Read. Heed. Weed. Feed. Seed.

Posted by Reimagine Curator on July 20, 2023 at 12:35

Take 20 Seconds to Extend Our Reach.

As you surf this site, ask the Spirit to give you a specific assignment to...
- Read: Yield to the filling-leading-teaching-coaching of the Spirit; be Spirit-led, Scripture-fed
- Heed: Apply to yourslef whatever captures your attention, then repent (change how you think about...)
- Weed: Look for infestations that need to be removed (such as biblical applications that have been given inerrancy status)
- Feed: Share with friends who share your faith; ask for their feedback
- Seed: Inspire pastors, church mnistry leaders ... forward this page ... invest $5-7-10 to reach hundreds more @ PrayerINC.org

Way Dreaming

Posted by Johnny R. Almond on July 17, 2023 at 11:23

He dreamed of a stairway that reached from earth to heaven.

Genesis 28:12 NLT

What are you dreaming of? What is your highest hope? Noblest vision? Imagination mirrors My creativity. Your idea of the ideal future echoes My promises. Your dreams are vague reflections of Mine. I communicate with you in dreams. Pay attention to images and ideas. Be sensitive to emotions. I send clear and colorful signals to your heart that can transform your life if you take My dream seriously.

To you it seems a long way from earth to heaven. “Now” and “not yet” feel a great distance apart—between where I am and where you are, countless steps. But it is not as far between time and eternity as you think—Love traverses the span with the speed of thought. Small faith takes you up to heaven; mature faith brings heaven down to earth.

Infinite light years are bridged in an instant of childlike trust. I am nearer than hands and feet, closer than breathing. I am not a local, territorial god—I am the Omnipresent God of the universe. I am Land Lord of the earth, so every location can become My sanctuary. No spot need be lonely—find Me in your heart and find Me everywhere.

Whatever your dream, I am the Apex of the staircase. I am the Author of every perfect dream, the Means to achieve the desired end, the Final Step to reach the ultimate goal. I am the Stairway to the stars, Reality behind dreams, and Energy to climb steps and attain visions.

The sky is not the limit—aim for the company of the immortals! Dare to dream grand dreams—visualize heaven open and angels ascending and descending the stairway of hope. When it seems there is no way to reach your dream, I will make a way. I am the Way to the Truth of Life. I am the Gateway to perfect ecstasy. I dream with you as you pursue your dream.

I give you strength and patience to continue to climb. I comfort you when you wonder if the dream will ever materialize. My Spirit inspired your dream; I keep your dream alive until fulfillment. I protect you in twists and turns of the dreamy spiral. From the heights, I watch over your progress and supervise the ascent to your destiny. Take My hand and I will get you home.

Let reveille awaken you from reverie. Daydreaming is sweet, but it is time to wake up and start climbing. Do more than stare up the steps—step up the stairs.

I promise your dream will come true in thrilling actuality. We will celebrate together at the top of the stairs.

Day 19, Gentle Whispers from Eternity

GUEST POST ~ Love Neighbor; Love Justice

Posted by Reimagine Curator on July 14, 2023 at 12:45

GUEST POST ~ Love Neighbor; Love Justice

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Will God Love Us if We Love Our Neighbor?

Jeff Hilles • Quotes • 07/03/2023

Quick Quote - Source - Jeff Hilles

A Biblical Christian worldview perspective - The answer is yes, but the order is reversed. The problem is that many today read that to mean, "God will love us if we love our neighbor" and stop right there in their systematic theology.

God does love all of mankind.

John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

However, the ultimate expression of that love is filtered through His need for justice, and our need to accept the sacrifice of His Son for our sins.

Romans 5:8 God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Clearly we are told to love our neighbor as ourselves (Luke 10:27). But, to do that in a Godly way, we must love Him first. And, to do that we need to accept Him as our Savior and Lord, through a belief that Christ dies as a payment for our sins and was resurrected, as we will be someday.

Loving our neighbor is not the final answer. Our faith must begin with a love of God and a desire to follow Him through a study of His Word.

Author - Jeff Hilles | BCWorldview.org

GUEST POST ~

Posted by Reimagine Curator on July 13, 2023 at 12:29

GUEST POST ~ The Surpsing First Step for Lasting Change

The surprising first step for lasting change

New blog post from Bob Logan

How do I start over? What can I do to I pull people back in? How do I deal with polarization in the church? How do I recapture the mission of the church? What does it look like to move people forward from a practical standpoint? Dozens of key questions weighing on church leadership right now can be summed up with this one question: How do we get from HERE to THERE? And it’s a great question! At its root, it’s a question about the process of transition.

Change vs. Transition

The best resource that I have come across on this topic is Managing Transitions, by William Bridges. In the book, Bridges explains that change is external—change happens to us, whereas transition is internal—transition is the psychological (and spiritual) process people go through to come to terms with the new situation.

The last 15 months have been filled with rapid-fire changes surrounding topics that are foundational to the way we do life on an individual, community, national, and global level. In short, a lot has changed and we are still processing it.

You are in the middle of transition and so is every single person you are leading.

The process of transition

Bridges breaks the process of transition into three main parts: Letting Go, The Neutral Zone, and The New Beginning. We are going to take it slow and walk through these parts over the next few blog posts.

The first step: Letting Go

“Failure to identify and be ready for the endings and losses that change produces is the largest single problem that organizations in transition encounter.” —William Bridges

Simply put, change means loss. Even good changes like the birth of a new baby, a new job, or moving to a new town require letting go of the old to make room for the new. Simply put but not as simple to do. Of course there is much joy when adding a baby to the family but there is loss too: sleep, priorities, your time being your own, space, date night, money… there’s a lot to let go of in order to fully embrace the joy of a new baby.

Now think of the changes you experienced in the last 15 months. Many were sudden and scary and unwelcome but that didn’t stop them from happening. You mastered the “pivot” because it allowed you to keep moving forward but how well did you stop to identify the endings and losses in the process?

It’s time to slow down and process the losses from the last 15 months. By processing loss thoroughly, you can move forward intentionally and effectively.

Here are 5 steps to guide you through the process of letting go:

1. Identify the losses

Make a list of changes, including pivots, that were made over the last 15 months (i.e. stay-at-home, store hours, online church, etc.) For each one to occur, something had to end. Think through the ripple effect of each change.

