As legend has it, a group of artists was trying to outdo each other in the sophistication of their artistic compositions—until the well-known German artist Albrecht Durer drew a freehand circle so perfect it could have been done with compass … Continue reading The Ministry of Making Circles
I’ve never met a Bible study leader who said, “I want to lead a shallow Bible study.” Neither have I met anyone who attended a weekly Bible study with the hopes of being bored by pointless superficialities. Regardless of our … Continue reading 3 Ways to Lead a Deeper Bible Study
“And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching …” (Acts 2:42). This tells me two things about the early church: (1) members were hungry for teaching; and (2) leaders taught. We have a pretty good idea about what they taught. … Continue reading 5 reasons the church must teach the Bible
What sometimes passes for Christian fellowship is about as nourishing as the doughnut you ate in Sunday School last week. Though enjoyable, it brings little spiritual benefit. To fellowship is to share. That’s the basic meaning of koinonia—sharing. But it’s a sharing … Continue reading Beyond the coffee and doughnuts
“Thought should be given to a more extensive use of the Word of God among us.” With that declaration, Philip Jacob Spener launched into a list of proposals he believed would reform the church. The book, Pia Desideria (“Pious Desires”), was published … Continue reading Small groups do big things
Mike Livingstone 