Money magazine annually rates the 300 best places in America to live. The ratings are based on climate, affordability, amenities, crime rate, public transportation, medical care, and other factors.

A similar approach has been taken with churches. Several major metropolitan newspapers regularly review churches. A religion writer makes an unannounced Sunday visit and analyzes everything from the sign ...

Topics:	Accessibility, Communication, Measuring ministry, Presence of God, Visitors & guests
Filters:	Church board, Discipleship, Elder, Hospitality, Pastor
Purpose:	Discipleship
References:	2 Timothy 4:5, Revelation 1
Date Added:	July 11, 2007

St. Francis of Assisi, it is said, found the sight and smell of lepers repulsive. Normally, he could spot them from afar and give them a wide berth. Yet on one occasion, Francis came upon a roadside leper and something entirely different occurred.

Compassion rose from within and Francis felt compelled to get off his horse, offer the leper alms, and embrace the wretched soul—sores, smells, and ...

Topics:	Accessibility, