Plus: Three Questions Pastors Should Ask First-Time Guests
 ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

View in Browser | Subscribe to CT | Give

This edition is sponsored by VisitorTap


THIS WEEK

Tyler Staton

A pastor’s fresh vision for tired eyes.

Luke Simmons

Welcoming guests well requires more than a handshake. It takes thoughtful questions that reveal needs, build trust, and guard the flock.

LEE ECLOV

Did anyone prepare you in seminary for the routine rigor of dying?


Paid Content

VisitorTap: Tap Built for Churches — Exclusive Special Offer

Simplify next steps for your church. Bring your giving page, connect card and event sign-ups, and more together in one place – no downloads or QR codes needed – just one tap and go. 

VisitorTap’s built-in Taptree Tool makes it easy to create a simple church-branded menu of links- no web developer needed.  From the secure dashboard, you can update or schedule links, track engagement, and more!

VisitorTap was designed with Churches in mind. Jesus Culture Church switched from QR codes to VisitorTap and saw a 1,400% increase in engagement!

Make every connection simple with VisitorTap. Use promo code TAPTODAY to save 15%. Learn more at connect.visitorreach.com/christianitytoday.

Advertise with us

DON'T MISS

Greg Asimakoupoulos

What the story of an Olympic rowing team can teach us about effective ministry.

Taylor Combs

Why moral inspiration and doctrinal instruction fall short—and how preaching that transforms the heart achieves what both approaches seek.


A simple step. A lasting legacy.

August is Make-a-Will Month. Have you reviewed your estate plan recently?

Through Christianity Today’s partnership with PhilanthroCorp, you can receive free, biblically grounded estate planning guidance to help you steward what God has entrusted to you and support the ministries you love.

Whether you need to create a will, update your existing plan, or simply have questions, take this wise step with confidence. Learn more.


LEADERSHIP CARTOON


The Church Law & Leadership Summit

This virtual two-day event is happening September 17–18 and will bring
practical legal and leadership guidance to pastors, church administrators,
board members, elders, and ministry decision-makers.

If your church wants to strengthen governance, prepare for legal and
operational challenges, and lead with greater confidence, this is a valuable
event to attend.

Save 20% off registration with code: ChristianityToday44

LEARN MORE


FROM CHRISTIANITY TODAY

Joshua Torrey

How an E. M. Forster story from 1909 illuminates the choices of 2026.

Russell Moore

She knew some people would find her embarrassing and uncultured—but her self-respect was never the least bit shaken.

Elizabeth Woodson

Three devotionals that walk families through spiritual formation—together.


Related newsletters

PREACHING TODAY: Fresh sermon illustrations and updates on new sermons, preaching articles and much more!

SIGN UP

CT Pastors

Each weekly CT Pastors issue equips you with the best wisdom and practical tools for church ministry.