Blog
Explore our growing library of practical resources created to help you plant, grow, and multiply healthy churches.
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The Danger in Spiritual Disciplines: A Word of Caution About Your New Year Resolutions
Resolutions to read the Bible and pray more can be helpful. But they can also be hurtful if the underlying motivations are not deeply rooted in the good news of God’s astonishing love for you in Jesus Christ.
A Vision for the PCA: A Look Back and Ahead
Randy Pope discusses the importance of maintaining doctrinal purity and effectively equipping church members to share their faith in a culturally relevant manner. He notes a decline in the vitality of his denomination, advocating for a balance of doctrinal understanding and active mission work. Inspired by Frank Barker, he emphasizes the need for regular training in evangelism, urging churches to model and teach practical faith-sharing annually.
The Key to Evangelism in the 21st Century
In "Workers for Your Joy" by David Mathis, a class at Reformed Theological Seminary, led by Steve Childers, learns that "hospitality" is crucial for 21st-century evangelism, especially in the West. The article underscores hospitality's growing importance in a post-Christian society, highlighting it as an ancient, biblical strategy gaining renewed relevance for engaging with contemporary secularism.
Jerry Bridges Versus Jerry Bridges
Childers reviews Jerry Bridges' evolving theology, noting his early focus on "dependent responsibility" in his best-selling book "The Pursuit of Holiness” versus his later focus on God's grace and the gospel as the motive and means of holiness–moving away from a performance-based approach.
Leadership in Community: Groups Part 6
Learn 3 Ways to Build Strong Group Leaders: Qualifications, Structure, and Training. Discover how to develop a group leadership pipeline in your church that fosters a culture of leadership excellence.
Commitments in Community: Groups Part 5
Unlock the power of healthy group dynamics. Learn the three core commitments that will revitalize your small group engagement and develop vibrant church community.
Recommended Revelation Commentaries for Lay People (and the Top 3 For In-Depth Study)
We've curated commentaries on Revelation, classified by three views: futurist, preterist, and idealist. This unique approach aids understanding, whether you're a curious reader or seeking deeper insight into this profound book.
Health in Community: Groups Part 4
Discover the 7 elements of healthy small groups that lead to spiritual growth. Just as the health of a human body is determined by the health of its cells, so the health of a church body is found in the health of its groups. Learn more in Health in Community, Groups Series Pt 4.
Design for Community: Groups Part 3
Growing in Faith Together: The Transforming Power of Shepherding Structures: Learn how to design shepherding structures that facilitate spiritual growth and provide every member the care they need in Design for Community, Groups Series Part 3.
Purpose for Community: Groups Part 2
Learn why the Bible teaches you cannot fully mature spiritually without a true devotion to the community of a local church. Explore 3 reasons given in Scripture why all believers should regularly gather in Christian community–in the Groups Series Pt 2 by Dr. Steve Childers.
Vision for Community: Groups Part 1
Share the vision for building a new community and learn how to develop healthy groups in your church that transform lives and communities. Learn why Christian leaders from more than 60 countries representing over 300 denominations have taken this training.
Anniversary of Most Amazing & Frightening Fireworks I've Ever Seen
It's a 4th of July I will never forget. And neither will our guests. Our celebration began normally, but it ended with someone yelling at me, “That one nearly killed you, Steve!”
Knowing God as Lord in All Areas of Your Life: Essentials in Theology Part 6
Experience the transforming power of learning how to know God as Lord–not just in an isolated "spiritual life"– but in all areas of your life in the Essentials in Theology series by John Frame and Steve Childers.
Knowing God’s Attributes: Essentials in Theology Part 5
Learn how to know God and find your joy in him by understanding his two kinds of attributes that reflect who he is and what he does. You should not see God's attributes as mere characteristics of God but as reflections of his being and person. Learn more from Frame and Childers.
Knowing God’s Being: Essentials in Theology Part 4
You are at risk of dangerous error if you don't affirm two biblical truths about God that can seem contradictory. Learn how biblical analogies can help you know, love, and worship God as both high and lifted up (transcendent) and near you (immanent) in Essentials in Theology.
Knowing God as Lord: Essentials in Theology Part 3
Can you explain the meaning of God’s personal name, YHWH (Hebrew)? Learn how to know God as Yahweh, the one and only Covenant LORD, who keeps all his promises in Essentials in Theology Pt 3 by Drs. John Frame and Steve Childers.
Knowing God as Your Holy Creator and Redeemer: Essentials in Theology Part 2
Learn how to know God as your Holy Creator and Redeemer and discover why God reveals himself to you in the Bible as "high," "exalted," and "lifted up" in Essentials in Theology Pt 2 by Drs. John Frame and Steve Childers.
Dr. John Frame Honored by Westminster Seminary at 94th Commencement in Philadelphia
Dr. John Frame was honored by Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia for his “steadfast service to Christ and longstanding teaching ministry” at the seminary’s 94th annual commencement ceremony on May 25th. Learn more.
Tribute to My Uncle Shot Down in Battle of Midway by Steve Childers
A tribute to my military family and uncle Lloyd that includes his account (video clips) of being shot and wounded by Japanese fighter pilots in the historic battle of Midway. My grandfather, Fred Childers, was a combat medic in WWI. His oldest sons, my uncles Lloyd and Wayne, served in combat with the Navy and Marines. His youngest son, my father Lee, served in Air Force and flew in the Berlin Airlift.
Knowing God Through Scripture: Essentials in Theology Part 1
Learn the difference between "knowing God" and "knowing about God," and how the goal of theology is not merely to understand doctrine, but to apply it so we know, love, and honor God in all areas of our lives–in Essentials in Theology Pt 1 by Drs. John Frame and Steve Childers.