Insights, strategies, and perspectives on leadership, innovation, and organizational growth. Stay updated with the latest thinking from Marc Estes.
Jesus did not choose a priest and a Levite by accident. These were not background extras in the parable. They were spiritual heavyweights. The priest stood at the center of temple worship. The Levite helped guard and guide the rhythms of the holy place. If anyone should have known what God’s heart looked like up close, it was them.
The Gospel does not shrink our world; it expands it. It doesn’t narrow our circle; it widens it. Jesus refuses to help us love safely, because the Gospel never existed to protect our comfort. It exists to release our compassion.
The Church has never had a relevance problem. We’ve had a proximity problem. From the beginning, God’s strategy has been shockingly consistent: He comes near. Before there were choirs, sanctuaries, or church brands, God was walking through a garden calling, “Where are you?” He heard the groans of enslaved people and said, “I have come down to deliver them.” And then He went all the way in. The Word became flesh and moved into the neighborhood.
Our Mission Rides on Digital Roads. Technology is not the mission. It is the road the mission rides.
While the digital landscape has evolved rapidly, the church has often been slow to adapt. This lag has created a widening gap between the spiritually curious and the church’s ability to meet them where they are. The good news is, it’s not too late to change course. Churches that embrace digital ministry now can become powerful voices of hope in an online world.
People have become more hesitant to engage with traditional institutions, including churches. This change calls for a fresh approach: one that leverages technology to create multiple touchpoints before individuals even consider stepping into a church. Discover where the 12 Touchpoint Rule comes into play.
Church growth strategies are more important than ever. People want to hear the good news of the gospel, however, the methods to effectively connect with new people have changed. Join us to explore five effective strategies for immediate church growth—from boosting online presence to fostering community engagement.
Outreach ministry is putting faith into action by intentionally reaching out to help and serve others in practical ways. In today's churches, outreach plays a vital role in reinforcing the core values of believers. Discover the why behind outreach ministries, what they do, and how to make a bigger impact on your church community.
Church outreach has changed dramatically and become more difficult. Explore the factors behind this change and learn creative ways your church can revitalize your outreach efforts!
People today are lost & suffering. We must be proactive in sharing our faith, knowing that eternity hangs in the balance. Learn how to reach people with this free resource from Pastor Marc Estes.
As our world becomes more digitally-centered, it can be challenging for churches to know how to reach out and connect with potential new members.
One of the great challenges the church faces today is continuing to develop 1:1 (one-to-one) interaction in a world that leads with a one-to-many conversation method. The church website is one-to-many, social media is one-to-many, google ads are one-to-many, YouTube is one-to-many, etc. The method of communicating one-to-many may increase the reach, but it lacks the impact of gaining visitors on Sunday.
Innovative Technology Company Launches Digital Outreach and Follow-Up Platform.
Local churches have long been a cornerstone of communities, providing spiritual guidance and support to their members. But beyond their religious significance, local churches also significantly impact society as a whole. Let’s take a moment to explore the various ways in which local churches contribute to their communities and how they can grow by digitally increasing their SMS 1:1 connection with their community.
These past few years have brought a wave of challenges for every church. As a pastor, I understand the weight of trying to reach our community while also caring for those within our church who face new and unique challenges.
You’ve heard the whispers of revival or at least a shift happening. A step toward faith. People waking up to faith in unexpected places — even Joe Rogan and Russel Brand¹ are talking about God. According to Ed Stezer, a “quiet revival” is already happening — outside the walls of church, in podcasts, music, and surprising testimonies. The signs aren’t loud, but they’re real — and they’re growing. The question isn’t if God is stirring hearts. It’s whether your church is prepared to meet them when they show up.
Jesus prioritized seeking “the one” amid the crowds, modeling a deeply personal and relational mission. Today, many churches have shifted toward large-scale programs, often losing this relational focus and leaving people feeling unseen. To recalibrate, believers and churches must embrace personal responsibility, prioritize genuine relationships, and use digital tools to build trust, reflecting Jesus' heart for individuals in a world longing for connection and hope.
Today's visitors evaluate every church experience. Guests are making decisions quickly, often subconsciously. In fact, nearly 80% of guests decide within the first ten minutes if they’ll return, yet only 21% ever come back. This blog walks through the entire guest journey—from digital first impressions to post-visit follow-up—and includes a Guest Experience Checklist your team can use to improve every touchpoint. Identify what’s working, what’s missing, and how to create an environment where people feel seen, welcomed, and more likely to return.
Get the latest insights and articles delivered directly to your inbox. Join thousands of leaders who stay informed with Marc's newsletter.
Get notified from Marc about events, resources, and insights on leadership, innovation, and organizational growth.