Because of this calling, the Church has been ministering to people and communities for as long as those faithful to God's Word have been gathering together. Ministry isn't pretty--it is often difficult and uncomfortable. And it is certainly not glamorous. But it can be beautiful seeing lives changed, hearts touched, and God's love felt by those who do not know Him.
Read more"Over the last few years, many ANiC parishes have been praying about and working on strategic planning and church revitalization so this workshop has offered timely encouragement and fresh approaches," says The Rt. Rev. Charlie Masters, ANiC Bishop.
Read moreThe Falls Church Anglican has lived through such a story. In 2012, this historic church in Northern Virginia took a stand for their faith and lost everything to the Episcopal Church. After crushing defeats in the courts, the church moved out of the property George Washington had graced centuries before. They walked away from their colonial building and history. They left the soaring sanctuary they built, one that had hosted hundreds (if not thousands) of weddings and baptisms.
Read moreAfter a brief introduction we were shown a promotional video about Life Explored, which has already been shared thousands of times on social media. It leaves the viewer with the question: "What would bring you fulfillment?" A slightly longer taster film serves as an introduction to the course itself.
Read moreThe conference got off to a great start with a party on the lawn, complete with games, burgers, and beer, and just kept getting better with every session. From its inception, the team organizing this conference intended to create an environment where planters could build relationships, participate in practical, interactive sessions to learn more about their craft, and walk away with real life solutions to obstacles they are facing in the field.
Read moreDavid eventually embraced the Messiah and devoted his life to serving the church in Israel. He now serves as Field Director of Christian Witness to Israel (founded by Scottish pastor Robert Murray M'Cheyne in the mid-1800s), directs the HaGefen Publishing House (which produces and translates Christian literature into modern Hebrew), and preaches around the globe.
Read moreThe conference was held amid growing concerns about economic instability and more terrorist attacks in Europe this year, with the Islamic State (ISIS) terrorist organisation exerting more efforts to widen its campaign of terror.
Amid the uncertainties in the continent, the conference was called to urge European Christians to develop a stronger relationship with God. Held under the theme "Mercy triumphs over judgment," the gathering declared God's ability to heal and restore Europe.
Read moreI'm a great fan of James Engel's Whatever Happened to the Harvest? and how he defines evangelism on a "scale" or spectrum. So, for instance, if we find someone at the far end of the scale as a hardened atheist and through loving conversations about Jesus help them move to becoming an agnostic who admits the possibility of the existence of God-well, that's evangelism! It's moving people towards a personal commitment to follow Jesus isn't it?
Read moreWhen he spent time in our offices recently, I recorded a podcast with him on the Charisma Podcast Network, which will air next week. I am interested in what is happening in England because I am going there in a couple of weeks to attend Empowered21 in London. I'll be speaking there and will be involved in some other interesting activities, which I will report later.
Read moreLast month I was at AT&T stadium in Dallas, with a capacity crowd of over 100,000 people (and thousands listening outside who couldn't get in) to hear a call for personal renewal, and a new passion for taking the plain Gospel to the world; a call for authentic Christian witness.
Read more