I don't know about you, but I want to be part of leading a ministry that's on the move. I want to be part of leading a ministry that's being used by God to change the world around me. So, what do you do when it seems like your ministry isn't going anywhere? What do you do when your ministry hits a plateau? For many of us, we probably pull out our notes from the last conference we went to or maybe we pick up a book on church growth. Before you do that though, I want to suggest you first ask yourself 3 questions that might help you … [Read more...]
Mission Trip Excuses
When I was growing up in the church, I viewed mission trips as the work of the varsity team—something reserved for the spiritually elite delta force. Consequently, every time a mission opportunity presented itself, I gave every reason why it wasn't for me. And even when I did put myself out there to serve, I only did so after laboring over the decision for weeks through prayer, internal debate, and counsel. The truth is, I didn't think I was good enough, spiritual enough, or ready enough to be a "missionary," even if it was for … [Read more...]
It’s More Than a Box
Every year around the end of October or first of November, my family takes an afternoon to go shopping. This shopping trip is always for a very specific purpose and must be strategic. As we shop for people that we've never met and probably never will meet, we try to think of things that they may like and will bring a smile to their faces. Oh, and it all must fit into a shoebox! This past week, I had the opportunity to do something that brought all those years of packing shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child to full circle. I … [Read more...]
Throw Some Confetti in Your Young Adult Ministry
“Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep.” Romans 12:15 My 14-year-old son scored his first 3-pointer in a high school basketball game this past week. It would be fun to say that he made a last second shot to win a big game and got carried off the floor by his teammates. In reality, our team was losing by a significant margin. So, the coach decided to put in all of the freshman to give them some playing time and game experience. Those young guys made the most of the opportunity. When Tyler sank the “3” I may … [Read more...]
How do we Measure Ministry Success?
If you're counting heads without considering what's happening in peoples' hearts, you might not be as successful as you think. Measuring success can be tough in ministry. Attendance numbers can be helpful in some ways but those numbers alone don't mean we're accomplishing what we're aiming to accomplish. Adele just held back-to-back sold out concerts in the American Airlines Center here in Dallas. Texas high school football is in full swing packing thousands of people into stadiums all across the state. The downtown square in … [Read more...]
It’s official. Spring Break is here!
It's March. For our Threads team, that means one thing—Beach Reach is in full swing! Beach Reach is a collegiate mission trip experience from March 7-20 where servant evangelism takes the form of free van rides and pancakes. Thousands visit Panama City during spring break and many are hurting and searching for meaning. College students provide simple acts of service that open the door to life-changing conversations about the hope and love of Jesus Christ. So, how can you be a part? We're glad you asked. 1. Pray. Thousands of … [Read more...]