Embrace Entertainment

A recent comment about a local big box church (that’s successfully reaching, baptizing, and discipling young adults): “They’ve given in to entertainment evangelism.” … as if entertainment was a four-letter, distasteful, disgusting word. If you’re going to reach young adults I’ve got three words for you: Get over it! Jesus specialized in entertainment evangelism. He […]

Is VBS in Your Future?

It seems like every church campus I pass has a banner advertising their Vacation Bible School ministry. There are some new schedules I’m seeing this year … consecutive Saturdays, Sunday mornings, and one evening each week all summer. Let me ask you a tough question: What is your goal for this year’s VBS? No, not […]

Are You Ready for the Change?

My wife works in a pagan bookstore. She’s one of two Christians who work there – everyone else is Wiccan, polytheistic, or one shade or another of neopagan. (In a related note, the vast majority of those who patronize or work at the bookstore are former Christians who have turned their backs on the church […]

From the Latest Net Results: Is Evangelism Dead?

Why evangelism isn't working

Dr. Bruce Stevens reflects on a key reason many of our evangelism efforts are ineffective … and the reasons why might surprise you. (Get the newest issue of Net Results) In the Parable of the Sower (Matt 13:1–9) Jesus observed that the ground can be rock hard. Generations of preachers have concluded that the good […]

Disciple More by Leveraging What You’re Already Doing

Leverage Your Training

Every week, thousands of pastors spend hours and hours creating a sermonic masterpiece that will be heard once by fewer than 60 people. Every week, tens of thousands of Sunday school classes will meet to educate and ostensibly disciple less than a dozen people. The same goes for Bible studies, small group studies, and so […]

Stop Sharing Your Church Newsletter with Visitors – and Other Follow-Up Gaffes

Visitor Follow-Up Gaffes

I had a rare Sunday off a couple weeks ago and decided to drop by a local church that I’d never visited. I’d discovered the church on my annual Christmas Light Tour (where I drive aimlessly through random neighborhoods looking for great light displays) and I discovered this church tucked deep inside a neighborhood I’d never driven […]