Over the next few months, we're going to dip into the Book of Philippians for its insights into spiritual growth and formation. I hope you'll join me in studying this wonderful letter to an early church that remains as relevant and life-changing as ever. This week we look at three verses from the second chapter.

Fall is here even though the weather remains hot and muggy. I know because my son has started football practice. School will start soon. The routines are shifting.

At our church, children's ministry volunteers get some time off in the summer but come back in the fall. Our fall ministry kick-off happens this weekend.

What will make this a successful ministry year? Splashy décor in the classrooms? Better worship music? The perfect curriculum?

Philippians 2 opens with a call to unity, and I would argue that the unity created by humbly serving one another will strengthen your ministry much more than any bells and whistles you may add.

According to the text, our lives should be marked ...