Leadership is a learned skill. Much of the learning takes place experientially, but books can also provide valuable learning. Since reading Steven B. Sample's The Contrarian's Guide to Leadership, "Work for Those Who Work For You" (Chapter 8)  has become a guiding leadership principle for me. More than 20 years after first encountering Sample’s work, I still have 2 green sticky notes marking pages in that chapter. On one, I wrote ”service” and on the other “access.” They are reminders that help me even today.

If you pay attention to ministry conversations on the internet, there's a good chance you've heard the term "replanting." In the last couple of years, this idea has really gained traction, and I think with good reason. Today, you can find podcasts, books, and a growing pile of online articles that take up the task of church replanting. What is the difference between church planting and replanting and how might they make the difference in spiritual vitality of a community?

January is National Human Trafficking Awareness Month. But what does that mean? As one who works with those facing human trafficking, Nell Green helps us better understand the many misconceptions surrounding the topic. She gives practical advice about how each of us can prevent and end human trafficking both here and around the globe.

Jesus can do a lot with little acts of kindness, small steps towards faithfulness. He multiplies even the simplest sacrifice given for Him even in the most difficult times. I've learned this truth through a family near to me. I've learned how the church is family and what it looks like to grow with and towards one another.

A few years ago, I counted how many hours I spent in church meetings then wished I hadn’t. Most of those meetings were boring, pointless, and took me away from my life in ways I later resented. Sure, it was nice to see people and get church business done. However, I’m not sure any of those meetings did much to accomplish the work of God’s kingdom.

On the other hand, I know groups who are having life-giving meetings leading to spiritual growth and changed lives. With a few intentional changes, we can make meetings a bright spot on the week instead of a chore.

2018 has brought a lot of things our way: heavy losses, exciting possibilities, and hard discussions. Likewise, our blog also had a lot of fascinating and pertinent articles for the year. As we prepare for what God has in store for 2019, we'll first pause to remember and celebrate the top 10 articles of 2018.

Almost every Christmas for 30 years of marriage, Dian and I have put up the Angel Tree at Christmas time. At the very top hangs our not-so-traditional beauty, Pearl. The loss of her halo, wings, and lute combined with her droopy, melted face make her an interested choice for such a spot of honor. However, she reminds us of an important lesson as she declares God's glory through the bags under her eyes.

Some people think I have the “gift of hospitality,” but I assure you, I do not. I am not a hospitable person. I am an introvert. My home is a haven where I can recharge and get ready to be with people again the next day.

In time, I have learned that hospitality is not a gift but an act of obedience with great gospel benefits. For me, though, it's been a journey.

Our culture talks a lot about peace but often have a hard time experiencing it. Why is it so elusive? Instead of just pushing through this year, maybe these seven simple “secrets” to finding peace can help. Adapted from “How to have a Peaceful Heart: Seven Simple Secrets,” by Jon Redmond.

With all the hustle and bustle of December, it is worth slowing down to prepare our hearts for Christmas. With that in mind, we have set up a special Advent prayer guide in lieu of our usual prayer requests for specific events. Many things may be vying for your attention, but we hope to help you pause and reflect of the richness of hope, peace, love, and joy found in the Christmas season.