Not only have church growth models changed in recent years to accommodate American culture, but traditional practices churches leveraged for centuries to foster evangelism, discipleship and service have also been scrapped. Church leaders contend that new practices are necessary to … Read More
Praying for Unbelievers
Lord, we, Your people, have become so accustomed to being prayed for. Prayer lines are common. We flock to mighty men of God looking for a miracle. And yet, You called us to give the gift of prayer. We confess … Read More
10 Ways Jesus’ Church Growth Model Differs from Yours
Many church leaders contend that it’s necessary to adapt to culture. They see older conventions for planting a church and growing a congregation as outdated. However, Jesus was countercultural and counterintuitive. Therefore, it’s worth evaluating, as we do in today’s … Read More
10 Popular Bible Verses Taken out of Context
The last straw for us was the sermon series immediately following Easter – “What Jesus’ resurrection gives to you”. My wife and I left the church before the end of the 6 week series. I think we made it through … Read More
10 Words No Longer Heard in Church or Christian Music
American churches eagerly accommodate Christians who have professed belief but have no intention of becoming disciples. In fact, churches have worked so hard to build an environment that will attract and retain nominal Christians (and non-believers) that nearly all have … Read More
Are You Disturbed?
I doubt seriously if I am the only person to be confused and disturbed about things we see around us. I am horrified by the bizarre extremes of the sexual revolution being forced down our throats. At the same time … Read More
Orality Nexus: The Continuing and Growing Learning Journey in the Orality Movement
By Jerry Wiles, North America Regional Director, International Orality Network, President Emeritus, Living Water International, Special to ASSIST News Service HOUSTON, TX (ANS – June 2, 2017) — In a recent Orality Consultation and Advanced Training in East Africa, … Read More
Prayer, Care, Share
The prayer-care-share model is super – and succeeding. To everyone using it. Bravo! As Lon Allison admits, however, it’s a lot easier to do the prayer and care part. The actual sharing of the gospel tends to get left behind. … Read More
What Does Obedience Have To Do With Discipleship?
Everything. We spent the past few weeks walking through a series on “blind spots”, each of which qualify as disobedience. As we discussed, the Church in America today largely ignores or allows others to assume its God-given responsibilities to care … Read More
Jesus Cares More about Widows and Single Moms than Your Church Does
No founder, leader or prophet of any other major world religion loves and values women as much as Jesus does. Throughout His ministry, He demonstrated His heart for widows and mothers… Defended Them – “They (religious leaders) devour widows’ houses … Read More