Dec 28

Dec 28 Ten Top Articles of 2023

Before we look towards 2024, we’d like to take a moment to remember and reflect on some of the articles posted throughout the year. We’ve selected articles that represent the breadth of our authors and their topics. Below are our “Ten Top Articles” and we hope that re-reading them (or reading them for the first time) will inspire you and continue to guide you into leadership in the Kingdom of God.

MOST CLICKED

A Path for Renewal

Carson E. Reed

The sneaky thing about renewal is that it is not up to us—it is up to God. God cannot do the work God desires to do when communities of faith assume that they are the center of things.

CHURCH TRENDS

Book Review: Jim Davis and Michael Graham, The Great Dechurching

Shelby Coble

While each congregation and minister has a particular context, there is a reinforced theme that, no matter what, an emphasis moving forward must encompass belonging.

A Remedy for Decline

Carson E. Reed

How is my own practice of Christian faith shaping my values, attitudes, and behaviors? Decline certainly calls for renewal. Yet renewal begins with me.

The Church of Scotland is Changing Fast. Can the Churches of Christ Follow Suit?

Jason Locke

Rather than focusing their attention on improving worship, the sermon, or their meeting hall, the Church of Scotland hopes to train members to start new forms of Christian communities in their backyards, on hiking trails, or in their garages.

Church Leadership and Development

Hard Hats in the Church

David Kneip

Sometimes we exalt others for their skill in ministry, whether as great preachers or talented musicians or wonderful prayer leaders, but we end up exalting the person rather than remembering to give thanks to the God who gave those gifts.

An Environment that Nurtures Faith

Jennifer Schroeder

As churches seek to support the development of a lifelong embedded faith, it will undoubtedly be a journey that requires perseverance and a willingness to challenge practices.

In the Name of Jesus: A Reflection on Christian Leadership

Pablo Sanabria

Using two passages from the New Testament—Matthew 4:1-11 and John 21:15-19—Henri Nouwen offers us a profound reflection about the type of leadership Christ wants for his church.

LIFE TOGETHER IN THE CHURCH

For or From

Amanda Box

I’m no Bible scholar and don’t pretend to add much to what has already been said about Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. But as I read these scriptures through my communication-evangelist eyes, I can’t help but see a beautiful picture of what a believer is.

Doing Churchy Things

Casey Lankford

When we enter into the lives of our churches and church members, may we bring the same love and joy that God designed each of us to have and to become.