Confessions of a Leader: Words Hurt

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Written by Gina McClain

Many of us grew up with the chant, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me.”

I used to believe the person that coined the phrase was an idiot.

Words can hurt—sometimes worse than broken bones.

But the longer I lead in ministry, the more I realize there is truth to this well-known phrase.

Hispanic Evangelicals 2.0

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Written by Sam Rodríguez

How a new breed of Latino Protestants is changing the face of evangelicalism

Winning the Hearts of Men

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Written by Michael A. Stevens

Creating a church culture that reaches African-American men

Louie Giglio on Effective Collegiate Ministry

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Written by Marcus Yoars

Listen as Ministry Today editor Marcus Yoars talks with Louie Giglio, a pioneer of modern-day collegiate ministry who understands the struggles most local churches have with establishing a thriving ministry to college students. The Passion founder and director is also well aware of how students often feel like misfits in the church community.

Listen to the three-part interview below as Giglio gives tips for effectively reaching young adults-as well as discusses why he's starting his own church in the midst of launching a worldwide initiative.

Part 1: Listen to Louie Giglio's ministry tips for pastors.

Part 2: Learn how Giglio is keeping Christ the focus in a "me-focused" culture.

Part 3: Find out how he's reaching the world (and Atlanta) through his Passion events.

Choosing the Right VBS for Your Church

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Written by Scott Berkey and Patti Chapman

Practical help for pastors and lay leaders in selecting the best outreach program

Vacation Bible School (VBS) has come a long way since 1923 when Standard Publishing produced the first printed faith-based curriculum for children, which was designed as a five-week course. Today, VBS has morphed and expanded into the largest church outreach program of the year for kids, though it only lasts a few days of their summer.

Churches nationwide gear up during the winter and spring months for the summer event by investing precious time, money and resources for a number of reasons. The most obvious one is the opportunity to reach out to the local community with the love of Christ and the message of hope. VBS is a non-threatening way for families to walk onto a church campus and experience firsthand a church’s commitment to loving and ministering to people.  

VBS also creates a great opportunity for the entire congregation to support and highlight its children’s ministry. VBS should always be a big deal. The exposure it creates for children’s ministry is invaluable.  

Christians Can Govern from the Prayer Closet

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Written by Kyle Searcy

Election Day ... it did it again! The results produced myriad emotions ranging from convulsive joy in some to severe depression in others.

I’m fascinated every time I see our democratic process unfold. The fact that we, the people, actually get to elect the leaders of our nation intrigues me. But we have learned to put so much hope in government that people are often crushed beyond measure if their candidate loses or relieved beyond reason when their candidate wins. Both emotional extremes are unnecessary since Scripture suggests that no matter who wins an election for office, we can still win.

“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people­—for kings and all those in authority—that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:1-4, NIV).