Church Life

“In general, the regulative principle calls for inflexibility on the elements and flexibility on the forms. Don’t mess with the elements. God has spoken. But you can exercise prudence with the forms.

“How do you shepherd a flock to healthier pastures when the sheep aren’t yet convinced that the grass is greener on the other side? Some answers are obvious: we must walk faithfully with the Lord and patiently love the flock. Okay, but what else?” - 9 Marks

“No matter what he faces in years to come, your early loving care for him will help keep his heart soft. If his first experience is a negative one, on the other hand, he may always be wondering when the proverbial ‘other shoe will drop.’” - Chuck Lawless

“Sometimes, a complaint is warranted and can help to identify problems. Additionally, everyone needs to vent from time to time. But many churches have at least one person who complains about everything.” - Church Answers

“Find the common ground among them all. As you minister to this mix of generational values and beliefs in your church, remember they all need Jesus. All of your people need relationships, even if they go about them differently.” - Lifeway

“I pastor a transient church. Seemingly every week, I hear that yet another member plans to move. Many members are here for one-to-three years.” - 9 Marks

“There are Southern Baptist Churches that are no longer allowing women to vote… We are acting like women are the problem in our churches.” - SBC Voices

“God can use programs. I know people who have come to faith at evangelistic events…. But I don’t think programs are the most effective or even the primary way we should do evangelism.” - 9 Marks

“This article shares data from Inside the Urban Church—a Barna report created in partnership with World Impact—to further explore what role the church has in the city.” - Barna