![Build True Community through Service Build True Community through Service](https://www-images.christianitytoday.com/images/48847.jpg?h=168&w=300)
What would it look like to build community with servanthood as the foundation, to shift from an independent mindset to interdependence?
Our culture values community with words, but individualism with actions. When the rubber hits the road, it’s often not about “we”; ...
![How to Really Serve a Community How to Really Serve a Community](https://www-images.christianitytoday.com/images/48839.jpg?h=168&w=300)
Have you ever experienced someone trying to help you in a way that wasn’t all that helpful? As a new mom, this is something I experience often. Someone gives advice that’s more discouraging than helpful. Another person offers to pick me up for lunch—not realizing ...
![Leading to the Ends of the Earth Leading to the Ends of the Earth](https://www-images.christianitytoday.com/images/48643.jpg?h=168&w=300)
According to Acts 1:8, the last promise Jesus gave his disciples was that “when the Holy Spirit comes upon you…you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
That ...
![Finding Communal Joy in Lament Finding Communal Joy in Lament](https://www-images.christianitytoday.com/images/48642.jpg?h=168&w=300)
ISIS. Ebola in West Africa. Syria. The recent Middle East conflagration. Flight MH17. I stand in front of the congregation. How does my denomination’s expression of Christian worship and life together, teased out over 90 minutes every Sunday morning, mean anything really, ...
![Include Your Children in Life-Changing Decisions Include Your Children in Life-Changing Decisions](https://www-images.christianitytoday.com/images/47866.jpg?h=168&w=300)
Standing on the driveway with my teenage daughter, we watch silently as her childhood bed and miniature table and chairs, packed in the back of a truck, pull away and drive down the street, around the corner, and onto the highway. Words aren’t necessary. We’ve ...
![When Loving Your Sheep Hurts When Loving Your Sheep Hurts](https://www-images.christianitytoday.com/images/47864.jpg?h=168&w=300)
Tears rolled down my face as I confessed my agony to a friend: “I love God and I love the church, but I don’t want anything to do with God’s people right now.”
It was a shocking confession that came after a deep betrayal in ministry. Someone I loved ...
![Saying Goodbye to Volunteer Leaders Saying Goodbye to Volunteer Leaders](https://www-images.christianitytoday.com/images/46769.jpg?h=168&w=300)
Leaders naturally cycle in and out of ministry. When it’s a positive parting of ways, create an environment where the leader is honored for their service and students, parents, and other leaders have a chance to voice their thanks. Make this a consistent ritual for ...