Maybe the energy has dipped, or fewer people, especially younger ones, are showing up. If that sounds familiar, you're not alone. A lot of churches are realizing that what you used to work for may not feel quite the same anymore.

You've launched your church's Instagram page. You're posting inspiring quotes, sharing engaging videos, and even experimenting with Reels. But how do you know if it's actually making a difference?

We live in a hyper-connected world. Screens are everywhere – in our pockets, on our desks, and even in our churches. While technology offers incredible opportunities for connection, learning, and spiritual growth, it also presents challenges, especially for young people.

Gen Z. They're the generation that's practically grown up with a smartphone in hand, fluent in the language of memes and TikTok trends. But beyond the stereotypes, who are they really? And how can we, as ministry leaders, connect with them on a deeper level?

Is your youth group shrinking? Are Sunday school classes looking sparse? You're not alone. Many churches are facing a concerning trend: a decline in youth participation.

But before you throw in the towel (or the dodgeball), let's explore some of the reasons behind this shift and – more importantly – what you can do about it.

Embarking on a spiritual journey is a deeply personal and transformative experience. For those who are seeking meaning and connection outside the boundaries of traditional religion, the path may seem uncertain, yet filled with possibilities. This guide is designed to offer encouragement and resources to help you navigate your unique spiritual exploration and ultimately find your spiritual home.

In today’s shifting spiritual landscape, many people are on a quiet, personal quest. They’re not necessarily atheists or skeptics—but they’re not ready to walk back into a church either. These are the spiritually curious: individuals who are open to exploring faith, but who often carry deep wounds, doubts, or disappointments from past religious experiences.

In today’s shifting spiritual landscape, many people are on a quiet, personal quest. They’re not necessarily atheists or skeptics—but they’re not ready to walk back into a church either. These are the spiritually curious: individuals who are open to exploring faith, but who often carry deep wounds, doubts, or disappointments from past religious experiences.

Have you ever felt like you had to check a part of yourself at the door when you stepped into church or a discipleship program? Like your unique personality, your cultural background, your experiences—the very things that make you you—had to be toned down or even hidden away? 

Too often, discipleship programs feel dry, distant, and disconnected from the vibrant reality of our lives. We flip through the pages of workbooks, memorize verses, and attend lectures, but something feels missing. Where's the joy? Where's the connection to the rich heritage and cultural tapestry that makes us who we are? 

I've been sitting with some heavy thoughts lately, the kind that keep you up at night. You know, the ones where you're just wondering, "Are we really reaching our people?"

The term "volunteer industrial complex" might seem jarring at first. After all, we associate the "industrial complex" with things like the military or prisons – systems with significant power and influence. However, when it comes to volunteering, particularly in faith-based settings, this term highlights some uncomfortable truths about how we often approach service.

The Black Church: a beacon of resilience, a powerhouse of social change… and sometimes, a little slow on the tech uptake. Let's be honest: We've had reservations about new technologies, from the printing press to social media. And now, we're facing another digital frontier: artificial intelligence (AI).

Super Sunday. It's the day your congregation rolls out the red carpet, hoping to welcome new faces and grow your community.

The landscape of giving in today's churches is undergoing a profound shift.

Trust is the bedrock of any thriving community, and the Black church is no exception.

The heart of the Black church beats with a rhythm of generosity, echoing the deep-rooted tradition of giving back and supporting one another.

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