Zach Zehnder's Blog, page 4
October 21, 2024
087: Zach and Allison Zehnder on Balancing Marriage and Writing Together, What It Was Like Growing Up in Togo, West Africa, and Why Red Letter Advent Is A Passion Project
Zach and Allison discuss what it’s like to balance working together and staying married to one another. Also, discover what motivated them to write Red Letter Advent, why you should take your church through the Advent journey, discovering the meaning behind hope, peace, joy, and love. To learn more about the podcast or access the show notes, visit www.redletterpodcast.com.
Today’s sponsor is our newest resource Red Letter Advent, which is available to order now! Red Letter Advent is a 25-day devotional that is perfect for your church. For December 1-25, readers will be invited to unbox the four gifts of hope, peace, joy, and love that Jesus so desperately wants for them to not only open but give away to others. Not only will readers go through a powerful journey but so will the whole church. Alongside the book, we provide every other resource your church would need for FREE for a powerful month of December, including sermons, small group videos (or for those that do midweek, you can use them for your midweek offerings), kids curriculum, daily family questions, graphics, you name it.
You can check out our bulk pricing and all of the FREE resources we are building for this project at www.redletteradvent.com. So, get in now, today, you can’t wait any longer, and lock your church into a powerful month of December with Red Letter Advent. You can find all the details at www.redletteradvent.com.
Resources mentioned in the episod
Key insights from the episode:Your wife’s opinion should count at least double everyone else’s because she’s the one still sticking around at the end of the day. – Zach Zehnder
You never make something from scratch: you either learn from the school of hard knocks or you are doing a lot of research. – Allison Zehnder
The wonderful thing about writing is that there is a backspace button. – Allison Zehnder
Write something every day. – Allison Zehnder
In all the glitz of Christmas, don’t forget the why. – Zach Zehnder
Red Letter Advent helps church leaders focus on the most important thing at Christmas: Jesus. – Zach Zehnder.
Zach and Allison Zehnder’s Challenge: Make a plan for Advent this year.
Are you following Jesus?
Many want to be greater followers of Jesus but don’t know how. We extensively studied everything Jesus commanded of us and located five key targets to which Jesus invited His followers. The five targets are Being, Forgiving, Serving, Giving, and Going.
In partnership with LifeWay Research, we created a Red Letter Challenge Assessment that will measure you according to these five targets. And the best news of all: it’s free! You will get results back immediately and be presented with the next steps to help you become an even greater follower of Jesus.
You can take the FREE Red Letter Challenge Assessment here.
Watch the entire season for free:We’ll be uploading every episode of The Red Letter Disciple on our YouTube Channel. If you aren’t subscribed already, you can do so here.
The post 087: Zach and Allison Zehnder on Balancing Marriage and Writing Together, What It Was Like Growing Up in Togo, West Africa, and Why Red Letter Advent Is A Passion Project appeared first on Red Letter Living.
October 14, 2024
086: Robby Angle on the #1 Key for an Effective Small Group Ministry, and How to Lead a Small Group People Will Talk About the Rest of their Lives
Robby Angle is the Discipleship Advisor for RightNow Media, a company that owns the world’s largest library of Bible study videos. Robby is also the president and CEO of True Face and a professional counselor whose vast experience with small groups makes him one of the leading experts on small group formation. He lives in Dawsonville, GA, with his wife, Emily, and their eight children. To learn more about the podcast or access the show notes, visit www.redletterpodcast.com.
Today’s episode is brought to you by RightNow Media.
Every pastor knows the importance of small groups to help spur on discipleship, and RightNow Media is THE #1 platform. Church leaders can visit www.rightnowmedia.org to learn more about us and schedule a free demo.
RightNow Media is the world’s largest library of Bible study videos. With a RightNow Media subscription, everyone in your ministry gets unlimited access to over 25,000 discipleship resources from Christian leaders like me and Robby, as well as Francis Chan, Jennie Allen, Derwin Gray, and more. Visit www.rightnowmedia.org to schedule your free, in-depth tour of the video library today.
Additionally, church leaders, I want to invite you to register for a FREE webinar that I’ll be doing in November with RightNow Media on their platform. It’s November 13th 12-1PM CT and it’s all around helping churches define discipleship targets, so they can measure the impact of their discipleship efforts. So, you can visit www.rightnowmedia.org/webinars and register for that. I’m so pumped to be on their platform helping thousands of pastors and would love to have you there.
