Many churches can tell you exactly how many people were baptized last year. But when was the last time the congregation was fed at the Lord's Table with any regularity? We've been feeding the visitors while the flock goes hungry.

Not everyone on your ministry team needs a seminary degree or a working knowledge of church history. That's not the bar. The bar is simpler than that — and more important: can they affirm, in good conscience, what your church believes? Because a confused staff doesn't quietly stay confused. It leaks out. And it always finds its way to the people in the pew.

The church does not exist to be a conversion machine. It exists to be a community of worshippers, broken, undeserving, unimpressive people who have been captured by the grace of an unshakable Savior.

I had hoped to finish this rewrite of Christ the Lord Is Risen Today a couple of months ago, but life had other plans, so here it is, newly arranged with a fresh chorus, and my prayer is that it’s something the church will truly love to sing. LISTEN HERE! Christ The Lord Is Risen Today Christ the Lord is risen today, Alleluia! Earth and heaven in chorus say, Alleluia! Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia! Sing, ye heavens, and earth reply, Alleluia! Love's redeeming w