What physical or tangible things were lost as a result?
Were there mental processes that were impacted? If so, what and how?
How were you affected emotionally?
What relationships were affected and how?

2. Acknowledge the loss

It will be tempting to shrug some of this off as no big deal. But as they say, “It’s the little things…” Each loss is still a loss. The sense of loss tends to grow when not acknowledged. Take some time to recognize and acknowledge what each loss means to you.

Don’t be surprised if you find yourself going through the classic stages of grief; denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. The grieving process is normal, however, getting stuck in any one stage can act like a millstone keeping you from moving forward. Should you get stuck in one stage, reach out to a trusted friend, mentor, or therapist who can help you walk through the process.

3. Don’t buy into hyperbole.

Life isn’t OVER. It’s not ALL bad. It won’t ALWAYS be this way. Yes, some things have ended but if you find yourself using hyperbolic language it may be time to rehearse what hasn’t changed. You may even want to go back to your list of changes/losses to add on and answer “What is still true or hasn’t changed?”

It’s good to be specific but let me pause here for an important reminder: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” —Hebrews 13:8

The way we do church may change but the mission of the church will never change. Jesus has called us to love the Lord, to love our neighbors as ourselves, and to make disciples. These will never change as our God will never change.

4. Punctuate each loss

Punctuation is powerful. It tells us when to pause, what comes next, and when it’s over. When looking over your list you may see losses that are temporary (…), some with undetermined futures (?), and some that are permanent (. or !). Take time to consider the punctuation for each loss honestly. Some you may hope are temporary but in reality will never be the same.

How does each affect you?
What needs to be done in order to move on?
How can you work to keep the vision alive on temporary losses?
What do you need to move a loss from undetermined to temporary or permanent?
How can you honor the past and close the door on permanent losses?

5. Guide others through the process

How do you move people forward? The first step is to let them know that they are seen and heard. I have a sneaking suspicion that a lot of people struggled with pivoting because all they could see was the loss and they felt like leaders were blind to it. As you go through this process, recognize that those you are leading need to go through it as well. Look back at your list and think it through from the perspective of different people within your staff and congregation. Walking in their shoes you will find additional, or at least different, losses. Then talk about the elephant in the room… acknowledge their losses, mourn with them, and help them let go.

What losses may have been overlooked in all the pivoting? Is there a demographic that stands out?
What do you need to pause in order to address loss?
How can you honor the past as you plan to move forward?

Resources

The Discipleship Difference– Follow a pastor as he transitions his congregation to a more effective disciplemaking culture. People do not grow in Christ linearly. So, why do we expect a linear discipleship program to work for everyone? Nonlinear does not have to be complicated. The Discipleship Difference outlines ways to meet people where they are at while walking through intentional and measurable discipleship.

Becoming Barnabas– Processing transition cannot be done by just one person. You need a team of encouragers to come alongside people and walk them through the process. Becoming Barnabas casts vision for such a team within the church. When you are ready to train up some Barnabas’s, check out the Barnabas Ministry Training Kit.

Photo by Ehteshamul Haque Adit on Unsplash

The post The surprising first step for lasting change appeared first on Logan Leadership.

The Greatest Reality

Posted by Johnny R. Almond on July 10, 2023 at 12:40

There remain then, faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

1 Corinthians 13:13 MLB

Love endures.

Love’s patience never dies; love’s commitment never gives up.

No matter how uncertain the future, love trusts steadily.

Love never fails, fades, or becomes obsolete—it endures time’s test.

Love empathizes.

My heart is eternally kind—all true love reflects My merciful heart.

Love celebrates with happy hearts—love cries with the heartbroken.

Love esteems others.

Love wishes the best for others, so it is not jealous of their success.

Love is not focused inwardly, so it does not brag or strut.

Love is genuinely concerned for others’ welfare, so it is never rude.

Love serves for heaven’s sake, so it does not resent Christlike slave labor.

Love excuses wrongs suffered.

Love does not keep score, or maintain a record of trespasses against it.

A loving heart forgives others, as it has been forgiven by Infinite Love.

Love is ecstatic about truth.

Love weeps its heart out over injustice, and parties when truth wins.

Love expects the best.

Seeing your Savior face to face will launch a never-ending celebration.

I am saving the best for the last—rest assured.

Love exceeds everything.

Eloquence without love is pointless speech.

Knowledge without love is meaningless nonsense.

Faith without love is useless exercise.

Self-sacrifice without love is wasted effort.

Faith and hope are temporal, but love lasts forever—the greatest reality.

GUEST POST ~

Posted by Reimagine Curator on July 4, 2023 at 12:52

GUEST POST ~ "Gospeling"

The One-Word Gospel

SCOT MCKNIGHT

In working again through my translation of the Book of Acts I began to record passages where Luke the Storyteller put into words a summary of what the apostles preached when they were gospeling.

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Here are the verses in the The Second Testament, with the appropriate words in bold:

Acts 8:35: Philippos, opening his mouth and beginning from this writing, gospeled Yēsous to him.

11:20 Some of them were men from Kyprios and Kyrēnaios [Cyrene] who, coming to Antiocheia, were speaking also to the Hellēnists, gospeling the Lord Yēsous.

17:18 Also some of the Epikoureioi [Epicureans] and Stoïkoi [Stoic] philosophers were engaging him, and some were saying, “Whatever might this scrounger want to say?” Others, “He seems to be a proclaimer of foreign demons.” (Because he was gospeling Yēsous and the resurrection.)

18:5 As both Silas and Timotheos [Timothy] went down from Makedonia [Macedonia], Paulos [Paul] was absorbed with the word, witnessing to the Youdaians that Yēsous is the Christos.

18:28 For he was vigorously refuting the Youdaians in public, exhibiting through the writings that Yēsous is the Christos.

19:13 Even some of Youdaian itinerant exorcists attempted to name the Lord Yēsous upon those having evil spirits, saying, “I implore you by the ‘Yēsous’ whom Paulos announces [to leave].” (Notice then 19:17 This became known to all the Youdaians and Hellēnes who reside in Ephesos, and awe fell on all of them and the Lord Yēsous’ name was magnified.)

20:20 … as I did not back off of what is beneficial so to announce to you and to teach you, in public and house-to-house, 21 witnessing to both the Youdaians and Hellēnes [Greeks] about conversion to God and faith in our Lord Yēsous.