Resources mentioned in the episod
The Cure: What If God Isn’t Who You Think He Is And Neither Are You
The Cure for Groups: How to Lead a Small Group that People Will Talk About the Rest of Their Lives
NorthPoint Community Church in Atlanta, GA
Key insights from the episode:If God designed us to grow through the context of relationships, then any church with over 50 adults should create an environment that’s more conducive for relational growth. – Robby Angle
The number one question to ask for small groups is what is our pipeline for the formation of leaders? – Robby Angle
A small group that has a shared mission outside of shared study content is often the most impactful. – Robby Angle
One of the greatest differentiators of a group was whether they got away for at least one night together a year. – Robby Angle
Small groups that only focus on “know more and sin less” goals are not focused on the gospel and are not successful. – Robby Angle
65% of the efficacy of small groups depends on the leader. – Robby Angle
Once you taste the freedom of being fully known and loved in a small group, you don’t go back to Supper Club mediocracy. – Robby Angle
Pastors know disciple-making is important, but they don’t know how to do it. – Zach Zehnder
Robby Angle’s Challenge: Ask, “God, what do you want me to know, and what do you want me to do?”
Are you following Jesus?
Many want to be greater followers of Jesus but don’t know how. We extensively studied everything Jesus commanded of us and located five key targets to which Jesus invited His followers. The five targets are Being, Forgiving, Serving, Giving, and Going.
In partnership with LifeWay Research, we created a Red Letter Challenge Assessment that will measure you according to these five targets. And the best news of all: it’s free! You will get results back immediately and be presented with the next steps to help you become an even greater follower of Jesus.
You can take the FREE Red Letter Challenge Assessment here.
Watch the entire season for free:We’ll be uploading every episode of The Red Letter Disciple on our YouTube Channel. If you aren’t subscribed already, you can do so here.
The post 086: Robby Angle on the #1 Key for an Effective Small Group Ministry, and How to Lead a Small Group People Will Talk About the Rest of their Lives appeared first on Red Letter Living.
October 7, 2024
085: Daniel Im on The Discipleship Opportunity to Interested Christians and Non-Christians, How to Avoid Pandering to Consumerism, and the Problems with the Church Growth Movement
Daniel Im is a pastor, podcaster, and author of The Discipleship Opportunity, a brand new book. His goal in discipleship is friendship by investing time, money, and energy in others, but specifically stewarding his time well to reach both believers and unbelievers who are interested. To learn more about the podcast or access the show notes, visit www.redletterpodcast.com.
Today’s episode is brought to you by Dwelling 1:14. Led by Pastor Greg Finke, Dwelling 1:14 is a discipleship organization that comes alongside pastors and leaders to help them intentionally disciple their people. Greg has worked with hundreds of churches and tens of thousands of people. He has developed a year-long training process that helps your church produce greater disciples in their everyday lives. He’s an experienced practitioner and mentor, and he’s ready to help your church. You can contact him and learn more about this year-long process here.
Also, check out a webinar I had with Greg Finke in June of this year to help your church create a discipleship plan.
Resources mentioned in the episod
Planting Missional Churches by Ed Stetzer
ImBetween Podcast: Marriage and Parenting Podcast
The Making of a Leader by Frank Damazio
Key insights from the episode:In Canada, the church knows it is in the margins. – Daniel Im
When the pews are empty, pastors don’t just think they are doing something wrong; we think we’re wrong. – Daniel Im
The church growth movement started out of a reaction to churches as country clubs. – Daniel Im
After the pandemic, we all became very possessive of our time. – Daniel Im
Christian consumers are those who say they “watch” you. – Daniel Im
Gen Z and Gen Alpha are some of the most spiritual, open generations we’ve ever seen. – Daniel Im
If you chase uninterested Christians, you are just pandering to consumerism. – Daniel Im
Daniel Im’s Challenge: Pray the prayer: “Here I am, Lord.”
Are you following Jesus?Many want to be greater followers of Jesus but don’t know how. We extensively studied everything Jesus commanded of us and located five key targets to which Jesus invited His followers. The five targets are Being, Forgiving, Serving, Giving, and Going.
In partnership with LifeWay Research, we created a Red Letter Challenge Assessment that will measure you according to these five targets. And the best news of all: it’s free! You will get results back immediately and be presented with the next steps to help you become an even greater follower of Jesus.
