How can we handle mean words and hostile criticism from the people we are called to lead and do so with grace? Here are 7 thoughts that may help you navigate this difficult and unwelcome rough patch in the leadership trail.

How do I balance fruitfulness and the health of myself and my team during the hectic Christmas season? This year, prepare for Christmas and the team helping you. Begin with the end in mind that will make this Christmas your most fruitful ever without burning out your team or congregation.

How would your ministry change if you focused on growing through intentional relationships and connection? The 4% who walk through your doors each week represent your church’s future.

"Can I be real for a minute?" Matthew Swinamer shares his experiences with mental health. "The Holy Spirit used therapy to help me realize that I had negative beliefs that were contributing to unhealthy thoughts, emotions and behaviours. I had to get to the root of why I was so depressed, overwhelmed and hopeless."

Why is prayer essential for the life and health of a local church? If prayer is de-emphasized, the heartbeat of the church slows to a critical level and eventually stops altogether. If a local church is to remain a vital, life-giving entity, it must have a healthy heart.

How can I give a salvation invitation every Sunday of the year? Here are practical steps to give salvation invitations every Sunday of the year.

Prayer is the engine that drives everything we do as ministers of the gospel. Nothing significant in the kingdom of heaven will happen unless it's preceded by prayer. When we pray, our hearts and minds align with our Heavenly Father's will.

Take some time, and focus on God. Quiet the noise all around you and remind yourself Whose you are. God is with you. He longs to spend time with you. He wants you to just "be". Be in His presence. Be in His care. Be in the moment. Be aware of His work around you.  

Incarnational church planting goes beyond starting a service. It's about crossing cultural barriers and embodying Jesus in a neighbourhood's everyday life. This is what it means to be the ekklesia—the gathered community of believers.

Wondering how to ensure the success of your events? Start by clearly defining their purpose and setting SMART goals to address specific challenges and desired outcomes. This strategy will help you make informed decisions, measure success, and effectively use your resources.

Why is working with a team in vision development so important? We know that pastors seeking to do God’s will don’t want a simplistic, formulaic plan that requires no spiritual fervour or biblical depth. You want to see God do something only He can do.

I am exhausted. Why and what do I do? Al Downey, our Pastoral Care Coordinator, shares some causes and cures for exhaustion in ministry.

I hear stories about churches doing radio shows in which the pastor would simply field questions about life, the Bible, and theology – a conversation with regular people from their local community who would call and ask questions of the pastor.

How can I generate momentum in my church and get people back from being in summer mode? Hosting a strategic start-up event in the fall generates momentum within your church. It will bring families back into the swing of things while also being intentionally outbound.

Who are the young pastors that need to apply for the next YL Accelerator? Young Leaders Accelerator is one of the great ways we partner with churches to develop our young pastors. Year two is in the books, and here are a few of the highlights from this past year.

What should a congregant be left with at the end of a sermon? Now is the time for us, as devoted kingdom leaders, to return to preaching and practicing some historical non-optional calls to ensure fruitful Church function in the next generation.

As faith individuals, we believe that God wants to play a key and tangible role in our counselling experience and emotional wellness journey. So understanding this, what are ways that we can intentionally involve God in our counselling experience?

How do we reach young families when we don’t have any in our church? Although it may be difficult, it is still very possible. Guest writer, Jonathan Duhamel, gives two things you can do that will hopefully help you reach young families in your community.