book and the constructive, faithful vision and practical advice it offers to pastors, leaders, and all Christians.

Renovating Love: A Journey of Endurance and Renewal in Marriage

Our hope in sharing these experiences and principles in “New Marriage, Same Couple” is to provide a roadmap for couples undergoing similar struggles. A roadmap that leads not just to resolution but to a reinvigorated, thriving marriage. Because even amidst the ruins, there’s immense potential for a beautiful reconstruction—a union stronger, deeper, and more vibrant than ever before.

One of These Things is Not Like the Other

Hidden with Christ but not hiding Gideon hid when the terror came. When the fear digested him from the inside out, he ran and hid. He hated being occupied in an ...

How to Pick A Bible In Two Easy Steps

Step 1: Do you know what Bible translation you are looking for? If you know what Bible translation you are looking for—great! Feel free to skip this step and go ...

Finding the Happy You Chase

Happiness is found when your unity with Christ leads you to unity with others Recently, I was in Romania where I was working with Ukrainian refugees. We travelled to a ...

Experiencing God’s Unexpected Manifestations in your Life

Life in abundance refers not only to eternal life in heaven but also to our life here and now. All over the world where I have had the opportunity to travel, it is evident that the deceiver is busy with his business of killing, stealing, and destroying. Deception tells us that it is God’s will that we suffer. The idea that the promises of Jesus for our abundant life are only in our eternal heavenly state steals the destiny of our earthly lives and creates a powerless gospel. Nothing kills hope more quickly than assuming that we have no supernatural ability to create change here on earth and are simply biding our time waiting for heaven.

Top 6 Bible Studies on Revelation and the Hope of Heaven

Our approach to the book of Revelation falls into one of two extremes: either we ignore it, or we get so embroiled in it we get sucked into conspiracy theories, controversy, or just plain confusion. But, Revelation is the grand finale of our Bibles for a reason, and even those of us tempted to ignore it should sit up and take notice. In Revelation we find the final answer to the problem that occupies the other 65 books of the Bible

Rediscover the rhythm of Advent and finding joy in waiting

I don't know about you, but if you're not careful, Thanksgiving comes, and the Christmas crush is on. And it does just that. It crushes us with the busyness and ...

Your Ultimate Bible Buying Guide

Buying a new Bible can be an intimidating process. There are many things you need to consider to ensure you buy the perfect Bible for you. A few things, including: ...

3 Essential Truths About the Holy Spirit

The more people I talk to about the doctrine of the Holy Spirit the more I am reminded how much confusion there is regarding His work. Perhaps worse than mere ...

7 Apologetics Bible Studies Defend Faith Non-Traditionally

This collection on apologetics departs from the traditional objection-handling approach to defending our faith. Whether we’re journeying with a former Muslim, or looking through the lens of a filmmaker, or talking about a classic Christian book, or watching a discussion amongst avowed nonbelievers, these studies deliver intriguing perspectives, compelling arguments, and inspiration to improve upon our traditional approach to defending our faith.

25 Small Group Bible Studies Based in the Holy Land

Introducing 25 Bible studies based in the Holy Land, taught by 9 leading Bible teachers, that small groups can watch without leaving home!

Five Questions to Ask before Giving a Health-Related Sermon

We may feel like health lessons from the pulpit cover a topic everyone can relate to—it seems like we’re all trying to pursue something other than the bodies we’ve been given. We may feel like sharing food and body messages could be helpful or even motivating. But many times, these messages fall flat, or worse, bring harm. Asking yourself these five questions before delivering a health-related message can help prevent harming other believers.

Create a Community Through your Small Group Ministry

Unlocking honest dialogue is the most important, and also one of the hardest, things a small group leader does. Everyone comes into things carrying baggage or or burdens that they are worried about showing or telling others, but allowing people to share their thoughts and feelings in an open and honest way, without judgement or shame, is the best way to create a strong community in your small group ministry.

3 ways to create disciple-making small groups

Creating small groups in your church can help members grow spiritually and build a sense of community. It will empower them to share their faith with others and will connect them to members throughout your church on a deeper level. Let's delve into these practical strategies and discover how they can breathe new life into your church's small group ministry.

Working with Teachable Moments

Sometimes, however, something happens in the group that breaks everyone free from these regular patterns—moments that pull the group away from its routine and into something different.

This is when group members often experience a jump of some kind. Relationships solidify quickly into a deeper bond. Something clicks in a person’s mind that enables them to truly understand and apply a doctrinal truth. Someone experiences conviction about an area of sin and confesses it openly.

I refer to these times as “teachable moments.”

Free Resources

Using How (not) to Save the World with your church or small group?

Using How (not) to Save the World with your church or small group?

Here are some tools to help: 

The Small Group Tool Kit includes two mobile-friendly invitation cards, reflection cards to enhance your small  group experience, and a worship song playlist curated by Hosanna Wong that can beplayed during small group meetings or personal Bible study time. 

The Church Tool Kit includes a downloadable poster, bulletininsert, invitation card, and Power Point slide.

Is your church talking about anxiety, depression and mental health issues? You should be.

Is your church talking about anxiety, depression and mental health issues? You should be.

Shawn Johnson, lead pastor of Red Rocks Church, gives a
searingly honest portrait of anxiety and depression and shows readers how to fight back and live free. He also has put together three free tools pastors can use to help their congregation have a productive conversation around mental health, including a discussion guide, sermon notes and key Scripture verses.