by Tracee Swank | Mar 26, 2026 | Mission, Spiritual Gifts, Tracee J. Swank
Spiritual gifts are often discussed primarily in terms of internal ministry: teaching Sunday school, serving on committees, assisting in worship. But the New Testament connects gifting to the outward advance of the Gospel. Evangelists proclaim Christ to new audiences....
by Tracee Swank | Mar 25, 2026 | Discipleship, Microchurch, Tracee J. Swank
Large local churches face a different temptation. Stability and resources can quietly shift the focus from sending to maintaining. But in the New Testament, urban centers became launching points for regional mission. Leaders were formed and released. The measure of...
by Tracee Swank | Mar 24, 2026 | Mission, Networks, Tracee J. Swank
Ehrlichman emphasizes that networks accelerate experimentation and diffusion of ideas. Churches often struggle to innovate because risk feels dangerous in isolation. But in networks: Risk is shared. Learning is collective. Failure becomes data. Momentum’s emphasis on...
by Tracee Swank | Mar 23, 2026 | Leadership, Prayer, Tracee J. Swank
Prayer is not only speaking; it is also listening. Faithful ministry depends on communal discernment shaped by disciplined prayer. Listening requires time and attentiveness. Focused prayer creates space to hear beyond assumptions and preferences. When prayer becomes...
by Tracee Swank | Mar 19, 2026 | Mission, Spiritual Gifts, Tracee J. Swank
Teaching on spiritual gifts must move beyond inventories. While assessments can be helpful, the New Testament model emphasizes discernment within community. Paul tells Timothy not to neglect the gift given him “through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands...
by Tracee Swank | Mar 18, 2026 | Microchurch, Mission, Tracee J. Swank
Many small local churches feel marginalized in contemporary ministry conversations. They are often compared to larger congregations and found lacking. But size does not determine faithfulness or effectiveness. The early local churches frequently gathered in homes....