You can take the FREE Red Letter Challenge Assessment here.
Watch the entire season for free:We’ll be uploading every episode of The Red Letter Disciple on our YouTube Channel. If you aren’t subscribed already, you can do so here.
The post 085: Daniel Im on The Discipleship Opportunity to Interested Christians and Non-Christians, How to Avoid Pandering to Consumerism, and the Problems with the Church Growth Movement appeared first on Red Letter Living.
September 30, 2024
084: Brian Mueller on the Exploding Growth of Grand Canyon University (GCU), and How This Massive University Has a Plan to Raise Up Disciples
President Brian Mueller joined Grand Canyon University in July 2008, transforming it from a financially struggling institution into a driving force in higher education. Under his leadership, campus enrollment grew from 2,600 to over 25,200, and online enrollment soared to nearly 93,500 students. To learn more about the podcast or access the show notes, visit www.redletterpodcast.com.
Today’s sponsor is Child Beyond International (CBI).
I love the work that Child Beyond International does in Guatemala. This is a mission organization that is the most intentional overseas organization about rescuing the vulnerable that I’ve ever seen. They reach the kids that even other great mission organizations may miss. And I’d love for you to check out this organization and be changed in just 10,000 minutes! Why 10,000? Because 10,000 minutes is the exact amount of time spent on a seven-day mission trip. Child Beyond International has everything set up for you and your church to experience a powerful overseas mission trip that will not only change the life of someone in Guatemala, but amazingly, it changes lives for those who go on the mission trip as well. You and your church can be transformed in just 10,000 minutes.
Truthfully, in my life, I can point to the impact that overseas missions trips had perhaps more than anything else in my faith formative years. And even still in my adulthood when I’ve had the chance to go. It changes my perspective, restores my purpose, and it grows my faith unlike any experience I’ve ever had.
Mission trips are one of the most effective faith-building discipleship opportunities God provides for us, not only to make a huge spiritual difference in the life of one soul at a time, but in each one of our own spiritual lives as well! So, today, I invite you to check out the great work of our partner at their website www.childbeyond.org.
Also, check out my webinar with CBI Founder Jeff Mueller about how you can join a powerful global mission effort like CBI.
Resources mentioned in the episodKey insights from the episode:I never stopped coaching, I just have a bigger team now. – Brian Mueller
I think the two greatest ideas in history that created the most prosperous society in the world are the free market system and the Christian worldview perspective. – Brian Mueller
We have created 16,000 jobs in the area since we moved here. – Brian Mueller
We wanted our faith expression to be visible, relentless, and identifying with those people who have the least of these. That’s the irresistible way to live. – Brian Mueller
What people thought would be a detriment (poverty location) has turned out to be an absolute blessing. – Brian Mueller
70% of our students are Christians, that means 30% are not. – Brian Mueller
I see a desire in millennials to serve. – Brian Mueller
We need to get kids believing that they are going to have a ministry in whatever occupation they are doing. Briin Mueller
We haven’t raised tuition in sixteen years. – Brian Mueller
Brian Mueller’s Challenge: Don’t be afraid to take the Word of God very seriously.
Are you following Jesus?Many want to be greater followers of Jesus but don’t know how. We extensively studied everything Jesus commanded of us and located five key targets to which Jesus invited His followers. The five targets are Being, Forgiving, Serving, Giving, and Going.
In partnership with LifeWay Research, we created a Red Letter Challenge Assessment that will measure you according to these five targets. And the best news of all: it’s free! You will get results back immediately and be presented with the next steps to help you become an even greater follower of Jesus.
You can take the FREE Red Letter Challenge Assessment here.
Watch the entire season for free:We’ll be uploading every episode of The Red Letter Disciple on our YouTube Channel. If you aren’t subscribed already, you can do so here.
The post 084: Brian Mueller on the Exploding Growth of Grand Canyon University (GCU), and How This Massive University Has a Plan to Raise Up Disciples appeared first on Red Letter Living.
084: Brian Mueller on the Exploding Growth of Grand Canyon University (GCU), and How This Public University Has a Plan to Raise Up Disciples
President Brian Mueller joined Grand Canyon University in July 2008, transforming it from a financially struggling institution into a driving force in higher education. Under his leadership, campus enrollment grew from 2,600 to over 25,200, and online enrollment soared to nearly 93,500 students. To learn more about the podcast or access the show notes, visit www.redletterpodcast.com.
