In last week’s Fresh Ideas newsletter, I noted that there have been several major epochs of church renewal but, most importantly, church renewal is a constant fixture in every Spirit-filled, Spirit-led congregation. At the Center for Church Renewal …
Someone suggested tracing church renewal movements through history to gather important lessons. This is an excellent suggestion. First, a quick note. While revival and church renewal involve spiritual renewal, they are distinct. Revival is a …
As we bid farewell to 2024, now is a perfect time to reflect on the church renewal principles we discussed in this newsletter throughout the year. Below are some fresh ideas you might want to revisit …
The holidays are a mixed bag for many people. Everyone enjoys a few days off from work (unless you are in retail and the holidays run you ragged). Most also enjoy the Christmas parties and …
Each Christmas morning, my family had a fun tradition — gathering around the tree to retell the Christmas story. Mom didn’t share the “stats” of the shepherds, and Dad didn’t detail the “data” of the donkeys. No, …
Despite tectonic shifts over the centuries, one of the best ways to grow a church remains the same — the simple act of extending an invitation. According to Thom Rainer’s book, The Unchurched Next Door, 82 …
One aim of church renewal is to help congregations regain a sense of purpose and calling. However, many churches struggle to form and implement a compelling vision for the future. Why do so many churches …
In the 1980s, GM and the United Auto Workers said they were ready to step into innovation by creating “a different kind of car” and “a different kind of company.” The result was Saturn. You may remember …
If you are curious about what other churches are doing, this week’s newsletter is for you! The National Congregations Study tracks important metrics over time so that trends can be measured. Today, I will share …
The Gospel of John says Jesus came full of grace and truth (John 1:14), and the apostle Paul urged Christians to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). Even so, many churches today are struggling to …
