 |
Innovative leaders know that God is the same yesterday, today and forever, and that his principles for generosity and stewardship are unchanging as well. But they also know that difficult times create an entirely new environment for ministry. The financial hardship that can strike--sometimes without warning--is only part of the problem people and communities face. Other ripple effects can be just as devastating. On a personal level, financial stress can lead to broken marriages, fear, feelings of isolation or depression and doubts about God. And communities face increased crime and strained social service resources.
More and more churches, however, are working to build a culture of generosity that shines through these gloomy economic times.
The Journey, St. Louis, MO (http://journeyon.net), is one such church. Lead Pastor Darrin Patrick has built the Journey around a simple principle: "Church is not something we 'do.' Church is something we are." That vision shapes a perspective on generosity that is both liberating and challenging. Campus Pastor Adam Dressler says it. . . |
|
 |
|
African Americans Most Religious |
A recent study conducted by Barna Research found that among whites, African Americans, Hispanics and Asians, African Americans are the most likely to engage weekly in church services, small groups, Sunday school, praying, and reading the Bible. They are also the most likely to have made a personal commitment to Christ that is still important in their life and to have an active faith. . .
Majority of Americans Marry Just Once |
Most Americans marry just once, according to new Census data. The survey of 3 million households shows 76% of those who have ever been married have married only once. The Census also reported that the average U.S. marriage lasts 18.2 years.
Belief in Heaven More Common than Belief in Hell |
According to a recent survey from the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life only 59% of Americans believe in hell, while 74% believe in heaven. The U.S. Religious Landscape Survey also shows that more than half of Americans say religion is very important in their lives, attend religious services regularly and pray daily. The survey confirms the close link between Americans' religious affiliation, beliefs and practices, on the one hand, and their social and political attitudes, on the other, addressing topics such as environmental protection, foreign affairs, and the proper size and role of government.
|
|
 |
 |
| The Recovery Conference 2010 |
The ministry of recovery is about redeeming lives. As pastors and church leaders, you are faced with people in your congregations who struggle with addictions, the pain of abuse, and the effects of wounds and losses. This is a daunting task. Because we understand this, Leadership Network and the National Association for Christian Recovery have designed Recovery Conference 2010 just for you.
Strategic Conversations about the Church from Leadership Network
Live every Tuesday at 4pm EDT
Coming up on the show:
October 27th – Noel Heikkinen
November 3rd - Brad Bell
November 17th – Greg Holder
November 24th – Bob Roberts
|
 |
 |
 |
|
|
 |
 |
|
|
 |
 |
 |
You can peruse 100+ past issues of Leadership Network Advance and get valuable information on a variety of ministry topics in our Archives. Select VIEW FULL ARCHIVES LIST to see what's there.
Here are a few topics of interest we covered recently: |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
 |