Today’s sponsor is Child Beyond International (CBI).
I love the work that Child Beyond International does in Guatemala. This is a mission organization that is the most intentional overseas organization about rescuing the vulnerable that I’ve ever seen. They reach the kids that even other great mission organizations may miss. And I’d love for you to check out this organization and be changed in just 10,000 minutes! Why 10,000? Because 10,000 minutes is the exact amount of time spent on a seven-day mission trip. Child Beyond International has everything set up for you and your church to experience a powerful overseas mission trip that will not only change the life of someone in Guatemala, but amazingly, it changes lives for those who go on the mission trip as well. You and your church can be transformed in just 10,000 minutes.
Truthfully, in my life, I can point to the impact that overseas missions trips had perhaps more than anything else in my faith formative years. And even still in my adulthood when I’ve had the chance to go. It changes my perspective, restores my purpose, and it grows my faith unlike any experience I’ve ever had.
Mission trips are one of the most effective faith-building discipleship opportunities God provides for us, not only to make a huge spiritual difference in the life of one soul at a time, but in each one of our own spiritual lives as well! So, today, I invite you to check out the great work of our partner at their website www.childbeyond.org.
Also, check out my webinar with CBI Founder Jeff Mueller about how you can join a powerful global mission effort like CBI.
Resources mentioned in the episodKey insights from the episode:I never stopped coaching, I just have a bigger team now. – Brian Mueller
I think the two greatest ideas in history that created the most prosperous society in the world are the free market system and the Christian worldview perspective. – Brian Mueller
We have created 16,000 jobs in the area since we moved here. – Brian Mueller
We wanted our faith expression to be visible, relentless, and identifying with those people who have the least of these. That’s the irresistible way to live. – Brian Mueller
What people thought would be a detriment (poverty location) has turned out to be an absolute blessing. – Brian Mueller
70% of our students are Christians, that means 30% are not. – Brian Mueller
I see a desire in millennials to serve. – Brian Mueller
We need to get kids believing that they are going to have a ministry in whatever occupation they are doing. Briin Mueller
We haven’t raised tuition in sixteen years. – Brian Mueller
Brian Mueller’s Challenge: Don’t be afraid to take the Word of God very seriously.
Are you following Jesus?Many want to be greater followers of Jesus but don’t know how. We extensively studied everything Jesus commanded of us and located five key targets to which Jesus invited His followers. The five targets are Being, Forgiving, Serving, Giving, and Going.
In partnership with LifeWay Research, we created a Red Letter Challenge Assessment that will measure you according to these five targets. And the best news of all: it’s free! You will get results back immediately and be presented with the next steps to help you become an even greater follower of Jesus.
You can take the FREE Red Letter Challenge Assessment here.
Watch the entire season for free:We’ll be uploading every episode of The Red Letter Disciple on our YouTube Channel. If you aren’t subscribed already, you can do so here.
The post 084: Brian Mueller on the Exploding Growth of Grand Canyon University (GCU), and How This Public University Has a Plan to Raise Up Disciples appeared first on Red Letter Living.
September 22, 2024
083: Chris Willard on the The Best Question to Ask to Increase Generosity, The Difference Between Stewardship and Generosity, and How to Grow a Fabulous Mustache
Chris Willard, co-author of Contagious Generosity, is a connector, consultant, and communicator with over 30 years of ministry leadership experience. As Co-Founder and CEO of Elevate Group, he helps churches increase engagement and multiply results by partnering with major faith-based organizations globally. To learn more about the podcast or access the show notes, visit www.redletterpodcast.com.
Today’s episode partner is FiveTwo. The FiveTwo team has grown healthy churches for over thirty years. They understand how to grow churches in a rapidly changing culture without burning out staff and lay leaders.
Every major church denomination in the U.S. has experienced a decline since the 1960s, a trend the pandemic didn’t initiate but rather accelerated. What are we, as people who love the local church, to do about this reality?
FiveTwo has spent the last four years identifying the four key cultural trends thriving churches address. They’ve helped countless churches address these trends and thrive. They’ve put all their learnings, along with case studies, into a free resource that you can download at fivetwo.com today. Discover how well your congregation is managing these forces and what you can do to grow.
Also, check out my webinar this past June with Founder of FiveTwo Bill Woolsey.
