On my last sabbatical, I researched the early church. I studied the time from right after the resurrection of Jesus until the time of Constantine and wanted to see how they survived and thrived during a time when they were not the cultural norm and experienced intense persecution. I grew up in a Christian culture where Christianity was not only accepted but also encouraged by the culture. Getting to know the early church taught me many important lessons, some of which were hard to learn.

Los que estamos al frente de una iglesia tenemos la responsabilidad de desarrollar un plan para discipular a todo aquel que esté dispuesto a disciplinarse en la vida cristiana. Según la Gran Comisión (Mateo 28:18-20), el Señor no nos envió a tener cultos maravillosos, ni actividades interesantes. Simplemente, nos envía a hacer discípulos. Pero parece que el hacer discípulos es la parte menos practicada.

—————

Those of us who are in charge of a church have the responsibility of developing a plan to disciple anyone who is willing to discipline themselves in the Christian life. According to the Great Commission (Matthew 28: 18-20), the Lord did not send us to have wonderful worship times or interesting activities. The Great Commission simply sends us to make disciples. But it seems that making disciples is the least practiced part.

As the end of Human Trafficking Awareness Month draws to a close, we do not need to simply move on from the issue. Only in recent years has the evil of human trafficking gained the exposure it has now. That is, while many may consider slavery a thing of the past, we now know that, though it takes different and less obvious forms, slavery and trafficking are just as pervasive today. There is much work to do to eradicate it altogether.

What if we did away with harmony in musical worship? Is it, or any other artistic expression, really necessary to the way we function as a church? Probably not, but most note beauty definitely adds something to the experience. Good art can help better articulate the gospel and move our affections towards God.

In the same vein, I wonder what other expressions of worship we may be missing. Are there some art forms we could use to help us better feel the depth of God's story or understand His person? How might leaders use those mediums to teach, to disciple, and to better explain the faith?

If I were to ask the people of your church, “Why do you do what you do?” I’m sure I would get a gospel-related response. But the true litmus test of the Great Commission motivation in a church is less about whether or not we make disciples as a matter of obedience—which is good. Instead, it's more about if we're making disciples out of genuine urgency and concern that a person's life be radically transformed by the grace and mercy of their Savior—which is better. I have been challenged by this idea in recent months, and this experience has helped me firm up my “why” for UBA and our churches.

Leadership is a learned skill. Much of the learning takes place experientially, but books can also provide valuable learning. Since reading Steven B. Sample's The Contrarian's Guide to Leadership, "Work for Those Who Work For You" (Chapter 8)  has become a guiding leadership principle for me. More than 20 years after first encountering Sample’s work, I still have 2 green sticky notes marking pages in that chapter. On one, I wrote ”service” and on the other “access.” They are reminders that help me even today.

If you pay attention to ministry conversations on the internet, there's a good chance you've heard the term "replanting." In the last couple of years, this idea has really gained traction, and I think with good reason. Today, you can find podcasts, books, and a growing pile of online articles that take up the task of church replanting. What is the difference between church planting and replanting and how might they make the difference in spiritual vitality of a community?

January is National Human Trafficking Awareness Month. But what does that mean? As one who works with those facing human trafficking, Nell Green helps us better understand the many misconceptions surrounding the topic. She gives practical advice about how each of us can prevent and end human trafficking both here and around the globe.

Jesus can do a lot with little acts of kindness, small steps towards faithfulness. He multiplies even the simplest sacrifice given for Him even in the most difficult times. I've learned this truth through a family near to me. I've learned how the church is family and what it looks like to grow with and towards one another.