Imagine sitting on chairs in the church’s parking lot; multiple “campfires” are burning safely in their containers, and people are roasting marshmallows and telling stories. They smile as they tell small “c” campfire stories about …
The Importance of Campfire Stories
When I served as a counselor at Camp Roger, a camp in Rockford, Mich., we would head out each week for a night in tents. After dark we gathered around the fire and told stories. …
When Headlines Hijack the Pulpit
If you lead a church right now, you can probably feel the pressure in the air. The headlines have been relentless, sparking grief, anger, and heated debate. One week, a public figure like Charlie Kirk is …
Facing Reality: Deep Hurt and Fragile Unity
Today, we are concluding a series of newsletters naming and responding to the most common challenges churches are facing today. This week, we will address a daunting challenge, deep hurt and fragile unity in the congregation. …
How To Catch the Wave Of the Holy Spirit
Revitalization leaders know that catching waves are as important as making plans. Catching waves is about embracing Holy Spirit opportunities that are consistent with mission. Those opportunities show up in a variety of ways. Sometimes …
Emphasizing Kingdom Citizens
Several Renewal leaders have been struggling with division in their ranks connected to polarized political ideologies. For some, those divisions were recently on display during discussions about the timing and safe practices of reopening. Jesus …
Important Missional Lessons From Peter and Cornelius
I love the Acts 10:1-23 story of Peter and Cornelius because it holds so many important missional lessons. Cornelius is a Roman Centurion stationed at Caesarea. Peter (Jesus’ disciple become apostle) is staying in the Mediterranean …
Biblical Prayers for Renewal
EDITOR’S NOTE: This summer, we are going to highlight some of our most popular articles from recent years. We’re beginning with this article, which consistently has the highest number of hits on our website! Often, …
What Leads To Renewal In 2025
In the last two Fresh Ideas newsletters, 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. I also highlighted …
What Initiates Church Renewal?
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 …
- Page 1 of 2
- 1
- 2