First Church of Christ

Why we will no longer be a welcoming church

We’ve decided to quit being a welcoming church. No kidding. We’re giving it up. Like so many congregations, we’ve sunk an amazing amount of time and energy into becoming a welcoming church. We changed worship styles, trained greeters and ushers, wore name tags, brewed coffee, went to workshops on hospitality and put our friendliest people …

What does Jesus think about Homosexuality?

Is homosexuality a sin? It’s an age-old question, and there are people on both sides of the debate, each quoting their Bibles. How do we know who’s right? What would Jesus do if he were…

Shut down the bus tours: What older church members should really be doing

So how do you engage older church attendees… say people over age 50? The question’s been around a long time. And, as most church leaders could tell you, it’s a bit of a loaded question. It’s also a question I’m...Read More→

10 Things I Have Learned Leading Church Change

I left the church planting world to help revitalize and grow an established church. It’s proven to be challenging – maybe slightly more than I thought it would be<br>But, God has allowed us to experience incredible energy and excitement. I am not big on sharing numbers in this format, but let me simply say – God is working. Amazingly working. The potential in the days ahead is astounding to me.<br>Needless to say, there has been a lot of change since I…

I’m Unemployed. Should I Still Tithe?

I grew up in the Church, and I have always been taught the principle of tithing. For years, I’ve faithfully given 10 percent of my income to church, but I

If God is Sovereign, Why Pray?

Prayer and evangelism are both part of God's plan.

Why Does God Want Me to Pray?

Prayer is a wild concept. Prayer is supernatural. Sometimes, it's even dangerous. But, I think we’ve so domesticated prayer that we’ve lost sight of its power.

The God Squad: Why do we pray?

People who are religious pray for the same reason that we breathe. It is a natural and...

When Pastors and Churches Pray, God Moves

If you're a pastor, you should certainly be striving for greater excellence as a communicator, as a leader, and as an organizer. You need a vision. You nee

Being Church: Reflections on How to Live as the People of God

What modern church doesn’t call itself a “community”? Yet for how many is it real? How many churches form disciples intimately connected enough to call themselves Christ’s “body”? How many churches form disciples who know the relational arts that create a robust unity? How many form disciples practiced in the ways of sacrificial love?

How to Pray When It's Hard to Hear God

I call on you, my God, for you will answer me; turn your ear to me and hear my prayer. Psalm 17:6 (NIV) The question popped out of the blue as I tucked ten-year-old Josh in bed. It’s funny how creative conversations somehow happen at lights-out. “How do you hear God talk to you?” Josh asked as I scrambled for a simple answer. “What does His voice actually sound like? How do you know whether it’s your imagination or God?” I detected a…

Why You Should Pray for 'God Winks'

7 Ways to Question God When You Pray

Is God Really Good?

I once overheard a conversation between two moms in a church parking lot. One asked the other about her son who had been seriously ill. The mother of the boy r

The Church: A Dwelling Place for God

If you’ve ever traveled crossculturally, you likely know what it’s like to feel displaced—to not speak the language, to be confused by the cultural norms.

How Do You Prepare to Pray? [Finding God Through Meditation]

What does Peter of Alcántara have to say how you should prepare to pray? Find out in today’s excerpt and reflection from Finding God Through Meditation. Of the Preparation Necessary to Prayer It will not be beside our purpose to handle all these parts severally; we will, therefore, first begin with preparation, which we did put first. …

4 Psalms to Pray When You Need God's Help

When we don't know what to pray, we can pray God's Word back to Him. Use these 4 Psalms to Pray God's Word back to Him.