Top Twelve Books on Cultivating Community

One of the first things I discovered in planting churches was that the most combustible element of our missional endeavor was the work of cultivating community. Here’s a promise: the romanticism around planting a church will fade the moment you have real people with real personalities attempting to love one another in real-time. The more diverse your group and context, …

Two Words Christians Use Everyday That Can Be Insulting (or completely false)

The increased impact on evangelism is the main reason why I love to see new churches started. Sometimes though, the words we use when we talk about evangelism drive me crazy. “Believer” For example, the words “believer” and “unbeliever” embarrass me. A believer is “one who believes,” — a person who has faith in something or someone. Yes, it is …

How to Be a Busy Church Planter and Still Study the Bible

I’m a stubborn fellow with a lot of books on my wish list, so I’ll often need to have a book recommended 3-4 times before I get it pushed to the top of the pile. That was the case with a book on public speaking called Resonate, by Nancy Duarte. It didn’t hurt that it was, and still is, offered …

Roots: Why Church History Matters and How You Should Implement it

Christianity is not (only) one of the great things of history; history is one of the great things of Christianity. Henri Du Lubac An Observation I enjoy reading the “Who We Are” pages of random, non-denominational church websites (such as the one I am a part of). What strikes me is the homogeneity of descriptives such as contemporary, rock, relevant, …

[Video] An Introduction Beau Crosetto's "Release the APE"

Beau loves helping people connect to and share Jesus right where they are. He is passionate about helping the church better engage Apostles, Prophets and Evangelists. This video introduces Beau and his new ebook “Release the APE.” Download it here for free!. Share on Facebook Share on Twitter

Words and Shovels: Where have all the prophets gone?

Prophets are the church’s immune system. Without prophets, we are left to the mercy of whatever sicknesses we’re exposed to from season to season. The prophet, like an oncologist, inflicts a kind of communal pain which, when received, brings healing. Their hard words bring a better world. Perhaps more than ever, prophets are in great need to revitalize the American …

Undeniable Elements of a Missional Calling

No Call – No Connection There are many good reasons we plant new churches and develop new ministry efforts, such as: To serve marginalized and under-noticed folks in our community. To catch a wave of change moving into or out of our neighborhood. To respond to new generations with new priorities and needs. To pay attention to something we haven’t …

Purple Fish – An Interview with Mark Wilson

Mark Wilson’s new book Purple Fish, written on the topic of evangelism, was just released last month. I had the chance to read it early, and here is my endorsement of the book. “Are you reluctant to share your faith? Do you lack motivation to lead people to Christ? Prescription: Read Purple Fish. Mark Wilson takes us on a fishing trip and …

Four Hints for Building a Church Plant Launch Team from Scratch

A few church plants in my region have parachuted in with teams of 20 adults. The group is formed with friends who often already know and trust one another, and are familiar with one another’s strengths, weaknesses and abilities. The same thing is often true for indigenous planters who can call on old friends to assist them with the new church …