March 2020

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March 2020 Issue

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Editorial

​Where are the miracles?

Jonathan Walter

Stepping off the plane in August 2019, the reality finally hit us. We were aiming to reach people for Christ in one of the most secular, wealthy, postmodern, and progressive countries in the world—Iceland. How? Simply through the power of prayer. We knew there were hurting people in need of Christ. We had one question on our minds: would the God of the New Testament show up? Were the miracles of Acts 2 just that? Belonging in Acts 2?Taking God at His Word and armed… Continue reading...

Emotional intelligence for effective ministry cover image

Emotional intelligence for effective ministry

Lori Ciccarelli Stotko

Awareness of our emotions vitally impacts mental health and ministry effectiveness.

Awareness of our emotions vitally impacts mental health and ministry effectiveness.

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Keeping our sense of the call cover image

Keeping our sense of the call

Miguel Valdivia

Knowing that God has called you replaces doubt and despair with healing and hope.

Knowing that God has called you replaces doubt and despair with healing and hope.

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How children experience grief cover image

How children experience grief

Natalie Dorland, S. Joseph Kidder

Jesus was concerned that we do not cause children to suffer. Take time to listen to their joys—and their pain.

Jesus was concerned that we do not cause children to suffer. Take time to listen to their joys—and their pain.

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Emotional hurt lurking in the pew cover image

Emotional hurt lurking in the pew

Victor D. Marshall

Authentic church growth necessitates vigilance regarding the emotional health of your congregation.

Authentic church growth necessitates vigilance regarding the emotional health of your congregation.

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Making room for those with special needs cover image

Making room for those with special needs

Shaun Brooks

The books of Matthew, Mark, and Luke all share a familiar story of Jesus blessing little children. As their mothers eagerly journeyed to see Jesus, a tinge of excitement mingled with fear must have filled their hearts. Would Jesus accept their young ones? Would He…

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More from this issue:

Dateline

Religious news from around the world.

ADRA volunteer coordinator Merilyn Beveridge (left) with a representative of Afri-Aus Care. Photo: ADRA Victoria Facebook Retired pastor assists during unprecedented bushfires in AustraliaNew South Wales, AustraliaAs Australia reels from the ongoing destruction caused by multiple bushfires across the country, many, including Seventh-day Adventists, have rallied together to make a difference. New South Wales Rural Fire Service states that the fire has burned nearly… Continue reading...

Resources

​The Myth of the Dying Church: How Christianity Is Actually Thriving in America and the World

Bill Bossert

What myth? Haven’t we been reading and fretting over the slow death of the church for the last two decades? Have we not heard of the “graying of the church”? What about our consistent reliance on all the data that flowed from a well-known evangelical research company? According to Glenn Stanton, the pending death of the Christian church is a myth—a huge myth. And it is not just Stanton who is attacking the myth. Other research scholars are saying it as well. Stanton… Continue reading...

Practical Pointers

​Involve the church in your call

Dave Livermore

As an administrator, I do not have the privilege of being in the same church week after week. When pastoring, I spent over 13 years in one church, and in that time, we really got to know each other. I think that made me a better pastor. My leadership team knew the direction we were going and their part in our getting there. Churches are filled with the walking wounded. I believe any church asks three questions of their pastor: (1) Can we trust you? (2) Do you… Continue reading...