Three trends defined the major headlines of 2017: widening fissures along cultural, political, and racial lines; tragedy caused by natural disasters and human hands; and, of course, a preoccupation with the sensational and extraordinary.
Perhaps that’s why our favorite articles published by CTPastors.com in 2017 highlight themes of unity and partnership, hope and healing, and discovering sacred meaning in ordinary work. You may have missed these articles the first time around, but we encourage you to give them some of your time today. They represent some of the best CTPastors.com has to offer: time-tested wisdom and practical solutions for hardworking servants in ministry.
Pastor, How Do You Pray for Your Church?
10 ministry leaders respond.
By Mandy Smith, Joshua Ryan Buter, Lee Eclov, and more.
Uniting a Violence-Plagued City in Prayer
Neither death threats nor tepid response discouraged two pastors from praying over every murder site in their city for years.
By Matt Woodley and Trevor McMaken
I Voted Clinton. He Voted Trump. We Still Do Ministry Together.
How my right-hand man and I reconciled our political differences for the sake of our church.
By Jill Richardson
How to Woo People into God’s Story
Step down from the stage and guide them in the learning experience.
By Scottie May
The Busy Pastor’s Guide to Inbox Shalom
A clear email inbox is a ministry aid. Here’s how to get (and stay) there.
By Abram Kielsmeier-Jones
Ministry on the Alaskan Frontier
Curtis Ivanoff talks leadership and reconciliation in America’s most diverse census tract.
Interview by Amy Simpson
How Churches Can Partner with Outside Counselors
It’s about supplementing, not replacing, pastoral care.
By Rebecca Meyer and Gerald Hiestand
Planting Disciple-Making Churches in the City
What does it take to grow healthy congregations in this hostile environment?
Interview by Maina Mwaura
4 Ways to Invite God into Your Planning Meetings
Put the ministry back in your administration.
By Mandy Smith
3 Ways to Make Your Church a Healthier Place to Work
Is your staff experiencing a spiritual crisis right under your nose?
By Scott Whaley
