In January we introduced a new resource to help you prepare for the time of giving and taking communion in your Hope Avenue. These are meaningful formational practices that we can plan with care and intentionality. How to Use This Resource An outline is provided for you to use as a guide, followed by a … Continue reading "Offering and Communion Starters" Read the article
What if your most powerful ministry this month was simply showing up? Place-sharing reminds us: Jesus shared our place, and we’re invited to do the same. Learn more with our Place-sharing Hack. Read the article
From skateboards to service, young hearts are captured by the joy of Jesus’ kingdom. The following article was adapted from an archived youth resource. A cartoon episode depicted a typical conversation between a father and his son: Dad says, “Bobby, I want you to go to youth group.” Bobby responds, “Dad, I don’t want to … Continue reading "Creating a Biblical Group Image" Read the article
Communion is a sacrament that takes on special meaning during Advent. By Bharat Naker, Pastor Carina and Logan, Queensland, AU At age 16, leaving my forebears’ faith, I was drawn strongly to Christ. I was especially excited about his second coming. Looking back 50 years, it certainly has been an adventure! Adventure’s etymology is rooted … Continue reading "Formation—ADVENTurous Celebrations" Read the article
Good stewardship is Kingdom Culture. By Rose Hamrick, CFO Steele Creek, North Carolina, US Effective financial stewardship is essential for the spiritual and operational success of churches. A well-planned budget not only promotes financial stability but also allows a church to fully embrace its divinely appointed mission of making disciples. Within Kingdom Culture, adhering to … Continue reading "Effective Financial Stewardship" Read the article
Multiply the joy of giving through year-end offerings. By Karl Reinagal, Pastor Ferguson, Missouri, US Since 2013, GC Ferguson in Missouri has conducted a special offering at the end of the year which longtime members look forward to with joy. Here are some of the best practices we have found useful. Set a goal: A … Continue reading "Year-end Giving" Read the article
The kingdom of God is our true treasure. By Paulina Salinas, MTC Coordinator and Pastor Bogota, Colombia The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. Matthew 13:44 NIV … Continue reading "The Parable of Hidden Treasure" Read the article
Transformational change occurs when our commitment to vision requires us to change. By Cara Garrity, Development Coordinator Lynn, Massachusetts, U.S. In case you missed it, you can read the introduction to this book club here. You can read the first session here. And you can read the second session here. Looking for more insight into integrating a … Continue reading "Centering Discipleship Book Club, Session 3" Read the article
God makes us his temple, centering all of life in Christ’s grace and presence. By Theo Okai, Ghana National Director and West Africa Regional Director Accra, Ghana Christians within our congregations in Ghana are often encouraged to be intentional in every aspect of life. Yet before we think about our own actions and intentions, we … Continue reading "Stewardship: Christ at the Center" Read the article
God entrusts us with time, talents, and treasure to steward faithfully for his kingdom. What if every person chose rebellion all the time? What sort of relationships would we have in families and communities? We would have relationships full of mistrust and self-interest. Order, joy, and peace would vanish. Yet God, in his mercy, has … Continue reading "Reflections on Whole Life Stewardship" Read the article
