Something happened a few weeks ago that slipped through the news cycle for most Americans. In a historic move, the prime minister of India, Narendra Modi, joined Donald Trump for a massive political event here in Houston called, "Howdy Modi!" Over 50,000 people attended the packed stadium for a celebration of Indian culture married to a political rally. For those of us paying attention, this event signals something of great significance that is occurring globally. In fact, it underlines important shifts that we in the church need to notice.

Storytelling methods are increasing in popularity as effective marketplace tools for improving working relationships and community, addressing organizational change, leadership, and maintaining corporate culture. Not every follower of Jesus is part of the business community. However, almost everyone is engaged in the marketplace in some way. Most people buy things and deal with sales and marketing people. Each of those occasions can be witness and ministry opportunities. 

5 years ago, I took the role of Minister of Missionary Care at Houston's First. It has been one of the most rewarding and stretching positions I have ever experienced in my short ministry career. Our team has seen and heard it all—from religious persecution to church planting movements, hidden depression to unexplainable joy through trials. Whether it comes through a screen or across the table, we have learned some life lessons from our missionary partners, and we would love to share some with you.

As you go to sleep tonight, think about the value of a comfortable and safe place to sleep. Sleep is not only a necessity, but it's also a vulnerable state. The last thing a child should have to think about is where they have to sleep. If you would like to help sponsor, build, and/or deliver beds for children who currently have no bed to sleep in, NW Houston's chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace will have an open build day Saturday. Sign up now!

The gospel may be a stumbling block, but the way we share it shouldn't be. Here are five strategies to help you be a more effective communicator and a better gospel witness. 

At UBA, we talk a lot about being better together—because we know it to be true. When churches work together to advance the gospel, they can do all kinds of things that would never have been possible for each individual church. In the same way, churches can also partner with schools in their communities, as well. We recently got the chance to talk with Kevin Alvarez, lead pastor of Long Point Baptist Church, and hear how Loving Houston helped connect and equip his church to be better together with their local school district. 

Every month, we feature people, events, and ministries we want our people to pray for. So, join us as we pray to and praise God for what He's done, because we're always better together.

If you have any requests or just want to let us know you’re praying with us, feel free to tag us on Facebook or Twitter, and join the conversation. #UBAPraysTogether

It's election season! With that comes some uncertainty about how—if at all—churches can act towards political campaigns and candidates. It all seems a bit confusing. To gain perspective about the mechanics of what churches can and cannot do and what the consequences might be, our Executive Director Josh Ellis reached out to Dr. Marvin McNeese Jr, a political science professor at the College of Biblical Studies and a Deacon at Houston's First Baptist Church.

Todos hemos oído historias de escándalos públicos de algún líder espiritual, pastor, o un miembro de la congregación envueltos en pecados. Usualmente, los daños de esas fallas moral afectan todo el cuerpo de Cristo y en particular a las familias de los ofensores.  Cuando este tipo de ofensas ocurren, la integridad del ministerio de la iglesia se compromete. Las personas son dañadas hasta el punto de perder la confianza en el poder del evangelio y la obra redentora de Cristo. 

How many licks to the center to a Tootsie Pop? No matter how hard various cartoon creatures have tried, they have all failed to slowly make to the candy center. Because it's the center—that tootsie roll (or bubble gum) core—that everyone loves. It's that core that makes a Tootsie Pop what it is. Otherwise, it's just another run-of-the-mill lollipop. Likewise, there are certain elements that make an effective team: diversity, trust, competence, empowerment, and dialogue.