28:23 Ordering for him a day, even more came to him in his guest room, before whom he laid out, witnessing about God’s Empire, and persuading them about Yēsous from Mōüsēs’ [Moses’] Covenant Code and the Prophets, from early until evening.

28:30-31 He remained two whole years at his own wage and he received all journeying to him, announcing God’s Empire and teaching unhindered matters about the Lord Yēsous Christos with all frankness.

Here are eight or nine – one could combine the last two – instances of summarizing early Christian gospeling.

This gospeling is being done in the first generation. This gospeling is done by the apostles and those formed by them (Philip, others).

I believe in the Bible as God’s revelation to us, and I believe Christian theology has to begin first with Scripture (prima scriptura).

I also believe if our framing of theology is not according to Scripture, we are called to adjust it until it conforms to and is consistent with the gospel. This is what I do in The King Jesus Gospel.

The uniform message can be reduced to one word: Jesus.

Or to:

Jesus is the Messiah
Jesus and the resurrection
Repentance toward God and faith in Jesus
God’s kingdom and the Lord Jesus Christ

Not one of these summaries of apostolic gospeling contains a word about salvation – justification, reconciliation, redemption, substitution – and that’s worthy of note.

Why not?

Not because redemption is not the impact of that gospeling, for it is, but the content of the message according to Luke is the person, Jesus, and not about what he accomplished. He did it all, he accomplished it all, but the focus of the apostolic preaching was Jesus – who he was, what he did, what he accomplished, in that order.

Gospeling today could learn from the apostles. We could learn that gospeling others is about talking about Jesus, announcing Jesus, and generating conversations about Jesus. I promise you, it will get to redemption because it leads there, as can be seen with Peter in Acts 10. And, telling others about Jesus is attended by the Spirit who will prompt repentance, forgiveness of sins and redemption, that too in Acts 10.

The Greatest Friend

Posted by Johnny R. Almond on July 3, 2023 at 16:00

Sallman Head of Christ

God is the one who invited you into this wonderful friendship

with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

1 Corinthians 1:9 NLT

Christ behind you is your forgiveness.

I knew your name and paid for your redemption before you were born.

I died in your place to give you a clean slate and a fresh start.

I drowned your transgressions in the depths of Forgetfulness Sea.

I am your Cleansing—the most blessed assurance of your mind.

Christ within you is your freedom.

I am your Key to liberation from sin’s cruel addiction—live free!

Do not brag about being rich, strong, or wise—never blow your own horn.

Revel in the fact that you know Me—blow a trumpet of praise for God.

I am your Center of Gravity—the most precious treasure of your heart.

Christ beneath you is your foundation.

I am the Solid Rock in a quicksand world—Even Keel on high seas.

Let Me have what troubles you, and I promise to take good care of you.

Lean on My everlasting arms, and I will see that you survive every trial.

I am your Cornerstone—the most powerful fortress for your soul.

Christ before you is your future.

I am your Shepherd; in My Presence you have everything you need—

comfort in hurt, satisfaction in disillusionment, welcome in coldness,

goodness in evil, love in hate, blessings in sadness, hope in doubt.

I am your Confidence—the most beautiful promise of your tomorrows.

Christ beside you is your Friend.

I am with you every heartbeat, breath, step, day, season, and year.

I am your Advocate—I defend against hell’s prosecuting attorney.

I am your Anchor in life’s storms—I comfort you in pain and heartache.

I am your Companion—the most encouraging Friend of your life.

Day 338, Gentle Whispers from Eternity

GUEST POST ~ For Leaders of Congregational Change

Posted by Reimagine Curator on July 1, 2023 at 11:51

I’ve been thinking!

I believe that we are living in times of amazing transition that are exhilarating and terrifying at the same time and that challenge us to be our very best selves.

In a meeting with a small group of pastors and theological academics, I said: "I'm convinced that in the next 10-30 years, the local congregation as we know it will, for all intents and purposes, cease to exist. Most of our efforts at revitalizing the church are about renewing systems and structures that serve a world that no longer exists. I'm not saying the body of Christ is going away. But where and how it mobilizes to serve, I believe, will be very different."

In a different conversation with a denominational executive, I asked, "If you could get your congregations to do just one thing - and that one thing would foster significant movement toward the transformation of the people of God and the communities they serve, what would that one thing be?” Her answer: I'd have 80% of the congregations I serve sell their building and figure out how to use the money to structure different kinds of ministries to the community in which they exist. The building both defines and profoundly limits change, because we think our building is where God is on mission and we are spending so much on keeping the building in repair.”

I've thought a lot about these two conversations. How will the body of Christ look in 10 to 30 years? I don't know. If I had to make some predictions based on my current perspective, I would say house churches, churches in the workplace functioning subversively, and the return of vibrant, small neighborhood churches. I think these neighborhood churches will be evaluated by two criteria. Do they regularly produced transformed people who can love God, neighbor, stranger, enemy and self? And do they serve the felt needs of the community in which they exist? In other words, do they add measurable value to the quality of the community, to the presence of the Shalom of God.

What interesting times we live in. God grant us wisdom for the living of these days.

Jim Herrington

NEXT>>>

Coaching Session Interview with Jim Herrington

GUEST POST ~ How Should We Think About Record Numbers of Churches Closing?

Posted by Reimagine Curator on June 30, 2023 at 11:38

GUEST POST ~ How Should We Think About Record Numbers of Churches Closing?

The Great Replacement

SCOT MCKNIGHT

By Mike Glenn

As I have admitted before, I’m a sucker for sacred spaces. I love old churches. I love sitting in a classically built sanctuary and watching the light play through the panes of the stained glass windows. I love the quiet solitude of sitting in a pew and praying. We’re losing these places. For one thing, we can’t afford to build them anymore. That’s why I cringe every time I see that a church has been sold to a developer to turn into a condominium or shopping center.

According to the experts, we are in a crisis in North America. Churches are closing at record numbers. Once vital, even famous congregations, are having to close their doors because of failing attendance and as a result, falling financial support. Experts around the country are holding conferences and writing books telling us how we can turn this crisis around. Their suggestions run from changing preaching and music styles to rethinking our basic theology.

In our panic, the one thing we haven’t done is focus on the obvious. What are the obvious facts we are overlooking?