Resources mentioned in the episode:Contagious Generosity by Chris Willard
True Riches by Greg Baumer and John Cortines
Key insights from the episode:The Sermon of the Mount could also be called “The Sermon of the Amount.” – Chris Willard
We have been conditioned that giving is graduate-level discipleship stuff. – Chris Willard
If you really believe it’s more blessed to give than receive, you will tell me early. – Chris Willard
Giving is a 5,000-year-old idea. – Chris Willard
Make the offering moment a meaningful moment. – Chris Willard
Jesus does not do “soft asks.” – Zach Zehnder
Giving should be personal, but not private and secret. – Chris Willard
We do the ministry of asking for money not because of what we want from them, but what we want for them. Chris Willard
Stewardship and generosity are two sides of the same coin. – Chris Willard
The wealth that God has given you in your lifetime could be the death of your family. – Chris Willard
Chris Willard’s Challenge: Ask how much of God’s money does he want me to keep?
Are you following Jesus?Many want to be greater followers of Jesus but don’t know how. We extensively studied everything Jesus commanded of us and located five key targets to which Jesus invited His followers. The five targets are Being, Forgiving, Serving, Giving, and Going.
In partnership with LifeWay Research, we created a Red Letter Challenge Assessment that will measure you according to these five targets. And the best news of all: it’s free! You will get results back immediately and be presented with the next steps to help you become an even greater follower of Jesus.
You can take the FREE Red Letter Challenge Assessment here.
Watch the entire season for free:We’ll be uploading every episode of The Red Letter Disciple on our YouTube Channel. If you aren’t subscribed already, you can do so here.
The post 083: Chris Willard on the The Best Question to Ask to Increase Generosity, The Difference Between Stewardship and Generosity, and How to Grow a Fabulous Mustache appeared first on Red Letter Living.
September 17, 2024
082: Brenna Blain on Finding Jesus in Her Struggles with Same-Sex Attraction, Suicidal Thoughts, Bi-Polar Disorder, and More
Brenna Blain is a contemporary theologian and public speaker who preaches about who Jesus is near. She is not afraid to ask God hard questions. Now, she is an author. Her brand new book, “Can I Say That? How Unsafe Questions Lead us to the Real God” is out now! To learn more about the podcast or access the show notes, visit www.redletterpodcast.com.
Today’s podcast is brought to you by our partner’s newest resource called Red Letter Advent. This product is only available to order for one final day (September 17th)! Red Letter Advent is a 25-day devotional that is perfect for your church. For December 1-25, readers will be invited to unbox the four gifts of hope, peace, joy, and love that Jesus so desperately wants for them to not only open but give away to others. Not only will readers go through a powerful journey but so will the whole church. Alongside the book, we provide every other resource your church would need for FREE for a powerful month of December including sermons, small group or midweek videos, kids curriculum, daily family questions, graphics, you name it. But the only way to guarantee it for your church is to get your orders in today. Retail is $20 per book, but our current sale has the books 25-35% off with a minimum order of 25 books or more. Because of the seasonality of this product, we cannot guarantee a church books if they choose not to get in now. So, get in now, and lock your church into a powerful month of December with Red Letter Advent. You can find all the details or grab a FREE sample at www.redletteradvent.com.
Can I Say That? How Unsafe Questions Lead Us to the Real God by Brenna Blain
Can I Say That? Podcast with Brenna Blain
Brenna’s Instagram: @bunonmyhead
Key insights from the episode:I was enamored with the Jesus I saw on the pages of the New Testament compared with the “Veggie Tales Jesus” I had been raised with. – Brenna Blain
My entire walk with God has been one giant taboo question. – Brenna Blain
While our society at large says your doubts and questions serve as an offramp to faith, my questions have revealed God’s character. – Brenna Blain
Jesus welcomes and invites hard questions because it’s a beautiful unveiling of who he is. Brenna Blain
Jesus meets you with compassion. – Brenna Blain
Jesus doesn’t cause suffering, but he can redeem it. – Brenna Blain
Brenna Blain’s Challenge: Who is the most difficult person in your life right now, and how can you serve them?
Are you following Jesus?Many want to be greater followers of Jesus but don’t know how. We extensively studied everything Jesus commanded of us and located five key targets to which Jesus invited His followers. The five targets are Being, Forgiving, Serving, Giving, and Going.
