In light of the many revelations of respected Christians who were, in truth, leading deeply entrenched shadow lives, the “fruit test” has loomed large. And what is that test?
Dr. James Emery White
Acquisition vs. Retention
In the business world, there is a clear understanding about the dynamic between acquisition vs. retention. Meaning the value of gaining new customers vs. keeping existing customers. Both, of course, are important. What is clearly understood is that while it’s important to expand your customer base, it is imperative to keep your existing customers.
Unavoidable Tension
The digital revolution, and the cultural concerns that go with it, undoubtedly presents the church with a profound tension. On the one hand, digital technology promises the gospel and the church greater reach than at any other time in human history.
The Three Intangibles of Effective Leadership
Of books and blogs on leadership, there is no end. Usually detailed within them are concrete, specific tasks or skills needed to be an effective leader. This is all well and good, but the older I get and the longer I lead, the more I become convinced that what sets the most effective leaders apart is more intangible.
Five Keys to a Long Tenure (2023)
A fellow pastor once asked me, “What are the keys to a long tenure?” It was a good question, and one (to be honest) that I hadn’t reflected on. I immediately thought of the usual things such as prayer and spiritual vitality but in truth, I had never thought about what it has taken to plant a church and then lead it for now more than 30 years.
Investing and Inviting to Achieve Maximum Impact
The core dynamic of evangelism is investing and inviting. Let’s start off with the invest part. Investing in someone is simply about building a relationship: getting to know them, spending time with them, entering into community with them.
How to Read 200 Books a Year (2023)
Want conviction? Try the title of this article: “In the time you spend on social media each year you could read 200 books.” Ouch. But is it true?
The Wild Boar in the Vineyard
The Reformation was more than theological; it was ecclesiastical. It was a reformation of the church. Even the famed 95 Theses nailed onto the Wittenberg door say nothing about justification by faith, the authority of the Bible, the priesthood of all believers nor any of the other well-known Reformation doctrines. Instead, they look like a treatise on church practice.
Viral Verses Read Wrong
In light of its 25th anniversary, the online Scripture resource Bible Gateway revealed its five most searched Bible verses. The top verse searched probably wouldn’t surprise you: John 3:16 (“For God so loved the world…”).
