It is estimated that only 3% of US churches are growing through evangelism. The majority of churches that are growing are doing so through the migration of Believers from one congregation to another. One of the most glaring reasons for the lack of evangelistic growth is that there are precious few evangelists that are properly recognized and functioning in the leadership of most churches. The evangelist is gifted by God to do several things: To preach the Gospel to Unbelievers, To equip Believers to do the same, and at the same time, To lead the community of faith to ….
Following is a blog Ps. Rice Broocks wrote for Ed Stetzer’s Blog about the relationship between the Evangelist and the Missional Church. The ministry gift of the Evangelist is given by the Holy Spirit to women and men to preach the gospel to unbelievers and to equip other believers to do the same, while leading the entire community of faith (to which they are connected) to expand their borders as well as plant new churches.” Ephesians 4:11 says He gave “some as evangelists.” In my research, that number is around 1% of those in a congregation. ….
Do you take notes when you hear a sermon preached? Last Sunday I preached three services at Every Nation Church in Singapore. My text was John 19:28-30. “The Unknown Poet” was in the first service. You might enjoy reading his notes from my sermon. His notes were better than mine. Here they are. ———————– The sermon was delivered by Steve Murrell A three word summary of the Bible he did tell Only fourteen minutes would he need From John 19 : 28-30 he did read All humanity deals with guilt and shame, Steve did say ….
By Steve Murrell As I type these words on my iPad, I am 35,000 feet in the air somewhere between Nashville and Detroit, heading to Manila, reading Acts and thinking about church growth. Too many of us (pastors & church planters) find our value in how many people show up at church functions. The more time I spend in the West, the more I have to shake off that sad obsession with size and remind myself that I am called to make disciples, not to build churches. Jesus said he would build his church – ….
by LA Mumar What do you see? Jesus was strolling on the beach when he saw someone that people usually ignored – Levi, the tax collector. (Mark 2:13-17) A little context here for you to appreciate this picture… Society saw tax collectors as traitors (they worked for the Romans), dirty and dishonest (they weren’t allowed to testify in court). They were despised and looked down on by society. Yet, Jesus called one of them! Here is a contrast between how people and Jesus saw Levi. People saw Levi as a problem … Jesus saw his ….
By Rice BroocksI’ve been deeply challenged by the tireless efforts of the men and women that advance the cause of the “new atheism” into the empty hearts of postmodern westerners.Nature abhors a vacuum so in the absence of faith, unbelief or atheism becomes the anti-cause. The mission of these atheist crusaders is to rid the world (especially the young) of religious faith and “superstition.” They carry their message with zeal and with the confrontational style that rivals any fundamentalist preacher. In short, they seek converts – people who will “repent” of religion and follow the secular path ….
By Steve Murrell I write a column for Evangelicals Today magazine. My assigned topic this month is “Pastor Appreciation.” Here’s what I submitted to my editor. ——————– Even though lots of people call me “Pastor Steve” I don’t think I’m really a pastor. I do not have the title “pastor” on my business card, and every time I take one of those spiritual gift surveys I score almost zero on the pastor part. So, I guess it is only natural that none of the “pastors” who have been major contributors to my spiritual development are ….
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