Lessons from a Young Church Planter By Josiah SmithOriginally published October 2019 in Evangel Magazine Free falling at over 120 mph isn’t for the faint of heart, but I thought I’d give it a try. It was a sunny day in May of 2014. My friends and I had arrived in front of the small, […]
“How is swimming in the ocean different than swimming in a pool?” It was my kids’ first time ever seeing the ocean. As I stared at the immensity of it, the dangers it presented flashed like a terrible powerpoint in my mind’s eye. I realized I had done a poor job preparing my kids for what they were about to experience. They had no concept of the dangers […]
As I have written before, during my high school and college years, I was blessed to have three true pastors, three shepherds in heart and action ( You can read about them here). Each of these men embodied the promise of God communicated through the prophet Jeremiah in chapter 3.15: “Then I will give you […]
Let’s be clear: I am not a baker. However, my wife is a phenomenal cook AND baker. One thing I’ve learned about baking is that ingredients and instructions REALLY matter. While cooking can be a bit forgiving and leaves room for creative reimagining of flavors and textures as you go, baking is more precise. It’s […]
Less “-ing” & more “pastor-“ Three years ago, I had a heart “event,” one that required a 5-day stay in the hospital. Over those five days, I met a parade of cardiologists and nurses. All of these medical practitioners were excellent: professional and personable. Except one: the nurse who woke me in the middle of […]
Introduction “One of the common denominators apparent among those who lived well, led well, and finished well, was that they had people – mentors, teachers, advisors, counselors, guides, friends – who had the love, patience, and courage to walk alongside them through various seasons, along the journey. They were the ones who noticed, not from […]
More pastors should preach like a supermodel. I know that sounds like a provocative statement, but let me explain. I do not mean that pastors should try to look stylish on stage. Nor do I intend to encourage pastors to master clever communication techniques or include ornate props in their preaching. Unfortunately, we have too […]
Matthew 28:16-20 “16 Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go.17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19Therefore go and make disciples […]
Two weeks ago, in Part One of this two-part look at church trends to anticipate in 2026, I presented nine negative trends of the year to come. You can read that article here. In this article, we turn our attention to a more encouraging subject: nine welcome trends. “Revival is Christ. . . Revival is […]
We recently asked a group of young ministers to share the opportunities they see for ministers and the Church of Jesus Christ in 2026. Here’s what they told us. I. What unique opportunities do you see for young ministers in the American church/culture in 2026? 1. Younger ministers have an opportunity to operate as true […]
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