In partnership with LifeWay Research, we created a Red Letter Challenge Assessment that will measure you according to these five targets. And the best news of all: it’s free! You will get results back immediately and be presented with the next steps to help you become an even greater follower of Jesus.
You can take the FREE Red Letter Challenge Assessment here.
Watch the entire season for free:We’ll be uploading every episode of The Red Letter Disciple on our YouTube Channel. If you aren’t subscribed already, you can do so here.
The post 082: Brenna Blain on Finding Jesus in Her Struggles with Same-Sex Attraction, Suicidal Thoughts, Bi-Polar Disorder, and More appeared first on Red Letter Living.
September 9, 2024
081: David Ashcraft on How His Church Grew from 150 to 22,000 People, How to Measure Discipleship, and what He’s Learned from Leading the Global Leadership Summit
David Ashcraft, President and CEO of the Global Leadership Network, leads Global Leadership Network, highlighted by the Global Leadership Summit. He previously served 32 years at LCBC Church, growing it from 150 attendees to 19 locations with 22,000 weekly attendees. To learn more about the podcast or access the show notes, visit www.redletterpodcast.com.
Today’s podcast is brought to you by our newest resource called Red Letter Advent. This product is only available to order for one more week (thru 9/17/24). Red Letter Advent is a 25-day devotional that is perfect for your church. For December 1-25, readers will be invited to unbox the four gifts of hope, peace, joy, and love that Jesus so desperately wants for them to not only open but give away to others. Not only will readers go through a powerful journey but so will the whole church. Alongside the book, we provide every other resource your church would need for FREE for a powerful month of December including sermons, small group or midweek videos, kids curriculum, daily family questions, graphics, etc. But the only way to guarantee it for your church is to get your orders in now. Retail is $20 per book, but our current sale has the books 25-35% off with a minimum order of 25 books or more. Because of the seasonality of this product, we cannot guarantee a church books if they choose not to get in now. So, get in now, and lock your church into a powerful month of December with Red Letter Advent. You can find all the details or grab a FREE sample at www.redletteradvent.com.
Churches stop growing because of a systematic issue, not a spiritual issue. – David Ashcraft
If churches want to grow, you gotta look at the structure of growing churches double your size. – David Ashcraft
Lead pastors need to hire people who will cause the church to grow, not just take the load off them. – David Ashcraft
For church growth, you have to constantly be creating systems. – David Ashcraft
You can’t cookie-cutter discipleship. – David Ashcraft
Some pastors will settle for just money when they could have had all of the individuals. – David Ashcraft
The bigger the organization, the less you, as a leader, get to do. – David Ashcraft
I know we are called to teach discipleship, but the church seems to focus only on leadership. – David Ashcraft
I would love to be an advantage to every pastor I come across. – David Ashcraft
David Ashcraft’s Challenge: Up your leadership. Focus on leadership as an integral part of discipleship.
david ashcraft challengeAre you following Jesus? Many want to be greater followers of Jesus but don’t know how. We extensively studied everything Jesus commanded of us and located five key targets to which Jesus invited His followers. The five targets are Being, Forgiving, Serving, Giving, and Going.
In partnership with LifeWay Research, we created a Red Letter Challenge Assessment that will measure you according to these five targets. And the best news of all: it’s free! You will get results back immediately and be presented with the next steps to help you become an even greater follower of Jesus.
You can take the FREE Red Letter Challenge Assessment here.
Watch the entire season for free:We’ll be uploading every episode of The Red Letter Disciple on our YouTube Channel. If you aren’t subscribed already, you can do so here.
The post 081: David Ashcraft on How His Church Grew from 150 to 22,000 People, How to Measure Discipleship, and what He’s Learned from Leading the Global Leadership Summit appeared first on Red Letter Living.
September 4, 2024
6 Ways Global Mission Trips Can Transform Your Local Church
What my friend said shocked me, “Short-term mission trips aren’t helpful.”
I don’t know if I’d be where I am today if I hadn’t experienced a half-dozen mission trips in my faith-formative years. These short-term mission trips accelerated my faith and discipleship unlike anything else. And I like to believe that our teams made a difference in the lives of those we came into contact with.
When I asked my friend why, he said this is because sometimes when a group of people comes in for a week and leaves, it provides temporary relief but gives false hope.
After this, I went on my own journey to determine what I believe. I didn’t want to dismiss my friend’s thoughts. He encouraged me to read the book When Helping Hurts, and I did. I even had their author on my podcast here.
