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Preaching in Light of Low or Infrequent Church Attendance

One of the key challenges pastors confront today is inconsistent church attendance. While the extent and pace of decline depends on who conducts the study and their metrics, the fact of the matter is that the majority of churches are experiencing a drop in weekly attendance.  

Using Contextualized Language in Preaching

By looking at how Paul varied his message based on his audience, preachers can learn how to use contextualized language to reach a biblically illiterate audience.

Insights From Keller on Contextualizing

Tim Keller has been a helpful voice in effective preaching in our contemporary world. He has faithfully proclaimed the Bible in the secularized context of New York City for decades.

The Un-Talked About Pain of a Pastor: Recovering From Burnout

Is healing from burnout possible? Yes, out of winter comes spring. Out of compost comes rich soil. Out of death comes resurrection. This is the path Christ took and is inviting every pastor to plummet into.

Facing the Issue of Biblical Literacy

Regardless of your church style and the profile of your average attendee, you need to consider issues facing contemporary preaching today. Probably one of the most obvious is a lack of biblical literacy.

A First Century Story for the 21st

Yassir Eric’s story highlights one of the most important and exciting movements in the global Christian church today. Christians all over the world should be celebrating and supporting the acts of bold 21st-century apostles such as Yassir.

Ukraine: What Might Be a Post-COVID Church

In late November, Brian Stiller met with Ukrainian church leaders to discuss matters of unity and public witness among evangelicals during the global pandemic.

How the Rise and Fall of Mars Hill Could Change Church Planting

While many themes are pertinent to The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill, here is what their story can teach us about what the future of church planting in North America should look like.

A Somber Anniversary

January 22, 2022 marks the 49th anniversary of Roe v. Wade. That's right—it's been almost half a century. My hope is that we won’t mark the 50th anniversary next year, because Roe will be overturned. But there is still work to do. 

On Martin Luther King, Jr. Day: “Paul’s Letter to American Christians (From MLK)”

In the spirit of the letters of Paul, Martin Luther King, Jr. wrote an imaginary letter from the Apostle Paul to American Christians. Here's what it said.

Biblical Literacy by the Numbers, Part 3: Fixing the Problem

Of course, you already knew that reading the Bible helped you to grow. It's actually doing it that's a challenge. What are some ways churches are helping people to engage the Scriptures more intentionally?

Biblical Literacy by the Numbers, Part 2: Scripture Engagement

One of the ways (perhaps the most effective way) to begin leading people toward greater Biblical literacy is regular and intentional Scripture engagement.

Biblical Literacy by the Numbers, Part 1: The Challenge

America can be proud of many things: our innovation, generosity and entrepreneurial spirit are unsurpassed. Yet when it comes to our nation understanding one of the greatest gifts ever given to humanity—the Bible—we're moving from dumb to dumber, and it's no laughing matter.

Ed Stetzer: ‘Cancel’ the Salvation Army? I Think Not.

Left or right, our new pressures of ideological purity and tribal buzzwords eventually set their sights upon even the most absurd of targets. Case in point is the recent war conservatives have decided to wage on the Salvation Army.

Ed Stetzer: The Church and Donald Trump: We Need Christ at the Center of Our Services, Not Democrats, Republicans or Any Other Politician

What transpired between Pastor Jeffress' church and Donald Trump on a Sunday morning exemplifies where some evangelicals and some evangelical churches have deviated from the primary focus and primary mission of Christ’s church.

Choose Faith at Christmastime

Jesus is here. God has come to us. And he is good—so much better than we ever imagined. Choose faith this Christmas.

Church Attendance During Christmastime: Stats on Christmas Outreach

Most Americans attend church during the Christmas season, and many would come if invited. We have a wonderful opportunity for effective outreach this holiday season, if we are willing to take it.

Sharing Christ at Christmas: What the Stats Say

Research has shown that 47 percent of respondents indicated openness to Christian outreach during the holiday season.

A Waiting World, the Anticipation of Christmas, and What We Learn About the Love of God

Christmastime is a season of anticipation. We anticipate celebrations and traditions. But even more than that, we long for a time when we will experience the fullness of redemption in Jesus.

Christmas: An Intersection of Faith and Family

Christmas is the true intersection of faith and family. That should be encouraging to us as Christians. Here are three ways we can cultivate a healthy engagement with the Christmas season.

Nick Hall on Asbury, Gen Z and Why He Believes ‘God...

Nick Hall joins the Stetzer ChurchLeaders Podcast to talk about what he witnessed at Asbury University, the signs of true revival, and why he believes God is moving in a special way.

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