Domestic violence is much more commonplace and comprehensive than most people realize — churches are not immune! Tara Aday serves as Director of Prevention and Education at Safe Haven Ministries, a faith-based Domestic Violence provider based in west Michigan. On today’s Whiteboard Wednesday video, Tara talks about the three R’s of reacting to abuse. It is a critical subject, and …
LUMINEX LEARNING EVENT: The Church’s Role in Preventing & Responding to Domestic Violence
Did you know that survivors of domestic violence are more likely to disclose their experience with abuse to pastors and ministry leaders than any other helping profession? Churches have a unique opportunity (and a pronounced responsibility) to help prevent and appropriately react to domestic violence. As experts on domestic abuse – especially as it relates to issues of faith – …
Christian Formation in the Age of Social Media
Kuyper College offers a course entitled Christian Formation in the Age of Social Media as part of their Master of Ministry program (you may inquire about this opportunity here). However, the course can also be taken as a Continuing Education opportunity by those who are not seeking a degree but simply want to grow in this area. The Continuing Ed course runs …
Elements of Growth – Whiteboard Wednesday Season 6: Episode 14
How does understanding how a lawn grows help pastors and leaders to grow a church? Watch today’s Whiteboard Wednesday video to find out!
The Lure of Comparing
Have you found yourself recently comparing yourself to another pastor, or comparing your ministry context to a place where the “grass seems greener?” We compare attendance, financial resources, facilities, and programs. In other areas of life, we might compare homes, jobs, incomes, or children’s accomplishments. We can all be drawn into the comparison trap — even those serving in churches …
Systems Thinking: Iceberg – Whiteboard Wednesday Season 6: Episode 13
A foundational truth of systems thinking is that every system is perfectly designed for the outcomes it produces. This is true in people and organizations, including churches. On today’s Whiteboard video, John Messer talks about how going beneath the surface to consider patterns/trends, underlying structures, and mental models can make a world of difference in refining our systems, and seeing different …
Discipleship as Direction – Whiteboard Wednesday Season 6: Episode 12
Referencing Daniel Im’s book, No Silver Bullets, Chad Farrand teaches us that discipleship is not a destination but a direction. Disciples only grow by the work of the Holy Spirit, but we can help people move toward Christ by identifying and helping to guide people through eight intertwined output goals. Watch today’s video to find out more!
The Tyranny of Approval
“Nevertheless, many even of the authorities believed in him, but for fear of the Pharisees they did not confess it, so that they would not be put out of the synagogue; for they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God.” (John 12:42-43) The struggle is real. As church/ministry leaders, we are constantly …
A Personal Look at ‘Perspectives’ – Whiteboard Wednesday Season 6: Episode 11
How do you even begin to answer the question, “What on earth does God want from me?” On today’s Whiteboard Wednesday video, Pastor Adam Van Der Stoep and William “Ruggles” Church discuss how ‘Perspectives’ has been instrumental for each in answering that question.
LUMINEX LEARNING EVENT: The Future of Theological Education
Registration EXTENDED to Tuesday, March 19 (CLICK HERE!) How should church leaders be trained and educated? What is the role of the local church? What is the role of institutions of theological education — the Christian college and seminary? If Christians want to successfully carry out our mission of making disciples in the coming years, we must re-think how theological …