First, nothing lasts forever, not even a good church. While Jesus did promise that hell wouldn’t prevail over his church, He made no such promise for every individual church. Churches are founded, serve their communities, and when those communities change or die out, their churches die with them. I know it sounds counter intuitive, but sometimes, it's OK for a church to die. Like any well lived life, we need to celebrate the church, express our grief at its loss and then move on.

Funerals are a part of life, even for churches.

Another reason churches are dying is they become obsolete. Obsolete things are discarded and replaced. We live in a disposable world. Everything is made to wear out. Mobile phones need to be updated and replaced at regular intervals. Cars wear out and new ones, or slightly used ones, need to be bought. Our entire world economy thrives on building and selling things to replace things that have worn out. Churches wear out. The ministries and programs that once made the church “cutting edge” become dated and stale. Student ministries have to be updated to incorporate current social tastes. Technology changes. Screens replace the paintings of the Jordan River over the baptismal pool. If you don’t keep up, you get left behind. It’s that way in business, sports, movies and even games like golf. Change is the only constant in our world.

While we should expect some congregations to die, they shouldn’t be dying at the rate they are. Then, why? Sadly, too many churches have abandoned the mission. There is almost universal agreement on the mission of the church — to make disciples of Jesus by fulfilling the Great Commission. Most churches have forgotten this. They think the church exists to serve their members. The business community serves its stockholders. When church leadership adopts this philosophy, they begin to focus on the membership of the church rather than the lost around them. The membership, after all, does pay for the church budget, so, shouldn’t the staff focus on taking care of their needs?

In a word, no. The church has to focus on its community. Feeding the hungry, caring for the poor, giving aid to every disadvantaged person and yes, sharing the good news of Jesus. The focus on members is for yes, their care, but also their training and deployment in ministry and mission. The old preachers tell a story about some churches being like cruise ships and other churches being like battleships. Cruise ships focus on taking care of their passengers. Battleships don’t have passengers. They have sailors and sailors are focused on the mission.

When churches are no longer focused on the mission, they no longer have a reason to exist. And yes, in my ministry, I’ve talked to a lot of churches who were focused more on their own comfort than the community around them. The first clue is when one of the members asks, “What about us?”

When a church abandons the mission, another church is born to replace it. Now, we aren’t replacing churches in the numbers we need, not yet anyway, but we are replacing them. In fact, not all of the closing churches need to be replaced, but more do than not. In time, we’ll catch up. The Spirit will make sure of it. We serve a God of infinite resources. If one church won’t stay faithful to the mission, God will find one that will. Tomorrow isn’t guaranteed to anyone – including churches.

That’s hard.

That’s the truth.

The mission is our life. Without it, we’re just another non-profit community organization.

Our mission is the reason we exist. If we aren’t faithful to our calling, we don’t have a reason to be here at all.

Scot’s Newsletter.

GUEST - POST ~ Knowing God. A Two-Sided Coin?

Posted by Reimagine Curator on June 27, 2023 at 17:20

GUEST - POST ~ Knowing God. A Two-Sided Coin?

KNOWING GOD

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We're living in dark and desperate days, my friends.

When you live in days like that, you need the facts because knowledge is power. Knowledge tells us what our opponent is all about, and how to fight that opponent. Knowledge is a very good thing. In the biblical Greek, there are two words for “to know.” One is the word oida, which means “to have knowledge of.” It’s a great word that influenced the European culture which in turn influenced our culture. The great danger of that word is we can think that when we've come to know in the mind and know the facts, that will be sufficient for us.

There is another Greek word for “to know” and it’s ginosko. It means “to know by experience.” This is the word that influenced the Hebrew culture. It basically says that we have no right to say that we've come to know something until we've experienced it. Let me give you some examples. I know about Abraham Lincoln. I've read a lot of books and they're encouraging to see a man of integrity, passion, and courage, who would fight for his nation. But I only know about Abraham Lincoln, because I have never met him.

Here is another example. I know about a kiss ― where two mouths come together to exchange tongues and saliva. That doesn't sound very appealing, but I've also experienced it, ginosko, with my sweet bride, and it's wonderful. You see, to just know about love is not enough. I need ginosko. I need to experience love. I share that with you because, in dark and desperate days, we need to know God. You see, it's not enough to oida, to know about God. You can read your Bible and learn that God is omnipotent and He's omnipresent and He's omniscient. He knows all things. He's all-powerful. He's everywhere. This is all wonderful, but in reality, if God is only a concept in my mind it does nothing for me.

What good is it to know that He's omnipresent, omniscient, and omnipotent unless He's all those things to me by experience? My friends, in dark and desperate days, don't settle for knowledge about God. You need the experience of God — the ginosko. This is what Paul was hammering home to the Philippians in his own life. He said, “This is my one thing. I press on because I want to know Him.” He didn’t use the word oida. He didn't want to just know about Jesus. He used the word ginosko. He wanted to experience Him — to experience the power of the Resurrection because death was coming at him every day of his life.

Every day there's loss and sorrow, grief, hurt, fear, and anxiety, and it can paralyze us.

We need the power of the Resurrection to raise us up from the death that we are encountering today.

My friends, the wonderful thing is, He wants to be known! He wants to be experienced. He wants to be all that He is to whatever you need in the moment of faith. He wants to supply all your needs. He wants to save you with His Life and give you hope. In the midst of a dark world, pursue a relationship with Him. Talk to Him as you read His word. Ask Him to teach you. Ask Him to open your eyes to the glory of what He has provided. May you understand the height, length, breadth, and depth of how much He loves you. Bless you, in Jesus’ name.

Frank Friedmann | Our Resolute Hope

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BOOKS AND RESOURCES

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Lion of Judah Films | Video Library

IOM America Website: HERE IM Worship Center: HERE IM Media Center: HERE Donate to IOM America: HERE End Times Documentary: HERE IM Podcast: HERE

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What Time is It?

Posted by Johnny R. Almond on June 26, 2023 at 11:33

Another reason for right living is that you know how late it is; time is running out.

Romans 13:11 NLT

Time ticks away—like money, it can be spent as you like, but only once.

Life is not a dress rehearsal.

An anonymous poet expressed the poignant truth:

Only one life, ’twill soon be past; Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Thoreau was right—killing time injures eternity (Walden).

Procrastination is not a good idea—regrets are futile.

Today is the day of salvation and of service—Get busy!

It is time to advance My cause.

Work for My kingdom—make it your primary concern.

Do more than build your own kingdom—advance Mine!

Work in My power, not your own—be energized by My Spirit.

