Church Life Archives - Page 9 of 10 - The Artios Center for Vibrant Leadership

Evangelism and Discipleship: Jesus is Not a Used Car

Brian Franks2022-06-30T13:06:15-06:00

By Loren Gjesdal “Let me tell you about the features of this little gem….what would it take to get you in this beauty today?” The traditional car-buying process is almost no one’s idea of a good time. The stereotype is of slick salesmen using high pressure tactics that emphasize benefits, minimizing costs, while pushing for an immediate decision. Some evangelistic techniques have been criticized as little better than selling Jesus like a used car, with the interaction just about as enjoyable for all involved. Is there a better way to think about evangelism other than getting someone to “sign on the dotted line?” [...]

Evangelism and Discipleship: Jesus is Not a Used CarBrian Franks2022-06-30T13:06:15-06:00

Are We Loving Each Other?

Brian Franks2022-06-30T13:07:17-06:00

By Lisa Harp Hinds Are we loving each other? Meeting each other’s needs? How are we modeling Christ? Are we letting fear, frustration, and/or our need for individuality and some measure of control over our own lives get in the way of loving each other? INSTRUCTIONS FROM THE HOLY BIBLE God’s Word contains instructions on how we are to treat each other. In Matthew 7:12, Christ Jesus tells us, “Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” In other words, if we want people to treat us kindly, then we [...]

Are We Loving Each Other?Brian Franks2022-06-30T13:07:17-06:00

What Millennials Want the Church to Know

Brian Franks2022-06-30T13:08:44-06:00

By Caitlin Meadows What do those currently ages 17 to 40 have in common? They are millennials. That’s a 23 year age gap! Beyond claiming the same generational status, 17 year olds and 40 year olds have little in common. Commenting on this broad age range in her recent article, 6 Reasons I’m Excited to be a Millennial, Amber Riggs notes: As a pioneering millennial 1 I had the opportunity to embrace this label and all of the hopefulness it encompassed and allow it to engender a healthy pride in my generation – a pride that seems to have been harassed out of millennials who stepped into adulthood [...]

What Millennials Want the Church to KnowBrian Franks2022-06-30T13:08:44-06:00

7 Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Leave Your Church

Brian Franks2022-07-12T12:33:36-06:00

By Lisa Harp Hinds Thinking seriously about leaving your church? Maybe you’re tired of other members’ attitudes or you don’t connect with the pastor. Perhaps you feel neglected, like you simply don’t belong. As someone who left my church because of my own issues but later returned, I suggest asking yourself these 7 questions before deciding to leave your church: 1. DOES MY CHURCH FOLLOW BIBLICAL STRUCTURE? Each member of the church has an important role to play. Acts 6 gives us an example of members of the church having different functions. I Corinthians 12 addresses the spiritual gifts, specifically recognizing that each member’s separate gift plays a role in [...]

7 Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Leave Your ChurchBrian Franks2022-07-12T12:33:36-06:00

5 Reasons I Came Back to the Church

Brian Franks2022-07-12T12:34:05-06:00

By Lisa Harp Hinds If you read “5 Reasons I Left the Church”, you know that, yes, I was one of “those” who had left the church for a combination of reasons. But I came back! Wondering why? Wondering if some of the people who have left your church might return? Wondering what you could do to help them? NUMBER 5 REASON I CAME BACK TO THE CHURCH: SOMEONE WAS PRAYING FOR ME. This is huge, people! I John 5:14-16 tells us, not only can we have confidence in approaching God to ask for anything within His will, but we should pray for our brothers and [...]

5 Reasons I Came Back to the ChurchBrian Franks2022-07-12T12:34:05-06:00

Compassion for the Masses: 6 Lessons Gleaned from a Busy Day of Ministry with Jesus

Brian Franks2022-07-12T12:34:59-06:00

By Whaid Rose Of the miracles of Jesus, the feeding of the five thousand is the only one recorded in detail in all four gospels. None was quite as public, performed in front of so many witnesses. According to Mark’s account (6:30-44), it happened serendipitously. Needing to get away from the crowd, Jesus withdrew (with His disciples) to a quiet place (verse 31). This highlights the first of several principles in this story: Solitude and rest are essential to effective ministry. But word got out; the people found them. And how did Jesus react? He welcomed them, highlighting another important principle: Ministry [...]

Compassion for the Masses: 6 Lessons Gleaned from a Busy Day of Ministry with JesusBrian Franks2022-07-12T12:34:59-06:00

Learning to Love Those You Serve

Brian Franks2022-07-12T12:35:24-06:00

By Josiah Robles John opens his first epistle by defending and establishing the understanding of the humanity of Christ. “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life…” (1 John 1:1). 1 John is making the bold statement that Christ is, in fact, both eternal with the Father and has come to Earth as a human to unite us with the Father, “…and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ” (1 John 1:3b). As described by [...]

Learning to Love Those You ServeBrian Franks2022-07-12T12:35:24-06:00

What Does Scripture Say About Women Leading in the Church?

Brian Franks2022-07-12T12:35:52-06:00

By Jessica Monrose Leadership in the church is generally viewed as a position or title held by those in authority, predominately filled by men. In contrast, women usually fill supportive, non-dominating roles within the church such as administrative work and childcare. What does scripture say about women leading in the church? LEADING AS A CALLING Because of their identity in Christ, women are called to lead. All Christians have a calling on his or her life, which is to be the image bearer of God, leading others to Him. This primary call is a person’s identity in Christ and is manifested in their everyday lives. God’s character is [...]

What Does Scripture Say About Women Leading in the Church?Brian Franks2022-07-12T12:35:52-06:00

Why We Need Administration in Church Ministries

Brian Franks2022-07-12T12:36:09-06:00

By Kristin Gonzalez In middle school, I learned a valuable lesson about administration and leadership. I had a science teacher who engaged us in hands-on science projects and experiments. Within her classroom, I learned about the scientific method, photosynthesis, and leadership. I vividly remember her telling me she was placing two boys in a group with me for a hot air balloon project. She also informed me that I was the group leader. We were to create a hot air balloon out of tissue paper that would soar to the heights of the gym ceiling. I was very excited about another great [...]

Why We Need Administration in Church MinistriesBrian Franks2022-07-12T12:36:09-06:00

5 Reasons the Church Needs Administration

Brian Franks2022-07-12T12:36:24-06:00

By Loren Gjesdal We have all heard complaints about bureaucratic red tape (and maybe voiced those complaints ourselves!). Usually these complaints relate to our interactions with local government, but what about the church? Is church administration just a brake on ministry innovation? Do policies and procedures sap energy and resources better used elsewhere? There are at least 5 reasons why we need proper church administration. When done right, church administration is essential for accomplishing the heart of any effective church ministry—equipping discipleship. CHURCH ADMINISTRATION AND MISSIONAL VISION Effective ministry innovation requires well thought out and communicated missional vision. Why do we do what we do? Why [...]

5 Reasons the Church Needs AdministrationBrian Franks2022-07-12T12:36:24-06:00

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