In 1 Corinthians 16:1-2, Paul writes, “Now about the collection for God’s people…On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income” (NIV). In this short passage, Paul gives us insight into how we ought to bring our gift to God. First of all, he talks about … Read More
Reshaping Small Groups as Places to Meet Friends
How should our small groups function? The answer is simple: groups should be safe, comfortable places where individuals have the opportunity to make new friends, learn something, and grow spiritually within a social context. Here are three steps you can take to make sure your small groups are structured for relational success. Have specific beginning and end dates for your … Read More
Leader’s Are Called to God’s Purpose
“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” –Romans 8:28 (NLT)
Roy Fish On Strong Invitations
“Every preacher might not have the ability which would make him a great preacher, but each one can give a strong invitation.” — Roy Fish (February 7, 1930 – September 10, 2012) was an American preacher who is best known as a longtime professor of evangelism at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (SWBTS) in Fort Worth, Texas. He was known for … Read More
Manhattan’s Journey Church baptizes 51 at the beach
Our own Journey Church NYC was featured in the Baptist Press, as part of their series of articles leading up to Sunday, Sept. 8, which is Baptism Sunday in the Southern Baptist Convention. People crowded onto Jacob Riis Park and Beach in Queens on a hot July afternoon witnessed a rare event for a New York City beach — 51 … Read More
Saving Time: Why and What You Should Automate
Some people may object that it takes too much work to automate. After all, you will need to educate yourself on automation services. You will have to enter all of your information and preferences before automation can begin. But for renegade pastors automation isn’t a luxury–it’s a necessity. The benefits of automation far outweigh the initial effort it takes to … Read More
Rethinking Your Small Groups: Using Diversity to Encourage Growth
When you give your leaders the freedom to lead interesting, creative groups, you infuse your small group system with life. There are many advantages to allowing your leaders to choose the theme and/or topic of their groups each semester. Here are a few: The availability of different topics each semester decreases the chances that people will sign up for the … Read More
Expanding God’s Kingdom: Tithing in the Local Church
Often people question not the amount of a proper gift but where it should be given. Some people believe they should be able to distribute their tithe as they see fit. They want to control how their money is spent. If they aren’t happy with the way their local church handles its finances, they think they should have the freedom … Read More
Fulfilling Your Calling: Slack Leads to Lack
Fulfilling your calling inherently means rising to the highest level of potential God has put in you. In order to reach your potential, you need a coach. Why shouldn’t you? The greatest business leaders, entertainers and athletes the world has ever known have had coaches to guide them to the top of their game. As part of your personal growth … Read More
Roy Fish on Evangelism
“Evangelizing in the church is like fishing in a bathtub: it’s terribly convenient, but you don’t catch much.” — Roy Fish (February 7, 1930 – September 10, 2012) was an American preacher who is best known as a longtime professor of evangelism at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (SWBTS) in Fort Worth, Texas. He was known for his passion for personal … Read More