Outsoar mediocrity, outrun temptation, outwalk lethargy.

Work for My glory, not human applause and recognition.

Be earnest and disciplined—make a conscious effort to honor Me.

It is time to announce My coming.

Dark-alley secrets will be revealed in the broad daylight of judgment.

You are a child of the Light—be sure you live that way!

Be optimistic as you await sunrise—rest easy.

Be courageous as you await My Advent—relax.

My kingdom will come—tell everyone who will listen the Good News.

My will shall be done on earth, as in heaven—give others a preview.

It is time to allow My control.

Do what comes naturally, act like the Devil—and you will self-destruct.

Do what comes supernaturally, act like Jesus—and find great joy.

Search for My help, and I will deliver you from the evil one.

Stay near My heart, and I will develop your character for eternity.

You do not have much time—prepare for your appointment with Me.

Yield to My mastery, and do not be embarrassed when time is over.

Gentle Whispers from Eternity

(Book available on Amazon.com)

Dead-end Trail

Posted by Johnny R. Almond on June 19, 2023 at 11:28

The wages of sin is death,

but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 6:23 NLT

When you’re dead to sin, you can be devoted to the Savior.

Identified with Christ’s death through baptism, you have died to sin—

a corpse does not sin, so consider yourself unresponsive to evil.

As Christ was resurrected from the dead by My glorious power,

so you are enabled by My Spirit to rise above the world’s selfishness.

Decisively treat carnal desires and devilish lures of your human nature

as if they were dead—only then can you learn how to really live.

Bury your dark lifestyle—let Me resurrect you to a light-filled world.

Crucify your rotten nature—let Me adjust attitudes in fresh directions.

You have a new focus—heaven dominates your thoughts.

When you’re delivered from addiction, sing doxologies to the Almighty.

By My power, you can be unshackled from harsh slavery to the evil one.

Captured by grace and captivated by Christ, you are indeed free.

By My omnipotence, you can be liberated from old degrading habits.

Yielded joyfully to Christ, you discover far nobler ways to live.

A non-conformist to the world, you are transformed by My Holy Spirit.

Serve Me not in boring letter of the law, but creative ways of My Spirit.

Tossing slave’s rags and donning saint’s clothes, you sport a new wardrobe—

tenderheartedness, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, and love.

When you trust Me, I do not turn you into a robot—I let you choose.

You have new freedom—deciding for My purpose is a grand lifestyle.

When you leave Satan’s dead-end trail, you can travel the King’s Highway.

Live only for self-gratification and you will ruin your life and wind up dead.

Live for My honor and you will ultimately reach My home and see My smile.

It is impossible to remain neutral; here is the choice you must make—

surrender to My mastery and be blessed, or yield to sin and be cursed.

Those rejecting Me have hell to pay; those trusting Me have heaven to enjoy.

Hell and heaven are eternal opposites—

painful darkness or perpetual light, cold hate or heart-warming love,

despondent hopelessness or delightful joy, awful punishment or paradise.

Do not be duped by Satan’s temptations—his party has an eternal hangover.

Satan offers happiness but it is only transient—I am saving the best for last.

Walking in My steps is not easy, but the destination will thrill you forever.

You have a new future—a perspective helping you march forward in hope.

GUEST POST ~ Fostering Spiritual Transformation

Posted by Reimagine Curator on June 15, 2023 at 14:31

GUEST POST ~ Fostering Spiritual Transformation

Are you seeing transformation?

New blog post from Bob Logan

The gospel itself–Jesus’ death and resurrection–is an overwhelmingly powerful story of transformation. When all hope seems lost, we see light. Something difficult becomes something beautiful. The Red Sea rolls back to reveal dry land. The new heavens and the new earth arise from the ashes of the old. That’s the story of the gospel. As a senior pastor, where are you currently seeing that kind of change? Even the kernels of such change can provide much-needed hope for your people.

If you yourself have been transformed by the grace of God, you can then go on to help others experience that same powerful change. Our God is a God who loves us too much to let us remain as we are. He has so much for us to learn, grow, experience, and do. Senior pastors are uniquely positioned to lead and guide others toward the joy and challenge that is spiritual transformation.

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Fostering Spiritual Transformation

For the purpose of the Senior Pastor Profile, Fostering Spiritual Transformation means engaging and equipping others to deepen their walk with Jesus.

Jesus promises significant transformation to those who place their trust in him:

Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life. John 5:24

The very rite of baptism at conversion provides an image of cleansing, renewal, and rebirth, as it symbolizes crossing over from death to life. John the Baptist clarified: “I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire” (Matthew 3:11). That is the power source of the change: God himself. If we are in him, we become a new creation. As the Apostle Paul wrote, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

The Christian faith is a continual retelling of a story of transformation, restoration, and new creation. “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2)

One important element to remember is that we, as mere humans, cannot generate spiritual formation in others. We cannot make it happen. Only God has the power to bring about spiritual transformation. We, however, can engage in behaviors that foster and promote it in others.

7 Habits that Demonstrate Fostering Spiritual Transformation

What does it look like for someone to foster spiritual transformation? Although it’s a bit different for everyone, here are some of the features held in common:

1. Cultivates prayer, worship, and listening to the Holy Spirit

If a senior pastor does not set an example of cultivating prayer and worship and listening to the Holy Spirit, how will the congregation learn? They need to see this example set and modeled and prioritized for all. That is how they will know what the church is called to be and do.

2. Creates relational environments for life change

Within every large group, smaller pockets of community need to be available for real-life interpersonal change. People need those close relationships to grow and change, sometimes fail, and then get back on their feet. Without it, each person will be ultimately alone and likely pretending to be somewhere they aren’t. How much better to be in an honest relational environment?

3. Delivers transformational messages

Transformation is difficult. That’s why we all need reminding… regular reminding. Preach about the coming Kingdom, the new heaven and the new earth, the small glimpses and tastes of that we experience here and now, and how we can move toward all that God has for us. Without a message of hope for change, the people wander and ultimately perish.

4. Helps people apply biblical principles in contemporary contexts

The Bible was written a long time ago, and not everyone has been to seminary and able to interpret all of the context. Yet everyone who believes does have the Holy Spirit within them to help them understand the word of God. As a senior pastor, provide guardrails and guidance for how to apply the Bible and its principles to everyday life. Point them to the essentials and how to live those out. Without that, people tend to become focused on the non-essentials and the divisive.

