By Sue Sprang SYNOD – What follows is part 2 of sharing some of my favorite stories (which have been updated/abridged in this article) that I wrote for “Mission in the Mitten” during Bishop Satterlee’s first term in office. Choosing is difficult because there are so many good stories to tell. But I hope the ones I’ve […]
Mission in the Mitten
Six Years and Counting: Part 1
By Sue Sprang SYNOD – When asked if I would write stories for the “Mission in the Mitten” column on the synod’s website, how could I resist? It’s rare when I turn down the chance to write, so it was a pleasure to say “yes” and I looked forward to learning what the people in our […]
Six Things We Have Learned Since the Pub...
By Thom Rainer I was stunned. When I wrote Autopsy of a Deceased Church five years ago, the response took me by surprise. While all authors expect or hope their books will be bestsellers, I frankly didn’t see it coming. Hundreds of thousands of book sales later, Autopsy became the all-time bestseller in the genre of church leadership. Why? […]
Evangelism is the Greatest Form of Disci...
By Josh Daffern Many churches have a general mission statement that goes something like this: “To glorify God by making fully-devoted disciples of Jesus Christ.” By the way, that’s the mission statement at the church where I currently serve and it’s a restatement of the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 to go and make disciples of all nations. The real question […]
Trapp Grants Assist Northern Congregatio...
By Sue Sprang SYNOD – Nine congregations recently benefited from grants received from the North/West Lower Michigan Synod’s Trapp Endowment Fund. The Trapp family gifted the synod with the funds about 20 years ago, stipulating they be directed to the northern portion of the synod. Here is how some of the grants are being used: […]
Soccer…Jesus-style
By Sue Sprang SAGINAW – Sunshine, dedication, and lots of energy and enthusiasm helped to make Ascension Lutheran Church, Saginaw, 2018 Soccer Camp a success. Last year was the third for congregation’s Vacation Bible School “with a twist”. Ascension member Bob Aldrich, who spearheaded the program, explained why the congregation moved in a new direction […]
Keeping Christianity Weird – Embracing t
Michael Frost is an Australian theologian and author. He is the Director of the Tinsley Institute for Mission Study and Head of the Missiology Department at Morling College in Australia. He has been called “a leading voice in Missional Church Movement.” “All human nature vigorously resists grace because grace changes us and the change is […]
Seven Traits of Healthy Churches Today
By Thomas Rainer I am not the brightest bulb in the chandelier. Indeed, put me in a room with nine other people, and I am likely to be the tenth in intellect. So, I compensate for my cognitive deficiencies by listening, observing, and researching. The wisdom of others is far greater than any chance of […]
Three Ways Churches Will Be Impacted in ...
By Thom Rainer Yes, I tend to be an optimist. I am not, however, that type of optimist who refuses to face reality. If you have been a reader of my blog or listener to my podcasts, you know I am not hesitant to face harsh realities head on. So, when I say a revitalization […]
Eight Unintended Consequences of Buildin...
By Thom Rainer I call it “the aftermath.” A church goes through an intense time of planning and fundraising to construct a new facility. Then the members participate in a groundbreaking service. Finally, the building is constructed in the midst of great hope and anticipation. Then the bottom falls out. The great hope that accompanied […]