Since then, I can confidently say that short-term mission trips are absolutely helpful, but how we do them and who we partner with are of uber-importance. When I think of a mission organization helping without hurting globally, I think of Children’s HopeChest. I’ve had the privilege of going on a trip with this organization and sponsoring children in Guatemala to see their long-term impact.
In today’s blog, they share 6 ways mission trips can transform and even grow your church. And, I’d be honored if you’d join me and Wil Crooks for a one-hour webinar, on September 12th, Noon-1PM CT, called Fresh Insights on How Short-Term Mission Trips Can Grow Your Church.
Short-Term Trips, Long-Term VisionThe phrase “short-term missions” often suggests brief engagements that might not always lead to lasting change. While these trips can offer immediate, meaningful experiences, they sometimes fall short of creating the enduring impact that both the participants and the communities they aim to help truly need.
The challenge isn’t in the concept of short-term visits themselves, but in how we frame and approach them. When these trips are viewed as standalone events, their potential for fostering deep, sustainable change can be limited. However, by embracing a framework where short-term visits are part of a broader, strategic mission effort, your church can harness its full potential for lasting impact!
Mission Trips: Still Relevant and More Influential Than EverIn an era where churches face declining attendance, cultural shifts, and the rise of digital engagement, mission trips might seem outdated. However, mission trips are not only surviving but thriving. They continue to play a vital role in revitalizing local congregations and enhancing global outreach efforts.
To truly fulfill the call of Christ, churches must embrace global discipleship with bold and innovative approaches. The Great Commission commands us to “go into all the world and make disciples” (Mark 13:14), and mission trips provide a powerful avenue for fulfilling this mandate. For these trips to be effective, they must be undertaken with intentionality, wisdom, and a strategic vision for lasting impact.
Here’s why mission trips are not only still relevant but essential to growing your church and enhancing its impact on both local and global scales:
1. Reigniting FaithMission trips challenge participants to step outside their comfort zones and confront real-world situations that demand active faith. These experiences go beyond serving; they involve deep engagement with global issues and communities. The transformative nature of these trips can reignite spiritual fervor within your congregation, encouraging members to embrace a more dynamic, action-oriented faith.
2. Strengthening Congregational BondsShared experiences during mission trips—navigating new environments, overcoming obstacles, and celebrating successes—create deep, lasting connections among participants. These collaborative efforts foster a strong sense of community and unity within the church. Upon returning home, these strengthened bonds often translate into a more cohesive and supportive church body, enhancing fellowship and communal support.
3. Expanding Global and Local EngagementMission trips offer invaluable lessons from partner communities and often inspire participants to rethink their local outreach efforts. These experiences encourage increased involvement in local initiatives, volunteerism, and support for community needs. By thinking globally while acting locally, mission trips inspire a fresh vision for outreach and ministry, redefining how the church engages with the world in strategic and impactful ways.
4. Attracting and Retaining the Next GenerationMillennials and Gen Z seek authenticity, action, and purpose in their faith experiences. Engaging in sustainable and dignifying mission work can attract younger generations eager to participate in meaningful service. These trips demonstrate that your church is not just talking the talk but walking the walk, making it a compelling option for those seeking a faith that actively engages with the world.
5. Cultivating a Mission-Minded CultureMission trips help cultivate a mission-minded culture within your church. The impact of these trips is felt long after the journey ends, driving a sustained focus on mission and service that revitalizes every aspect of church life.
6. Experience the Holy Spirit in a New WayMany American Christians are crying out wanting to experience the Holy Spirit in their lives. Sadly, however, when we set up our lives with comfort and security of this world, many of us push the Holy Spirit to the fringes. To experience the power of the Holy Spirit in a new way often requires doing something that breaks you out of your comfort zone. Short-term mission trips ensure a daily reliance on God in which we experience His comfort and power. This allows us to return with confidence and boldness to continue to go where God leads us.