5. Shares personal experiences of spiritual growth

If the senior pastor isn’t growing, others won’t either. And if the senior pastor isn’t sharing about that growth–including the times when he or she doesn’t look perfect–others won’t open up either. If we are to be humans on a journey of growth where the path isn’t always straight, we need to hear the stories of others who have gone before us… and that includes from our senior leaders.

6. Facilitates growth that includes both inward and outward components

The transformative growth that we model isn’t just words and it isn’t just behaviors–it’s an entire holistic experience of change. Transformation includes emotions, ideas, joy, memories, actions, words, and initiatives that reach out into the world. It starts on the inside, but if it’s real, it works its way outward to ways the whole world can see.

7. Inspires people to godly action

We can help people not only learn the scriptures, but live them out in ways that promote godly action and real world impact. Setting the tone for change—and indeed, the expectation of change—is one of the essential elements of a senior pastor’s role. This is a faith based in resurrection, new life, and the world to come… and we all have a part to play in that coming Kingdom.

How well are you fostering spiritual transformation?

If you would like to assess yourself in this area, take some time to reflect on the following questions. Write out your answers for more complete processing, or talk them through with someone if you’re more of a verbal processor.

How have you facilitated prayer, worship, and listening to the Holy Spirit in your community?
What relational environments for life change have you created?
To what degree does your preaching result in transformation?
How do you help people apply biblical principles in their contemporary contexts?
When have you shared personal experiences of spiritual growth?
How have you facilitated spiritual growth that includes both inward and outward components?
How have you inspired people to godly action?

Fostering Spiritual transformation is 1 of 12 qualities that have been proven to be essential to successful and healthy senior church leadership. To learn more, read The BEST qualities in a Senior Pastor. Next week, look out for another crucial quality for senior pastors.

RESOURCES:

Feeling the weight of fostering transformation on your own? Grab a few good folks and get them on board by walking with them through The Guide for Discipling‘s series on Community Transformation. Outward focus tends to start a softening work in people’s hearts. Once you see that work begin move on to the series on Personal Transformation. Bringing others on the journey will lessen your load and expand your influence. The studies have been adapted for the Vineyard, Lutheran, and Episcopalian denominations. You can find the full set of guides HERE.

Christian Coaching Essentials

Developing people to be all that God created them to be is the heart behind empowering spiritual transformation. Learning simple coaching techniques raising your ability to that exponentially. Christian Coaching Essentials is a brand new book that teaches you all you need to know to implement effective coaching.

Experiencing excellent coaching is a catalyst to coaching with excellence. Dr. Bob Logan and Dr. Gary Reinecke are taking a small group of leaders through coach training beginning April 20th, 2023! Get details at Christian Coaching Tools. Register today and pay in full by April 1, 2023 and get $500 off your Cohort Tuition!

Photo by Cyrus Crossan on Unsplash

The post Are you seeing transformation? appeared first on Logan Leadership.

Deep Treasures

Posted by Johnny R. Almond on June 13, 2023 at 10:50

We know how dearly God loves us,

because he has given us the Holy Spirit

to fill our hearts with his love.

Romans 5:5 NLT

Faith is the key to heaven’s infinite resources—

unlocking a treasure chest enriching the depths of your innermost being.

Kneeling in repentance and trust, you enter a place of highest privilege—

ruled by the King of kings, loved and cared for as the apple of God’s eye,

inseparably united to the Sovereign of the universe.

Explore these deep treasures I have placed in your heart—and celebrate.

Hope in My promises is a powerful antidote to the poison of despair.

Looking around can be discouraging, but looking forward lifts your spirit.

Rest assured I will keep My Word—the future is as bright as My promises.

Listen to My future melody—cheerfully laugh in anticipation of heaven.

In the meantime, until glory materializes—dance to My jig of joy.

The Bright Morning Star shines in your heart—live confidently.

Joy in problems is a precious alleviation for the pain of despondency.

Adversity University teaches valuable lessons you’d never learn otherwise.

Hang in there—character-building experiences draw you nearer Me.

My Spirit cascades through your personality bringing out-of-this-world joy.

I intend to finish what I started in your life—enjoy the divine process.

The Mighty God energizes your heart—live delightfully

Peace in perplexity is a practical answer to the puzzle of distress.

Pressure will not crush you; perplexity will not make you give up and quit;

getting knocked down will not stop your forward progress,

if you use My recipe for peace—pray about all; thank Me for answers;

in response I will guard your mind and heart by thoughts of My Son.

When perplexing cares crowd your inmost self, I am near to cheer your soul.

The Prince of Peace reigns in your heart—live calmly.

Love in My Presence is priceless assurance in the pressures of doubt.

I have marked you as belonging to Me by placing My Spirit in your heart.

Adam’s family line brings death, but Christ’s family line brings life.

Celebrate your identity, call Me Father, and count on your Greatest Friend.

The name of the eternal city is The Lord Is There—that is why it is heaven.

The Everlasting Father lives in your heart—live optimistically.

Gentle Whispers from Eternity

A Promise to Remember

Posted by Johnny R. Almond on May 30, 2023 at 11:07

Remember, I am with you always, even to the end of the world.

Matthew 28:20 NTME

I was with you yesterday—

In your naiveté, I guided you perfectly.

In your sincerity, I blessed you abundantly.

In your trouble, I sustained you gracefully.

In your rebellion, I convicted you mercifully.

In your doubts, I reassured you tenderly.

In your sickness, I healed you miraculously.

In your worry, I watched over you closely.

I am with you today—

In your sin, I forgive you compassionately.

In your discouragement, I buoy you helpfully.

In your sadness, I cheer you nearly.

In your responsibilities, I empower you supernaturally.

In your frustrations, I calm you peacefully.

In your loneliness, I accompany you lovingly.

I will always be there for you—

When the night depresses, I will be your Bright Morning Star.

When the morning dawns, I will still be with you—faithful as sunrise.

I will never leave you on your own, to your own devices.

I rose from the dead—I can help you with your big and little problems.

I triumphed over the tomb—I can give you victory over bad habits.

Every heartbeat, breath, step, hour, day, season—I will stand by you.

Until the end of the present earth—and beyond—I am by your side.

I am your Travel Guide—follow My directions carefully.

I am your Greatest Friend—enjoy the pleasure of My company.

