The Christmas season is a wonderful time to invite neighbors to church. We can hold a genuinely worshipful Christmas Eve or Day service without assuming that everyone present already knows how Christian worship works. The goal is not to make the service less Christian for neighbors; it is to make the meaning of what we … Continue reading "Sample Community Christmas Service" Read the article
Worship planning creates opportunities for the congregation to participate in the story of Jesus. This Church Hack helps Hope Avenue teams connect Scripture, worship, and ministry throughout each season. Explore it with your team as you prepare for the season ahead.See the full Church Hack here. Read the article
Christ transforms us within a mission God has already secured. Kingdom citizens live with hopeful expectancy that they are being transformed into the image of Christ by the Spirit. Below are some key ideas for your leadership to discuss. They are summarized from Dr. Walter Kim’s interview, Part 4. Listen to the full GC Podcast here. … Continue reading "Transformational Kingdom Living" Read the article
How will your congregation observe the season of Advent this year? Advent begins next month on Sunday, November 29. Start planning now to help your faith community enter this season with anticipation, reflection, and a deeper focus on Christ. Read the full guide for congregational ideas for spiritual formation. Read the article
Meaningful partnerships begin by sharing life with our neighbors. This Church Hack explores how partnering around shared values can strengthen missional presence and Love Avenue ministry. Prayerfully consider who your church could partner with. Read the full Church Hack. Read the article
Gospel proclamation belongs within the larger mission. Mission encompasses everything God is doing in creation. God is sustaining the world, caring for humanity, restoring relationships, blessing communities, and ultimately renewing all things. Mission becomes less intimidating when it is understood as the natural overflow of Christian life: loving neighbors, bearing the fruit of the Spirit, … Continue reading "Missional Kingdom Living" Read the article
Every neighborhood has a story worth discovering. This Church Hack introduces neighborhood mapping as a tool for discerning where God is already at work and how your congregation can participate. Begin by learning from your neighbors before planning for them. See the full Church Hack here. Read the article
Kingdom Culture involves keeping discipleship at the forefront. Below are some key ideas for your leadership to discuss. They are summarized from Dr. Walter Kim’s interview, Part 2. Listen to the full GC Podcast here. Ministry begins with Jesus, not us. We participate in something much larger than our own congregation, ministry, or denomination. God is … Continue reading "Participatory Kingdom Living" Read the article
Come and see is an invitation made visible. By Joel Alemán, Assistant Pastor Tegucigalpa, Honduras In the Gospel of John, Philip responds to Nathanael’s hesitation with a simple phrase: “Come and see” (John 1:46). He does not try to answer every question or persuade him with a lengthy argument. He simply invites Nathanael to come … Continue reading "Come and See" Read the article
Jesus invites us to participate in his ongoing mission through missional presence. This Church Hack explores how being intentionally present with our neighbors can proclaim and demonstrate the reign of God. Consider one place where God may be inviting you to be present this week. See the full Church Hack here. Read the article
