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Celebrating the
Inactive List
by
Daniel L. Bohlman
What do we do with our inactive members? One pastor
sees these members as evidence of a congregation risking
to live in the "messy field of grace."
Response to
"Celebrating the Inactive List"
by
Craig Van Gelder
Five questions are raised to further the discussion
on inactive parishoners.
Come and See
by
Simon W. S. Lee
In John's gospel, both Christ and a disciple invited
others to "come and see." This simple
invitation is a key factor in a Chinese congregation's
outreach to its community.
Evangelical Living
by Nathan C. P. Frambach
In many church
communities evangelism is seen as largely something that one
must do. Evangelical living, however, entails being present to
others, listening to their stories, honoring them as
individuals, paying attention to the embedded spirituality that
exists in them, and remembering that evangelism is the work of
the Holy Spirit.
Growth or
Decline in a Congregation: The Single Greatest Key
by Don
Brandt
The overall decline in mainline denominations can be blamed on a number
of factors. New groups and ministries for new people can form the basis
of a congregational mission strategy that reverses this trend.
Light
Illuminating Shadows
by John Dellis
What started with a cup of hot chocolate offered in Christ’s name to
homeless men and women living under a bridge has grown into Camino
Real’s Under the Bridge ministry in San Antonio.
The Practice
of Evangelism
by
Rayford J. Grady
How one congregation intentionally redesigned its life to embrace both the
ministry
of evangelism and the communities it serves.
Reaching Out
in the City
by J. Elise Brown
Intentional outreach in the big city involves the entire congregation. It means
expecting and greeting visitors and listening carefully to what they say, particularly
young people and strangers, as Martin Luther himself advised.
Recognizing
the Stranger
by Jay C. Rochelle
Here are five reasons why
congregations often have a difficult time welcoming outsiders into their
fellowship — and some ways to overcome the resistance.
Rural
Evangelism: Not a Program, but a Way of Life
by
Mary Leigh Boyd Hovland
All Christians are evangelists, and opportunities for making Christ known
surround
us constantly in daily life. On Sunday mornings, every member’s hospitality
toward
a newcomer or visitor counts.
Uniting Eight
into One
by Robert M. Goldstein
The pastors' role in forging
a mission-focused church consolidation process.
The Welcome
Table
by
Laurel E. Alexander
We may not be able to build
a perfectly welcoming table overnight, but hard work and good intentions
can yield positive results in even a short time.
What Are Your
Needs?
by
Brian H. Hughes
Addressing pertinent needs
was one route in helping to fashion an Asian ministry in an Anglo
congregation.
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