No force can ever cancel My love for you—I guarantee it.

In sunshine and shadow, pain and pleasure, doubt and confidence,

you can be absolutely sure I am there for you—I promise.

Day 312, Gentle Whispers from Eternity

Meaning in the Madness

Posted by Johnny R. Almond on May 8, 2023 at 12:39

Through thick and thin, keep your hearts at attention, in adoration before Christ, your Master.

Be ready to speak up and tell anyone who asks why you’re living the way you are.

1 Peter 3:15 THE MESSAGE

In a superficial world, heart-beauty is the meaning of character.

The madness of appearance is more concerned with looks than real life.

Ego can be senseless.

Practice the regimen of grace and be changed from the inside out.

Value character above cosmetics—beauty is more than skin-deep.

Be gentle and quiet—qualities I find more attractive than gold.

Trust Me at all times—faith is lovelier than any face-lift.

In a selfish world, helpfulness is the meaning of compassion.

The madness of apathy enthrones self and leaves no room for others.

Egotism is stupid.

Travel the boulevard of blessing.

Seek unity and enjoy peace.

Be courteous and increase your influence.

Be kind to your enemies and demonstrate maturity I am looking for.

In a sinful world, holiness is the meaning of Christlikeness.

The madness of arrogance is self-centered and off-centered.

Egocentricity is sinful.

Make a conscious effort to live a holy lifestyle.

Run for all you are worth from anything that stimulates evil desires.

Concentrate on anything that encourages you to do right.

Focus on faith, love and peace—avoid worry, hatred and discord.

In a scared world, hallelujah is the meaning of calm.

The madness of alarm is beside itself over personal safety.

Egomania is scared.

Discover the secret of My peace.

Stay composed in the eye of the storm—unafraid of circumstances.

Remain tranquil in chaos—unintimidated by terrorists.

Trust Me in trouble—unruffled by adversity.

In a skeptical world, hope is the meaning of confidence.

The madness of atheism results in complete despair.

Ego trips are one-way, dead-end roads to hell.

Avoid becoming a road worrier.

I will have the last word—what I say goes.

I will win the last war—what I do counts.

I will have your lasting worship—who I am endures.

I am your Meaning in the madness—seek My wisdom for each day.

Gentle Whispers from Eternity

Time Traveler

Posted by Johnny R. Almond on May 1, 2023 at 12:26

My times are in your hands.

Psalm 31:15 NIV

I am the Timeless God—holiness to cancel yesterday’s sins.

My grace transforms your down-on-yourself guilt into upbeat gladness.

I have not rejected you—I have given you Christ’s righteousness.

You are a sinner by nature—you do not deserve or merit My love.

My Son is perfect—He did not deserve what happened to Him at Calvary.

Like Barabbas, it should have been you; instead, you are free.

I am your forgiveness.

I am the Enough God—Hiding Place to calm today’s sorrows.

I shelter you from accusing tongues, sustain you through distress,

and save you from the addictive power of sin.

I am your Time-out from the rat race and Anchor on high seas.

When your daily schedule gets crazy and hectic, take a deep breath—

breathe out worry about possibilities, breathe in worship;

breathe out fear of contingencies; breathe in faith in My power.

I am your Fortress.

I am the Unchanging God—hope to celebrate tomorrow’s surprises.

In all the universe, I alone will always be who I have always been.

I made promises I intend to keep—My faithfulness will not fail.

Anticipate the ultimate fulfillment of My perfect plan—

believe the overcast unknown will brighten in My time.

Whatever change comes your way, rest assured I will keep My word.

For the time being, rely on Me to lead you in honorable paths,

rescue you from the evil one’s malicious strategies,

and reinforce you to bravely move ahead.

In your darkest times, keep believing in Light beyond light—

follow your Guide across the fearful ravine to Tranquility Meadow.

I am your future.

Count on My unchanging love to absolve your embarrassing past,

accompany you on your present journey, and guarantee your heavenly home. Place yesterday, today and tomorrow in My hands—

then you can enjoy the time of your life!

The Perfect Tour Guide

Posted by Johnny R. Almond on April 24, 2023 at 12:13

The Lord is my shepherd; I have everything I need. Psalm 23:1

I lovingly embrace you and faithfully carry you close to My heart. What difference does it really make? All the difference in the world! When you follow Me as your Shepherd, l take good care of you.

Hungry? I alone can satisfy your heart’s deepest hunger. Like a sheep after a satisfying meal, you lie down in a green meadow to take a nap—content.

Falling apart under stress? Take My hand—I will lead you by peaceful streams where you will not be frightened and you can enjoy My poise.

Tottering? Look to Me and find strength for life’s challenges—soar higher than mediocrity, run faster than temptation, and walk farther than lethargy. Find renewed energy in the pleasure of My company.

Yearning to be holy? My paths are right and honorable—walk on them and grow in My likeness.

Troubled at the thought of dying? Do not fear—I am with you. I will protect and comfort you as you cross the dark valley to the city of light.

Encircled by foes? Take a seat at My table—enjoy a meal with Me.

Hurting? Divine hospitality cures your headache and heartache.

Unhappy? Look around—then look up and thank Me for the overflowing blessings in your life. I do not just hang one star in the sky—I spangle your nights with countless awesome constellations. I do not plant only a single flower for your viewing enjoyment—I arrange whole fields. I do more than toss an occasional blessing—blessings cascade from My heart to yours day after day.

Feeling unloved in an uncaring world? Nestle near My heart, and My goodness and unfailing love will warm yours. It can be a cold, cruel world—as I learned firsthand when I visited your tilted planet—but I am the heartwarming God.

Longing for permanence? Heaven on earth will bring you an unchanging address. Better than hope-so, maybe-so, guess-so talk—know-so confidence faces forever with unflinching faith in your Shepherd. I am your Center of Gravity—everything you need in time and in eternity. Follow Me—I will get you home.

(c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond Day 200, Gentle Whispers from Eternity

Rest Assured

Posted by Johnny R. Almond on April 17, 2023 at 12:00

Were not our hearts greatly moved and burning within us while He was talking with us on the road

as He opened and explained to us the sense of the Scriptures?

Luke 24:32 THE AMPLIFIED BIBLE

Saddened by emptiness?

Obey Me, and I will make Myself real to you.

Trade a long face for a smile—be a good advertisement for the gospel.

I am your Source of Music—sing out for the entire world to hear.

