Are there any poor among you? Many times we relate “poverty” with the lack of financial resources, but according to educator Dr. Ruby K. Payne poverty is defined by “the extent to which an individual does without resources”—a void of the financial, emotional, mental, spiritual, physical, relational/role model, support systems (A Framework for Understanding Poverty, 7).

I will never forget that night. As my two young boys excitedly hung ornaments on our Christmas tree with Grandma and Grandpa, holiday music playing in the background, I sat on the couch fighting back tears. I was trying to keep that night the great family tradition that it had always been. I struggled to control my emotions, but it was too much to hold in. I crumpled onto the couch...

When it comes to reaching our world with the Good News, most churches spend a majority of their time and resources inviting people to services and events during the Christmas season. We so desperately want these people to come hear the Christmas story. However, sometimes we forget that the Christmas story gives us a major hint about the nature of God. In it, He comes to us in the form of a little baby—Emmanuel, God with us.

For many kids’ ministry leaders, this weekend is one that’s filled with candy and absolute craziness. If you’re church is hosting a Harvest Festival this weekend, you’re just a few hours away from getting the opportunity to connect with dozens of unchurched families in your community.

Every year in America the Church spends millions of dollars on outreach and yet after many of these outreaches we are left with a puzzled confusion trying to figure out their long term fruit.

This week, tens of thousands unchurched families will bring their kids to annual Harvest Festivals or fall outreach events. If you stop and think about it… that’s an incredible opportunity to make a significant and eternal impact for the Kingdom.