Starting Point for Your Work in Vacation Bible School
Why VBS? Why should a church invest time, energy, and resources in Vacation Bible School? Is VBS still even a relevant ministry? Before you begin planning a VBS, be sure that you understand the “why” behind having a VBS. Here are a few of the best reasons why VBS is worth it! Each year, VBS […]
Starting Point for Your Work in Student Ministry
Whether you are newly starting in Student Ministry, beginning at a new church, or working to launch a youth ministry in your church, here are some important considerations for long-term success. Personal Growth Leading Student Ministry isn’t just a matter of leading Bible studies or planning events. Ministry leaders must first be committed disciples of […]
Starting Point for Your Work in Student Missions
Planning a student mission trip, whether in states, across the country, or around the world can be a daunting task. While every trip is unique, here are some major factors you will want to consider. Who will help you plan? Proverbs 15:22 says “Plans fail when there is no counsel, but with many advisers they […]
Starting Point for Your Work in Kids Ministry
Whether you are newly starting in Kids Ministry, beginning at a new church, or working to launch a kids ministry in your church, here are some important considerations for long-term success. Personal Growth Leading Kids Ministry isn’t just a matter of teaching Bible lessons, planning events, or coming up with the best games and crafts. […]
Leaders on Leading
ben mandrell: preaching to skeptics “Of all the things about being a pastor that I found most difficult, keeping a burning heart for the lost was the highest challenge.” Illinois native Ben Mandrell began his session on preaching to skeptics with a prayer of self-confession. Drawing on his experience as a pastor in Colorado, the […]
Stop Meeting
People hate meetings. A recent workplace study by Fischtank PR found 90% of Americans consider meetings a waste of time and productivity. And Forbes reported 58% of workers would rather go to the doctor than another work meeting. Church meetings are no better. They’re often overscheduled, poorly run, and struggle for quorum and impact. If […]
Starting Line
define discipleship to spark ministry to wom We want to see churches across Illinois engaged in discipling women and developing women leaders. With those goals in mind, when I sit down with leaders who want to build specific ministries to reach women, I start with one big question: “How is your church currently discipling women?” […]
Coaching New Recruits
their success depends on effective guidance Bruce had hit rock bottom. His days of drinking, carousing, and stirring up trouble with his family had caught up with him, and now here he was, walking alone, slowly navigating the seven miles to his home. He had just cruelly offended his adult daughter, and her response was […]