Entombed by loneliness?

You are never alone—I walk alongside you on every road you travel.

When perplexing cares crowd your heart, I console and cheer you.

I am your Greatest Friend—you have not lost Me, so dance for joy.

Afraid of death?

Hear My reassuring voice and overcome Satan-coaxed anxiety.

Death Valley terror disappears as you realize shadows mean Light.

I am your Life—I will defeat all enemies, so count on ultimate victory.

Losing hope?

Open the eyes of your heart and envision My promised bright future.

Wait patiently for My new world to materialize—be brave-hearted.

I am your Center of Gravity—hide in Me and unflinchingly trust.

Perplexed by despair?

Guilt, death, hopelessness, angst, and gloom burden your heart.

Grace, vitality, hope, faith, mercy, and freedom bless your heart.

I am your Redeemer—hang on for dear life—all is well.

Walk life’s road with Me—and I will change dejection to delight,

skepticism to optimism, despair to hope, restlessness to tranquility,

depression to ecstasy, self-pity to praise, and doubt to worship.

I am your God—rest assured.

Day 319, Gentle Whispers from Eternity

GUEST-POST: Dying Churches Successfully Revitalized

Posted by Reimagine Curator on April 15, 2023 at 16:51

GUEST-POST: Dying Churches Successfully Revitalized

Small churches are using strategies to alter their mission and successfully relaunch.

Kim Roberts April 11, 2023 * MinistryWatch

More Protestant church congregations close than open in a year in America. According to Lifeway Research, in 2019, 4,500 churches closed their doors while only 3,000 new churches were started.

Photo by Carolina Jacomin / Unsplash / Creative Commons

As they face closure, some churches are turning to a strategy found in the 2018 book, “Dying to Restart” by Greg Wiens and Dan Turner, not just to survive, but thrive.

The West Side Church of God in Wichita, Kansas, decided to adopt the strategies in the book.

On March 12, the congregation gathered for its final service. Its attendance had dropped to only 45 people, about one-third the number it had in the early 2000s when Pastor Forest Cornwell arrived.

According to the Faith Communities Today study in 2020, half of all churches in the country have less than 65 people worshiping in services each week.

Cornwell recognized that West Side Church of God was facing closure. “If we keep going like we’re going as a church, we are going to die,” Cornwell told The Wichita Eagle. “That might drag out five or 10 years, but we’re not accomplishing anything the way we are going now.”

Instead, the church’s board relinquished control and will be replaced by pastors and leaders of other churches that are growing. They have agreed to sit on West Side’s board for two to three years and help them succeed in relaunching.

West Side will close for several months and then re-open with a new name and an operational makeover. During those months, the members will attend weekly workshops to learn about changes that need to be made. The church building will be fixed up, painted, and new sound equipment installed.

Church member and music director Tracie Nice has been at West Side for 55 years. She supports the relaunch. “We’re excited, but I’d be lying if I didn’t say it will be real, real difficult too,” she said. “We know in our hearts it’s the right thing.”

Eleven other churches have followed the relaunch advice in “Dying to Restart.” Co-author Dan Turner said they’ve been successful with an average growth of about 3 ½ times what it was prior to closing.

In 2004, Turner himself was a pastor who led a small church of only 32 in Washington, D.C. After a year of doing everything he knew to grow the church, nothing changed.

Turner followed advice he learned online from another pastor, and the church relaunched in 2006 as Northwest Community Church. A larger church agreed to help finance outreach efforts, like sending postcards about the relaunch to the community.

In Turner’s opinion, the relaunch effort was successful. Each year the church has grown steadily to a present membership of over 200.

Heritage Free Will Baptist Church in Fredericksburg, Virginia, had dwindled to an attendance of only 15 members before deciding to relaunch according to the Dying to Restart principles.

Its pastor, Chris Davenport, thought the church had lost its focus. It had a rigid dress code and didn’t care about spiritually lost people, he said.

It sold its building and relaunched in an elementary school in March 2020 as Bridge Church. It has seen an increase in attendance to 175.

Davenport credits Dying to Restart with helping refocus the church on its mission: “[T]his is God’s church, and we need to do whatever we can to get people to know Jesus.”

Turner agrees with Davenport. He believes churches often die because they become insular and lose focus on the greater mission of sharing the Gospel and discipling people.

He doesn’t believe small churches need to grow into large churches in order to survive, adding that relaunch efforts will not look the same for every church.

Turner’s usual consultation fee for helping churches relaunch is $2,200. However, he said he waives the fee for churches who can’t afford it.

The Southern Baptist Convention is also supporting church replants through its North American Mission Board. In 2020, NAMB helped fund 50 replants.

LA City Baptist Church was a successful replant. The small historic Hispanic congregation had dwindled to 12 when Pastor Min Lee arrived in 2018. In 2022, it had grown to about 50.

Lee said replanting is slow and steady work that begins with building trust with older congregation members and moves to changing the church’s approach to ministry.

If not handled correctly, the replanting process can have perils.

In 2020, older church members at Vineyard United Methodist Church felt discarded when their church was restarted.

Mark Hallock, author of “Replant Roadmap” encourages pastors to gain support from existing church members.

“This is not a takeover situation,” he said. “This is a situation where we’re coming in and loving those who are there and inviting them to be part of something together that God could do moving forward.”

NOTE: More thoughtful content on this site on church revitalization >>>

Kim Roberts

Kim Roberts is a freelance writer who holds a Juris Doctorate from Baylor University. She has home schooled her three children and is happily married to her husband of 25 years. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, gardening, and coaching high school extemporaneous speaking and debate.

Will God Love Us if We Love Our Neighbor?

The One-Word Gospel

GUEST POST ~ How Should We Think About Record Numbers of Churches Closing?

We need the power of the Resurrection to raise us up from the death that we are encountering today.

Fostering Spiritual Transformation

7 Habits that Demonstrate Fostering Spiritual Transformation

1. Cultivates prayer, worship, and listening to the Holy Spirit

2. Creates relational environments for life change

3. Delivers transformational messages

4. Helps people apply biblical principles in contemporary contexts

5. Shares personal experiences of spiritual growth

6. Facilitates growth that includes both inward and outward components

7. Inspires people to godly action

How well are you fostering spiritual transformation?

RESOURCES:

Christian Coaching Essentials

GUEST-POST: Dying Churches Successfully Revitalized

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