On Being is a four-part interactive connect group curriculum, designed for biblically-based, dynamic discussions around being a disciple. We are excited to release, part three of the series On Being with Jesus. Being with Jesus – is a six-week series that reflects on the themes of the person of Jesus, our identity in Christ, and … Continue reading "New Curriculum: On Being with Jesus" Read the article
As we take a deeper dive into the Love Avenue, we can’t forget the whole reason for joining with our neighbors in community. We are compelled by love, Christ’s love, which fills and transforms us, compelling us to share that love with those around us. In his book, Gospel Fluency, Jeff Vanderstelt suggests that many … Continue reading "Church Hack: Gospel Fluency" Read the article
We love others because we love Jesus. By Daniel Zachariah, National Director, India When asked why she would pick up dying, homeless persons off the streets of Kolkatha, Mother Teresa was famously quoted as saying, “I see Jesus in every human being. I say to myself; this is hungry Jesus; I must feed him. This … Continue reading "Why Love your Neighbor?" Read the article
By Tim Sitterley, US Regional Director, West Early in our marriage Linda and I were visiting the old Franciscan Mission in Santa Barbara California. We were in the mission’s visitor’s center, and I noticed a large and very old bible open to the Gospel of John. The Bible was in Latin, and since I had … Continue reading "The Gift of Liturgy" Read the article
When we believe we are the church, rather than church being a place where we go, our perspective and our reality changes. By Sam Butler, Pastor, Grand Rapids, Michigan What is the church? If we asked this question the typical historical answer would be something like, “the place where one goes on a particular day … Continue reading "You Are the Church!" Read the article
The 40 days between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday give us a beautiful opportunity to implement some spiritual practices as we prepare our hearts for renewal. By Jillian Morrison, Associate Pastor, Glendora, California I’ll admit that even as a Christian and someone who grew up going to church, I’ve often underestimated the profound significance of … Continue reading "Spiritual Practices for Easter Preparation" Read the article
In relationship with our Triune God and in community with one other, we engage in our neighborhoods shining the light and sharing the love of Christ. It is not our own goodness that shapes our motivations and behavior, but we are compelled by the love of Christ and empowered by the Spirit to live differently … Continue reading "Church Hack: Missional Living" Read the article
Do Healthy Church initiatives even apply to small congregations and fellowship groups? By Tim Sitterley, US Regional Director West, and Dan Rogers, Pastor, Las Vegas, NV Over the years I’ve learned that it is way too easy, when presenting new concepts and ideas, to talk all around the real questions. It’s also easy to presume … Continue reading "The Parable of the Cruise Line" Read the article
“If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.” – Benjamin Franklin Equipper Team: Part of a pastor’s job description is to put together an annual Ministry Action Plan (MAP) for the congregation. A leader of a healthy church will ask the Avenue Champions to also put together MAPs for their area of responsibility. Not … Continue reading "Ministry Action Plans (MAPs)" Read the article
Jesus came to share in our place, and he invites us to place share in our church neighborhood. By Sam Butler, Pastor, Grand Rapids, Michigan As believers, we are called to participate in the ongoing mission of Jesus Christ. Jesus is actively involved in mission, and he invites us to participate – as congregations and … Continue reading "Bearing Fruit with Jesus" Read the article
