Tree of Life Ministries

Why we will no longer be a welcoming church

We’ve decided to quit being a welcoming church. No kidding. We’re giving it up. Like so many congregations, we’ve sunk an amazing amount of time and energy into becoming a welcoming church. We changed worship styles, trained greeters and ushers, wore name tags, brewed coffee, went to workshops on hospitality and put our friendliest people …

What does Jesus think about Homosexuality?

Is homosexuality a sin? It’s an age-old question, and there are people on both sides of the debate, each quoting their Bibles. How do we know who’s right? What would Jesus do if he were…

What the Bible Really Says About Homosexuality

There is a lot of unnecessary confusion about what the Bible is really saying about homosexuality. Dr. Michael Brown offers five key scriptural truths that dismantle the modern-day argument that God's Word condones the homosexual ...

Why Homosexuality Is Not Like Other Sins

Homosexuality is not the only sin prohibited in the Bible, but it is different from all the rest, at least right now. And we have really good news for homosexuals.

How I Express My Gratitude to the People Who Care for Me

How To Reach Unchurched People Who Don't Think They Need God

I read a survey the other day that made me literally sit up straight as I took notice. The number of people in Canada (my country) who profess “no religion” is now at 24%, up from 16.5% a decade earlier. That’s a massive shift in a mere ten years. As I reflect on it all,…

10 Things I Have Learned Leading Church Change

I left the church planting world to help revitalize and grow an established church. It’s proven to be challenging – maybe slightly more than I thought it would be<br>But, God has allowed us to experience incredible energy and excitement. I am not big on sharing numbers in this format, but let me simply say – God is working. Amazingly working. The potential in the days ahead is astounding to me.<br>Needless to say, there has been a lot of change since I…

ID Card Benefits for Religious Organizations

Find out how religious organizations and church groups are using ID card technology to help identify church members and keep them more secure.

10 Tips for Creating Inclusive Religious Organizations

We are a stronger country when religious organizations of all faiths live up to our values -- when we are welcoming, diverse, moral, and respect one anot...

What the Church Misunderstands About Urban Ministry

"We need to come and think about new ways that we are engaging with people in the city."

Why your church should consider starting a homeless ministry

As an associate and senior pastor, I have been blessed to serve two churches that developed minis...

Should Children’s Ministry Be Church-Centered or Family-Centered?

We have the responsibility to train our children in the faith, and yet the whole church has this responsibility to hold parents accountable.

What Ministry Expectations Does Your Church Have?

When it comes to ministry expectations, what does your youth ministry ask of its members?

Sending Missionaries Well: How Churches Support Global Ministry

A church that has missionaries is not the same as a church that sends missionaries. So what might it look like to send missionaries as God would have us?

Should I Give to My Local Church First ... or to Other Ministries?

"The institutional church should lead the way in being generous with its resources."

Paying for Church Ministry…Who Decides? Me or My Millennial Friend?

Lecturing my millennial friend on the priorities of giving won't accomplish much. Truth is, he has a lot more to say about how and when church ministry will be paid for than I do.

WHY I STAY: 'I finally found a church home and a ministry that woke my faith.'

I finally found a church home and a ministry that woke my faith.

Seven Reasons Why Your Church Should Have a Ministry to Widows

Though the biblical mandate to care for widows should be sufficient motive for our churches, consider some of the struggles widows experience.

When You’ve Lost Your Vision for Your Church or Ministry

Keeping a vision alive for your church or ministry isn’t always easy. Sometimes the tough work of leading people eats away at our vision. At other times, the day-to-day grind of maintaining a minis…

What Is a Parachurch Ministry? Our Commitment to Love the Local Church

What are parachurch ministries, and how should they relate to the church?