10 Important Questions to Ask When Exploring Faith with God

10 Important Questions to Ask When Exploring Faith with God (Part 1)

Thinking about God and whether or not he’s real or can be trusted? Ask some questions–questions are our friends. Before taking a step of faith, count the cost, and do some exploring. Don’t be intimidated or frustrated by your questions. Let them motivate you to seek answers. Jesus welcomes your pursuit and claims that when you […]

Grow a vibrant faith without destroying your marriage

Things you need to know for a vibrant faith…without destroying your marriage

If your job, your kids, your in-laws, or your bills don’t kill you…let the church try. My church and most I’ve experienced are well-meaning. They want us to develop a meaningful faith, commit to growing our marriage, and invest in building healthy relationships with our kids, parents, and neighbors. Those are fantastic goals, but we […]

A dozen ideas to make you a powerful couple

A Dozen Ideas to Make You a Powerful Couple

When Janine and I were first married, I remembered hearing an older couple say how they were in love more that day than when they first got married. A sweet sentiment, I thought, but how is that possible? Aren’t the most vibrant and passionate years in the beginning…and then you hang on to the end? […]

Shift the Burden of “I Can’t” to “God Can”

Shift the Burden of “I Can’t” to “God Can”

One of the strategic invitations our church offers—and this website endorses—is participating in a disciple-making group. It’s something every Jesus-follower should experience as a participant, as a leader, and, eventually, as a coach. Most are intrigued, but few participate. There are numerous reasons people say they can’t. I’m going to highlight three and suggest shifting […]

Simple Ways to Help You Get to Know People

3 Surprisingly Simple Ways to Get to Know People

Disciple-making includes evangelism, and let’s be clear—nobody likes evangelism. Christians don’t like it because they think it requires them to stand on busy street corners and yell at people, “You Need Jesus!” Non-Christians don’t like it because they don’t want to be yelled at, and they don’t want to be somebody’s project. Let’s try a […]

There is a difference between a Christian and a disciple.

Do You Crave Comfort or Hunger for Adventure?

There is a difference between a Christian and a disciple. Jesus wants us to follow him and live differently. As a result, disciples are open to adventure and take risks. But Christian culture wants us to play it safe, substituting relationship building for cliques and being busy. Jesus invites us on the adventure of a […]

simple goals to help your church make disciples

3 Simple Goals to Help Your Church Make Disciples

Jesus said he would build the church (Matthew 16:18). Our instruction as followers of Jesus is to make disciples. Focusing on growing the church does not guarantee we will produce disciples. However, when we focus on making disciples, we get a growing, healthy church. A disciple-making emphasis also cultivates a reproducing culture. This, in turn, fosters […]

Make your church better

1 Tip and 2 Warnings That Will Make Your Church Better

You want your church to be healthy and vibrant, and you want to see people grow and reproduce their faith. It all begins with how we respond to new—or young—believers. One simple tip can foster a hopeful and encouraging evangelistic culture. And two warnings can protect you from unintentionally crippling the faith formation of new […]

Next steps for new believers

10 Next Steps for New Believers (Part 2)

If heaven rejoices when someone gives their lives to Jesus (Luke 15:10), then we should, too. Jesus followers should be party people. But when the balloons begin to sag, and the sink overflows with dishes, new believers—and those who love them—need a plan. Surrendering their lives to Jesus was an enormous step, but their experiences […]

First steps for new believers

10 Next Steps for New Believers (Part 1)

You’ve just begun a relationship with Jesus, or you know someone who has? Great news! So now what? Many churches pat you or your friend on the back, make an announcement to celebrate God’s work in your life, and then transition to the next scheduled activity. Some churches go an extra step and present a […]

Chessboard as a metaphor for making disciples

1 Daring Decision That Will Change Your Church

Pastors and leaders talk about church growth, but strategic conversation focuses on making disciples. Filled churches cause a buzz, but churches committed to making disciples — and introducing the idea to those exploring faith — are poised to impact its community for generations. This post contains affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, […]