July 2008 issue of Ministry

I first learned the term, the bystander effect, in my undergraduate social psychology class. Wikipedia defines it as "a psychological phenomenon in which someone is less likely to intervene in an emergency situation when other people are present and able to help than when he or she is alone." The article references a variety of horrific incidences in which dozens of bystanders "stood by" and did nothing as homicides occurred before their eyes.

Why is relational evangelism still the best way to introduce people to Christ?

A well-known theologian shares her concerns about the historical-critical method and its implications for ecclesiastical theology.

In this first of a two-part series, the author examines the role of deaconesses in the New Testament and early church.

Why self-denial, self-sacrifice, and total commitment of church members is required to grow the church.

Christianity reveals to us a God who understands our pain and shares our sorrow.

A physician shares insights from his ministry that can assist pastors in caring for the infirmed.

An illustrated Bible story caught my attention. The artist had taken dramatic license in the rendition of a hatchet that had sprouted hands and feet with little fins—the swimming ax head. Subsequently, I’ve discovered this story is much more instructive of God’s leadership principles than mere entertainment.