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Preaching Al Downey Preaching Al Downey

Avoiding the Perils of the Pulpit

Is the pulpit a platform for personal opinions, politics, or emotional venting? This article explores the sacred responsibility of preaching, highlighting the common pitfalls that can compromise the integrity and impact of delivering God's Word.

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Volunteers Bob Jones Volunteers Bob Jones

Three Ideas to Build Relationships & Recruit Volunteers

Some churches have a waiting list of volunteers. What makes the difference? The need for volunteers never goes away in a church, nor does the lament over a lack of volunteers. But you can turn lament into laughter. Long-game volunteer recruiting builds relationships, shapes volunteer culture and thinks in terms of years.

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Leadership Jeremiah Raible Leadership Jeremiah Raible

5 Things We Learned at Ministers Gathering 2025

Did you go to Ministers Gathering 2025? Ministry leaders from across Alberta and the Northwest Territories came together in beautiful Banff, AB, from February 10-13, 2025, for a time of equipping, inspiration, connection, and spiritual refreshment. The theme, Leading from Your Life Message, encouraged us to reflect deeply on our spiritual, emotional, and mental well-being.

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Pastoral Care Al Downey Pastoral Care Al Downey

A Long Way Yet to Go

Severe emotional collapse was not supposed to happen, yet it did. We have come a long way in our understanding and empathy for those suffering from mental and emotional illness. Every step forward provides further relief from the stigma and shame historically associated with these conditions.

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Leadership Jeremiah Raible Leadership Jeremiah Raible

Building a Ministry That Lasts

How can we build a lasting ministry? We need to picture our ministry as a relay race in which we pass the baton to the next person. We can prepare now to hand that baton off well so that the next person will pick up and keep going strong.

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Small Groups Bob Jones Small Groups Bob Jones

You’ll Get Through This

What would be a practical small group study that would connect with people unfamiliar with the Bible? Are you planning on doing a small group study, a message series, or both this coming year? Consider You’ll Get Through This as your choice. The study will bring life to your congregation. They will have extra reason to invite unchurched friends and family to attend church. You will find that the content will enrich your soul.

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Preaching John Albiston Preaching John Albiston

4 Steps to Preach for Transformation

Have you ever felt like you’re just talking at people, week after week, without seeing much change? Preaching for transformation doesn’t happen overnight; it doesn’t come from just tweaking a few things here and there. It takes intentionality and commitment to see your preaching lead to changed lives. Here’s a roadmap to help you embrace this challenge.

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Pastoral Care Al Downey Pastoral Care Al Downey

Creating David

How does God transform lives into reflections of His divine purpose? When the master artist Michelangelo came across a castaway slab of carara-white Italian marble, he didn’t see useless rock; he saw “David.”

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Leadership Gary Taitinger Leadership Gary Taitinger

Leading From a Life Message

"This faith thing really works for you, doesn't it?" Gordon had watched my marriage, values, and life direction, which prompted his question. It wouldn't be inaccurate to say that everything that is currently priceless in my seventy-plus years has been touched by the spiritual rapport, spiritual wisdom, and spiritual conscience that resulted from the conversion of an eleven-year-old.

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Christmas Charity Mongrain Christmas Charity Mongrain

From Grinchy to Grateful

What does Christmas mean for people who are alone? Christmas decorating reminds me that each person in the biblical account of the Christmas story was invited in. An angel came and declared “Good News,” and they were invited to respond. I get to respond, too.

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Outreach Connie Jakab Outreach Connie Jakab

Transforming Communities Through Connection: A Kingdom Approach

How can our church move beyond programs and door hangers and create a true impact in the lives of others? Our goal is not just community development—it’s building trust and relationships that pave the way for kingdom expansion. Natural bridges for connection emerge as we focus on others' concerns and create opportunities around those needs.

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Succession Bob Jones Succession Bob Jones

Succession Planning In A Local Church

Can succession planning be an option for a church board looking at the future of their church? Your pastor is happily serving your church. And the church is happy to have their pastor. In fact, the church couldn’t be in a better season. With everything so good, now is the best time to shape your church culture so that your pastor’s eventual succession will be as seamless as possible.

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Succession Bob Jones Succession Bob Jones

Pastoral Succession in a Solo Pastor Church

What is pastoral succession, and how could I plan one for our church? Pastoral transition is the most critical moment in the life of a congregation. Every church is unique. There is no one-size-fits-all for a succession plan, especially in a solo pastor church. Working with a church coach will help craft your plan.

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