Summer 2005

America’s dirty little secret is neither little nor secret. So these pastors are taking it on.

5 practices that take small groups beyond polite “sharing” to the disciplines that change lives.

What I considered a horrible idea turned into a moment of transformation.

What’s tougher than building a church from scratch? Changing an existing one.

What is spiritual formation? And how does a church do it? A professor and pastor discuss the new language of making disciples.

As New Orleans’ churches anticipate digging out after the hurricane, this pastor journals a few hopeful thoughts.

Why it’s time to raise the bar.

Can preaching really change anyone?

Here’s what ministry wives wish their husbands knew.

Children may be the people most receptive to quiet, reflective spiritual formation.

Mentor and sage Fred Smith receives lots of questions from leaders, and sometimes his greatest gift back is to reframe them.

Is your worship service a banquet or a bust?

Tired of the usual staff meetings, we took our leadership retreat on the road—to see John Wesley.

Spiritual strength, as the renowned evangelist experienced it, means remaining connected to the Source.

There’s more to it than doing good deeds.

Texas churches and corporations find a creative way to help their community.

Frustrated by his ineffectiveness, this pastor did something … he admitted the truth. The first step toward change.