In scanning through a book by Andrew Davis, Revitalize: Biblical Keys to Helping Your Church Come Alive Again, I was reminded of the two journeys of disciple-making: The work of disciple-making is taught in the New Testament in the language of two journeys: the internal journey of growth into full…
Whether you have been discipling for years or are just starting, investment in relationships is important. Discipling and care are strengthened when you invest well in getting to know your disciples beyond meeting time. While doing so takes time, it does not have to overwhelm your schedule and it will…
Where are you headed and how will you get there? Have you prayed? Our Lord has promised to be with us, and He is “able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think” (Ephesians 3:20, ESV). You don’t have to ask what to do. Making disciples…
Like most of you reading this, I love to see churches grow and reach people for Jesus Christ. I have benefited from the writings and research of Charles Arn on this subject. Recently he wrote an article called, “Why Churches Don’t Grow” for Building Church Leaders network. He lists five…
I am a student of church growth and church health and have benefited from the writings and research of Charles Arn. Recently he wrote an article called, “Why Churches Don’t Grow” for Building Church Leaders network. This short article is right on target. In this two-part series, we will look…
I have worked with leaders for over three decades. Most of them were volunteers serving in some capacity in the church and others were staff people that I worked with or supervised. Many of my best friendships occurred because of those relationships. One of the things I observed is that…
In my previous blog I listed 10 Growth Principles so let’s examine the last two, number nine and ten. 9. Healthy Churches saturate everything in prayer. They don’t just talk about praying they pray. They believe in the power of prayer to change impossible situations and people. They pray for…
In my previous blog I listed 10 so let’s continue to examine two more with number seven and eight. 7. Healthy Churches keep many hooks in the water. They don’t have just one strategy that reaches people but a number of opportunities. They provide many side doors in order for…
In my previous blog I listed 10 so let’s continue to examine two more with number five and six. 5. Healthy Churches reach more than one or two generations. Many of these churches are reaching four or even five! This means they know how to minister to all ages, in…
In a previous blog, I listed 10 so let’s continue to examine two more with number three and four. 3. Healthy Churches have an effective assimilation process. They not only reach people but they move people to places of service. They do this very quickly and intentionally. It is expected…
Two encounters are critical. First, the leader encounters God in His Word and is changed. Second, the leader guides the group to have a life-changing encounter.