May 2024 Issue
The complexities of unity: A brief analysis of 1 Corinthians 11:17–34
Eliezer A. Graterol
Several years ago, I had the privilege of pastoring a small country church where members gathered several times a week to hear God’s Word, seek solace, and enjoy communion. This close-knit community drew many to Jesus. Comprising diverse backgrounds and talents—farmers,…
Trauma: A global crisis right in your local congregation
Sydney Segen
You will have suffering in this world’ ” (John 16:33, CSB). Suffering floods our world today in countless forms, including violence, war, rape, child abuse, crime, displaced people, pandemics, sexual slavery, natural disasters, and more. You have undoubtedly seen forms…
Connecting for His coming: Five steps for effective community engagement
David Springer
A recent Lifeway Research study revealed more churchgoers serve regularly in their churches than in their communities. According to U.S. Protestant pastors, on average, 42% of adult churchgoers volunteer in their churches, but only 27% volunteer in their communities.”1 The…
Mishpat, priesthood, and Scripture: The foundation for loving others
Donald Humbert
Although love is a central theme of the Christian faith, Christians often treat this ideal with an almost disrespectful simplicity, often ignoring the deep and exacting profundity of Christ’s command that we love one another. Author Jon Bloom queries, “How is it that…
The art and importance of pastoral visitation
Justin Childers
In the era of social media, texting, and emails, it would be easy for many pastors in the twenty-first century to put visitation toward the bottom of their pastoral duties list. However, visitation is still particularly important and vital for the growth of the church. I…