We hear a lot about community today in both society and the church. What the world promotes is a watered-down contrast to the teachings of Jesus. As Christian leaders, our goal is to develop in our ministry settings an uncommon-unity, based on the Word of God and prayerful pursuit of genuine Christian community.

What Jesus developed with his disciples is embodied in the truest sense of the word community. ...

Topics:	Christian life, Community, Evangelism, Fellowship, Missions, Spiritual friendship, Unity
Filters:	Counseling, Discipleship, Pastor, Shepherd, Singles ministry, Small group leader, Small groups
Purpose:	Evangelism
References:	Matthew 10:24-27, Luke 9:1-5
Date Added:	July 11, 2007

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus provides a hidden camera view into God's heart with his comments regarding the final judgment: "When you visited them (prisoners, orphans, and hungry) you visited me—enter into the joy of your reward" (Matthew 25:35-37, NIV). Jesus makes what seemed obvious to him, apparent to his followers by pointing out that it counted to him when they anonymously cared for ...

Topics:	Compassion, Evangelism, Kindness, Seekers, Service, Spiritual friendship, Unchurched
Filters:	Evangelism, Outreach, Service
Purpose:	None
References:	Matthew 10:42, Matthew 25:35-37
Date Added:	July 11, 2007

Over the past few years, I have been privileged to enter a world that I really did not know very well. It is the world of the unchurched. Now, like many Christians, I have interacted with the unchurched, worked with the unchurched, socialized with the unchurched, and witnessed to the unchurched.

But I have been a Christian for more than 30 years. I really did not understand the hearts and the mindsets ...

Topics:	Culture, Demographics, Evangelism, Growth, Outreach, Seekers, Spiritual friendship, Trends, Unchurched, Visitors & guests
Filters:	Church staff, Elder, Evangelism, Missions, Outreach, Pastor, Worship leader
Purpose:	Evangelism
References:	Matthew 28:19
Date Added:	July 11, 2007