How would Jesus respond to the bell-shaped curve of people reacting feeling first or thinking first? And what should traditional churches do? God calls us to go out to all people. The way to get beyond head-first is to rediscover the Holy Spirit which was so basic to Paul’s ministry. He specializes in touching hearts.
Read MoreWe can do a better job of developing our church ministries in ways that reduce barriers to how he works on people’s hearts. Change is not going to happen without first being critical of our shortcomings today. Consider these three ways that Lutherans can improve our ministries of calling others to Christ.
Read MoreWhich is more basic to being a Christ follower? Is it the distinct traditions of values and behaviors of a church culture? Or are the personal convictions of those called together to be a church more fundamental? Reaching out to those already in the tradition is easier. The job is much more demanding to call people into a relationship with Christ.
Read MoreAre you serious about wanting to become more like Christ in your daily living? That’s hard to do on our own strength. Jesus’ strategy depends on empowerment by his Spirit that he sends to continue his work. Our role is to place ourselves where he can most readily change our motivation.
Read MoreWitness is the fourth practice of the GROWTH scheme for positioning yourself to grow closer to God. Grow by responding to opportunities to explain who you are and what you believe. Witness to the Gospel wherever possible, whether in word or deed.
Read MoreWitness is the fourth practice of the GROWTH scheme for positioning yourself to grow closer to God. Grow by responding to opportunities to explain who you are and what you believe. Witness to the Gospel wherever possible, whether in word or deed.
Read MoreJesus’ strategy for winning by losing is all about accepting and obeying the challenge to deny yourself.
Read MoreNothing has a greater impact on spiritual growth than reading and reflecting on Scripture. There are two ways to read the Bible. One is for information. The other is for formation. While reading the Bible is basic, the key to spiritual growth is reflecting on what you read with the question, “What does this mean for me now?”
Read MoreAccording to Paul, everyone is given a dynamic manifestation of the Spirit for the common good and ministry is done by all. It is so Scriptural and so powerful. The Apostle Peter challenged his readers to ”grow in grace and knowledge.” Most of us know how to grow in knowledge, but how do we grow in grace? And what can we do to better position ourselves so the Holy Spirit can move in and change our lives?
Read MoreFellowship means sharing something with somebody. The Spirit does his work through a community of believers sharing insights from God’s Word. Surely the way forward for withering mainline church bodies is to have participants share their stories of personal conviction and how the work of Christ’s Spirit affects the way they live.
Read MoreThe ideal setting for the Spirit to work in the lives of Christ-followers is that of believers gathered around God’s Word and sharing its application in their lives. The Holy Spirit is the one doing the calling into a specific fellowship of believers. Follow his lead with the specific people he sends. Strive to accommodate at least several spiritual temperaments with creative ministries.
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