The Ministerial Practice and Functions section of the Manual provides supporting resources, research material, and reference content for Christian ministry. It is designed to supplement teaching and practice by offering data, definitions, tools, and research that inform sound decision making and thoughtful study. This section functions as a reference library rather than a formational guide.
Ministry practice requires more than conviction alone. Faithful service also depends on accurate information, clear terminology, and awareness of current challenges facing the Church. This section exists to support ministers, leaders, and students as they evaluate ministry contexts, plan responsibly, and respond wisely to practical concerns within their calling.
Use this section as a reference library to support informed and thoughtful ministry.
By Michael Mooney, Exec. Elder Guarding Christ’s Assembly Without Losing the Gospel On January 18, 2026, a Sunday worship service at Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota was disrupted by protesters chanting political slogans. The disruption targeted a pastor who also serves in a leadership role …
By Michael Mooney, Exec Elder Evangelistic Questions Evangelism does not always happen in pulpits, revivals, or formal outreach events. Often, the most meaningful gospel conversations occur in ordinary moments with unexpected people. One such setting is an Uber ride, where a brief journey creates a temporary …
Reaching out to a younger demographic when the average membership of a church is older can be a challenge, but it’s certainly possible with the right strategies. Here are some ideas to help your church engage in effective outreach and attract younger members: Modernize …
Introduction In a rapidly changing world, the church faces the challenge of connecting with the younger generation, particularly Gen Z, who are growing up in a digital age marked by diverse perspectives and unprecedented access to information. Reaching out to Gen Z requires innovative approaches …
By Michael Mooney, Exec. Elder Expectancy Theory is the concept that people are motivated by expectations (V. Vroom). When people are expecting something, they also consider the implications of it coming to pass. Natural questions that follow expectancy are: What is required to see the outcome? …
By Michael Mooney, NACM Exec. Elder Understanding the Important differences between internal and external audiences, which should be considered when preparing to communicate with others. Communication and audiences obviously go hand in hand. A person attempting to communicate without an audience would be better pictured as …
By Michael Mooney, NACM Exec. Elder There seems to be a distorted concept that all decisions are “either or” and “right or wrong”. While it is true that some decisions are wrong (such as sin), in many cases of everyday life our decisions are “gray” and …
By Michael Mooney, Ministry Practitioner Whether you are a pastor, minister, or in any other form of leadership there always seems to be disconnects between leadership wants and the desires of those they serve. In retail settings the age-old philosophy of service is expressed in …
Michael P. Mooney, NACM Exec. Elder “Therefore, because we know the fear of the Lord, we try to persuade people…” (1 Cor. 5:11). The power of suggestion is possibly one of the greatest forces influencing our society today. Entities such as the media, advertisers, and politicians …
By Michael Mooney, NACM Exec. Elder Have you ever made it a habit of asking God for His favor? I find that many believers have never thought to include this request in their daily prayers. Yet, we can miss great opportunities simply because we fail to ask (James …