“The U.S. Assemblies of God has a mandate, a problem, and a need,” writes John Zick in the newest issue of Influencemagazine. The mandate is to evangelize the world. The problem is that youth are underrepresented among AG ministers. And … Continue reading How to Help Youth Discern the Call to Ministry | Influence Podcast
Using worldly means to accomplish heavenly ends is a persistent temptation for pastors. Today, it takes the form of corporate business models. In Paul’s day, especially at Corinth, it was professional rhetoric models that emphasized “wisdom” and “power.” Church members … Continue reading Power in Weakness | Book Review
Sam Chand argues that “tension is both inevitable and, at least in many cases, desirable in life and leadership.” If his argument seems counterintuitive to you, Harnessing the Power of Tension is a must read. Rather than avoiding tension, Chand … Continue reading Harnessing the Power of Tension | Book Review
This podcast begins with a paradox: On the one hand, the Assemblies of God recognizes the credentialed ministry of women at whatever level God has called and empowered them. On the other hand, AG women often face barriers to ministry … Continue reading Moving the Ministry of Women from Theology to Practice | Influence Podcast
“With the massive disruptions we’re facing as a result of the COVID-19 crisis of 2020 and beyond, the problems could not be more disruptive or obvious,” writes Karl Vaters. “From the lockdowns, to the unspeakable pain of the illness and … Continue reading After COVID, What? | Influence Podcast
After weeks of being closed by state and local public health orders, many churches are beginning to reopen their doors for ministry to their communities. Rather than merely reopen, however, the present moment offers churches an opportunity to relaunch. We’ll … Continue reading How to Relaunch Your Church | Influence Podcast
“While it seems as if the church should be the last place narcissism shows up,” writes Chuck DeGroat, “it does indeed—in ordinary laypeople, in clergy across all theological spectrums, and in systems that protect narcissistic people and foster abuse.” In … Continue reading The Narcissistic Leader | Influence Podcast
Over the past few weeks, churches have creatively responded to public health orders that closed their doors by going digital, offering worship experiences and small group meetings online. Is this use of digital technology a “new normal”? Or is it … Continue reading After Digital Church, What? | Influence Podcast
The coronavirus pandemic is temporarily changing the way Americans live, work, and use their free time. The federal government has asked citizens voluntarily to “[a]void social gatherings in groups of more than 10 people,” but many state and local governments … Continue reading How to Lead When Your Church Is Closed | Influence Podcast
According to the National Sexual Violence Research Center, “One in five women and one in 71 men will be raped at some point in their lives.” The center also reports that “one in three women and one in six men [will … Continue reading Ministry in the Aftermath of Sexual Violence | Influence Podcast
