"Why aren't you married yet?" "When are you going to settle down?" "Why can't a pretty girl (or handsome guy) like you find a husband (or wife)?" Singles sometimes hear these questions from well-meaning friends or relatives, which can make…
Single adults represent tremendous mission field
A hidden mission field exists — one that encompasses more people than live in many small countries. And it could be just outside the walls of any given church. Single adults make up more than 40 percent of the U.S….
Beyond immediate ministry, a call to address social inequities
While many churches reach out to meet the immediate needs of people who have lost jobs, Christians also are called to tackle underlying social issues related to employment and to partner with others to help make long-term changes, some ethicists…
Churches offer ‘Soul Food,’ encouragement to the unemployed
When people are in trouble following natural disasters, churches usually respond rapidly and generously. The disaster of chronic unemployment creates a different set of challenges, but some churches across the country provide models of ministry to people affected by economic…
If God made us for meaningful labor, what if we can’t find a job?
In an uncertain and unstable economy, how do Christians reconcile work as a reflection of the image of God in them with high unemployment and under-employment rates? Should believers reexamine what defines "meaningful" work? How do Christians reconcile faith issues…
Willing workers are drawn by passion, giftedness, calling
Tapping passion and giftedness — and an understanding of every job as ministry — may be the best way to find willing workers to fill those unglamorous and least-recognized posts in church life. Passion springs from a person’s gifts, according…
Multisite multiplication
The term “multisite” or “multicampus” church might first bring megachurches to mind. But as it has developed, the church-growth model has taken on many forms to serve a variety of purposes and ministry contexts. Ministry Some churches use the multicampus…
Multisite fans view approach as good stewardship
Proponents of the multicampus church option cite flexibility, stewardship and the “spark” that newness can bring to ministry. “You get the big-church bang … but you also get the pop and sizzle of a new church,” said Rodney Harrison, vice…
Church start or church satellite? Decision can be difficult
Perhaps a congregation has discovered a neighborhood or nearby community with no evangelical or other church presence. Or maybe the church has found a demographic that isn’t being reached with the gospel. Church leaders believe God is leading their congregation…