How Mission Trips Are Evolving to Have Greater ImpactIn today’s evolving landscape, traditional short-term mission trips—often criticized for their top-down approach—are transforming. The emphasis is now on:
Service to Partnership: Modern mission trips prioritize collaboration and co-created solutions, fostering mutual respect and sustainable outcomes.Empowering Community-Led Initiatives: Supporting local communities to address their own needs ensures culturally relevant and impactful efforts.Breaking Problematic Mindsets: Challenging the hero complex and embracing humility makes mission trips more respectful and effective in addressing root causes.Long-Term Impact Through Engagement: Continuous support and ongoing relationships ensure that mission trips lead to lasting positive change.Join Us for More Fresh InsightsTo explore how mission trips can be a transformative force for your church, join us for the Red Letter Leaders webinar featuring Wil Crooks on September 12th from Noon to 1 PM CT. This session will provide valuable insights and practical strategies for integrating missions into your church’s ministry, ensuring that your efforts are both effective and sustainable.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to gain fresh perspectives and actionable advice. Register now and take the next step toward transforming your church’s mission strategy!
Register Here: Red Letter Leaders Webinar Registration
Date: September 12th
Time: Noon to 1 PM CT
Remember, you don’t have to do ministry alone. Let’s come together to explore how mission trips can be a catalyst for growth and transformation in your church. See you there!
The post 6 Ways Global Mission Trips Can Transform Your Local Church appeared first on Red Letter Living.
September 2, 2024
080: Wil Crooks and Carolina Cardona on How to do Global Mission Work that Helps Without Hurting, and Why Relationships and Resources Are the Perfect Combo
Wil Crooks, VP of Strategic Partnerships at Children’s HopeChest, mobilizes resources for the oppressed alongside Carolina Cardona, HopeChest Guatemala Director, who uses her U.S. business degree to serve her home country. This unique partnership has lasted for fourteen years and offers churches an opportunity like no other. To learn more about the podcast or access the show notes, visit www.redletterpodcast.com.
Today’s episode is brought to you by Children’s HopeChest. Inspired by Christ’s love, HopeChest serves vulnerable children living in poverty around the world, but that’s not where they stop. They foster real partnerships between communities, placing a huge emphasis on building relationships and two-way transformation. Their approach lines up with our mission at Red Letter to go out and serve, to be generous, and to share the love of Jesus in real, practical, tangible ways. They get into a community, establish a multi-year partnership, and then build up local leaders in the areas they work with. They develop community plans with clear exit strategies, focusing on empowerment of the local people, not a forever dependence on those of us who want to help. It truly is the “helping without hurting” model that I know as a pastor I looked for a long time in my global mission work. Plus, their transparency is impressive.
So, church leaders, pastors, if you’ve been wondering what to do globally, this is the organization for you to check out. You can visit this link to learn more about how you and your church can be a part of a global movement that’s changing lives! Finally, register below for our webinar with Wil Crooks from HopeChest on September 12th below. We’ll talk about how mission trips can grow your church and even invite you to come on a collaborative vision trip with HopeChest and Red Letter Living.
Register for HopeChest Webinar with Zach and Wil: September 12, 2024
Pastor’s Guatemala Vision Trip: March 24-29, 2025
Key insights from the episode:Relationships are key when you are doing mission work.- Carolina Cardona
Resources without relationships are transactional. – Wil Crooks
When you are out of your normal, there’s an openness for learning and being disciplined. – Wil Crooks
We are not empowering others, we are partnering with others. – Wil Crooks
People are wanting to share their lives with you. – Carolina Cardona
Through our friendship model, we equip the kids with the agency to choose their sponsor, not the other way around. – Wil Crooks
The key to a successful mission partnership is an exit strategy at the end. – Wil Crooks
Carolina Cardona’s Challenge: Go on a trip ( in your neighborhood or internationally) and learn.
Wil Crooks’ Challenge: Cross a border you have never crossed.
Many want to be greater followers of Jesus but don’t know how. We extensively studied everything Jesus commanded of us and located five key targets to which Jesus invited His followers. The five targets are Being, Forgiving, Serving, Giving, and Going.
In partnership with LifeWay Research, we created a Red Letter Challenge Assessment that will measure you according to these five targets. And the best news of all: it’s free! You will get results back immediately and be presented with the next steps to help you become an even greater follower of Jesus.
You can take the FREE Red Letter Challenge Assessment here.
Watch the entire season for free:We’ll be uploading every episode of The Red Letter Disciple on our YouTube Channel. If you aren’t subscribed already, you can do so here.
The post 080: Wil Crooks and Carolina Cardona on How to do Global Mission Work that Helps Without Hurting, and Why Relationships and Resources Are the Perfect Combo appeared first on Red Letter Living.
