News from the Front Lines
Two wars continue to impact Israel—one with Hamas and one with Hezbollah—though a newly brokered ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon offers hope for peace. As followers of Christ, we are called to view these conflicts through a biblical lens, recognizing God’s image in all people and His covenant relationship with the Jewish people (Genesis 12:3).
1,000 Days and Counting
Over 1,000 days into Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the world grapples with compassion fatigue as the conflict persists. As followers of Jesus, we are called to seek justice and defend the oppressed, trusting that ultimate vengeance and restoration belong to God (Romans 12:19).
The Great Assembly
Worshiping God in the “great assembly” calls for unsealed lips and bold declarations of His goodness, much like the passionate expressions we see at ballgames or concerts. As part of this great congregation, your role is simply to stand, speak, and proclaim His greatness for an audience of One.
The Art of Balanced Change: Leadership, Patience, and the Slow Dance of Progress
Church leadership often involves balancing vision with patience, moving people toward change at a pace they can handle. Navigating the four stages of change—designing, communicating, implementing, and adopting—requires strategic pauses, relational wisdom, and a commitment to lead with people in mind.
From Programs to People: How Shifting Focus Can Revitalize a Church Community
In many churches today, the temptation to focus on programs can overshadow the deeper purpose of disciple-making, leading to a disconnect between leaders and the people they serve. Shifting from a program-centric approach to prioritizing personal connections fosters transformative relationships that encourage spiritual growth and community engagement.
Calling vs. Vocation: A Crucial Distinction for Church Leaders
In ministry, it’s easy to confuse our calling with our vocation, seeing them as one and the same. But calling goes beyond the duties we perform; it’s rooted in our relationship with Christ and our identity in Him. When we prioritize abiding in Christ, our work becomes an overflow of that connection, enriching our lives and our ministries with genuine purpose and balance.
The Peace Out There
True peace isn’t found in external circumstances but entirely in God. While we may seek peace in relationships, situations, or the world around us, the lasting peace that Jesus offers is an inward gift, independent of what’s happening out there (Jn. 16:33; Col. 3:15). As followers of Christ, we’re called to embrace and share this peace, resting in its abundance within us.
Making Marriage Work
While the wedding day may be picture-perfect, a lasting marriage takes continuous, intentional effort. By investing in quality time, openly communicating, and supporting each other emotionally, couples can build a strong foundation and embrace the beautiful, ongoing journey of marriage as a true gift from God.
Multiplying Leadership by Letting Go: The Discipleship of Delegation
As pastors and church leaders, our tendency to cling to control can hinder discipleship by preventing others from growing into their own ministry roles. True delegation—like Jesus modeled—means empowering others through guidance and support, fostering a sustainable church that can carry the mission forward for generations.
Great Power
Believers carry a greater power within them, as 1 John 4:4 assures, even amid a world resistant to truth. Our responsibility is to share this eternal truth with patience and wisdom, bringing light to those around us despite competing voices.
The Winner No More
Japan’s recent election has reshaped its government, with the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) losing its majority in the Lower House—a surprising shift after dominating Japanese politics for most of the years since 1955. This new coalition-led government will likely impact both Japan’s policies and the global stage, as Japan is the fourth-largest economy worldwide. While this news may be overshadowed by U.S. elections, it highlights the transient nature of earthly power. For Jesus followers, this serves as a reminder that while political shifts are temporary, God’s Kingdom is eternal. As Psalm 145:13 affirms, His Kingdom will endure forever, grounding us in purpose as we navigate the uncertainties of this world. We are called to invest in our eternal home, finding strength in the knowledge that God’s sovereignty surpasses all earthly powers.
Dealing with Grief During the Holidays
The holiday season can be a particularly challenging time when navigating the loss of a loved one. As Brian Hatcher shares, grief is a natural and profound part of the healing process, and it’s okay to let ourselves mourn deeply, just as Jesus did when He wept for His friend Lazarus. During this season, it’s essential to let the tears flow, share memories, and lean on loved ones rather than isolating ourselves. Embracing a “new normal” can help bring healing. By honoring past memories and creating new ones, we can find ways to experience both grief and the quiet joy of being with family and friends amidst the pain.
Lame Duck
As the 118th Congress heads into its "lame duck" session, lawmakers prepare to wrap up unfinished business with many members who won’t return for the 119th Congress. This unique period, marked by reduced accountability to voter opinions, creates a different legislative environment, especially with impending shifts in control of the White House and Senate. For Christians, this time serves as a reminder to remain vigilant and ready, as Paul encourages in 2 Timothy 4:2. While governments may change, our mission as followers of Jesus—to spread the Good News and make disciples—remains steadfast and unchanging.
It's a Wrap (Mostly)
The election results are largely in, with former President Donald Trump returning as President-elect after securing a decisive electoral win. Republicans also regained control of the U.S. Senate and maintained a narrow majority in the House. For followers of Jesus, this is a reminder that while political shifts matter, our true identity and mission are found in Christ, whose kingdom endures beyond any election cycle.
A New Cabinet
President-elect Donald Trump is shaping his administration with new cabinet appointments, including Marco Rubio as Secretary of State and Kristi Noem as Secretary of Homeland Security. This transition exemplifies the principle that “people are policy” in Washington, highlighting the impact leaders have on the nation’s direction and the blessing of a government responsive to its electorate.
Antisemitism in Amsterdam
Antisemitism has once again surfaced tragically in Amsterdam, where Israeli soccer fans were attacked following a surge of antisemitic threats, including a disturbing call for a "Jew hunt." Israeli and Dutch leaders quickly condemned the attacks, urging accountability. This incident underscores a long history of deep-rooted hatred faced by the Jewish people, dating back to biblical times. As followers of Jesus, we are reminded of the biblical truth that every person has inherent value, created in God’s image, and are called to stand against such violence, striving toward reconciliation between communities.
Multiplying Church Ministry in Your Church
The church is most alive when every member uses their unique gifts to contribute to its mission, as Paul emphasized to the church in Ephesus. Recognizing our individual limits, entrusting ministry to faithful people, giving them space to lead, and following up for growth all contribute to a thriving church body. When ministry is shared, the church’s impact is multiplied, beautifully reflecting God’s design for His people to carry out His mission together.
Russian Aggression and Allies
More than two-and-a-half years into its invasion of Ukraine, Russia shows no signs of ending the conflict, with developments such as North Korea reportedly sending 3,000 troops and Russia strengthening ties with China at the recent BRICS Summit. Meanwhile, the U.S. has pledged an additional $400 million in military support to Ukraine, sparking debate on how to address Russia's aggression. As followers of Jesus, we’re called to pray for those affected, support those under oppression (Ps. 82:3), and seek God’s wisdom as we engage in this complex conversation (Jam. 1:5).
Death in Exile
Fethullah Gulen, an exiled Islamic cleric in Pennsylvania and outspoken critic of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, passed away after years in exile. Once allies, Gulen and Erdogan became fierce adversaries, with Gulen accused—though he denied involvement—of supporting a 2006 coup attempt against Erdogan. His death leaves a void for his followers, but as believers, we recognize that only the love of Jesus Christ can fill the deepest void and offer true freedom (Jn. 8:32, Jn. 14:6).
And the Winner is . . .
The election results are in, and former President Donald Trump is set to become the 47th President of the United States. As the nation reacts to this outcome and the shifts in power within the Senate and House, one thing remains unwavering for Jesus followers: our ultimate mission. Regardless of the political landscape, we are reminded of our calling to go into all the world, declare the Gospel, and seek the peace and prosperity of our communities (Jer. 29:5-7), living from the certainty that God is still on the throne (Ps. 47:8).