Each year, we look back on some of our readers’ favorites from the blog. The most-visited articles from the year not only give us a snapshot of what people were thinking about but also compile some great articles all in on place.
From Dungeons & Dragons to dissolution clauses and everything in between, we think you'll enjoy these fun and informative articles from this year.
1. What is Apologetics and Why Should I Care?
By: Eddy Wu
This year's top article is an explainer on apologetics, who it’s for, and why it matters to the church. Eddy Wu explains how apologetics is for the edification of believers, for discipleship in the church, and for building bridges in evangelism.
2. Five Things to Consider Before Transitioning from Your Church
By: Mike Ayers
It's been a tough season for everyone in leadership—especially pastors. Here, Mike Ayers helps pastors and church leaders think things through and make sure they leave well if they're in transition.
3. D&D, Dudes, and Discipleship
By: Eddy Wu
With a fascinating topic like this, how could you not read? In this light-hearted Eddy Wu talks about using uncommon tools—such as an online Dungeons and Dragons game—to deepen connections with youth and foster discipleship relationships.
4. Three Initiatives to Help us Advance the Gospel Together
By: Josh Ellis
Sometimes, an organization’s goals and initiatives can get lost in internal jargon. This article and accompanying video help you understand what we mean when we talk about Collaborative Care, Sending Pathways, and Church Renewal.
5. Why Every Church Needs a Dissolution Clause
By: John Litzler
While most pastors don't spend a lot of time reviewing their bylaws, this article is a must-read. It ended up saving our churches millions of dollars in back taxes, so it’s worth checking out.
6. How Do We Recover Biblical Soul-Winning?
By: Ramon L. Jones
Ramon Jones makes the case that previous iterations of “soul-winning” have gone out of style, but the interest in recovering it certainly hasn't. Read more about how we can focus on person-to-person evangelism and discipleship.
7. War of Words: One Question to Help us Minister in Divided Communities
By: Marie Burrus
Over the last few years, our communities (including churches) have developed new taboos. No matter what you say, it seems you're saying something wrong. It's no surprise, then, that people would want to know how to speak and minister in this increasingly complex environment.
8. How to Pray for and Reach Your LGBTQ+ Neighbor
Considering our cultural climate, it's no surprise that this one would spark some interest. Instead of ignoring the issue, how can Christians care for and share the gospel with our LGBTQ+ neighbors?
9. Four R.E.A.L. Challenges For Women On The Mission Field
By: Shirley Ralston
You weren't just interested in the struggles people faced in the United States. Shirley Ralston's article on the challenges for women—especially single women—on the mission field got a lot of interest as well.
10. Can There be Unity in the Body of Christ?
By: Jerry Wiles
Our last article was one question many of us were asking this year. Jerry Wiles shows us how sharing God's Word through story groups has unified believers.
We hope you enjoyed this look back on your favorites from 2021. If you have any topics or authors you'd like to see on our blog, reach out or our editor, Marie Burrus. We love to host helpful articles for you and all of our churches in the Greater Houston Area.
Happy New Year!
Children’s ministry is so much more than just childcare!
Here are 3 ways to encourage discipleship in your children’s ministry.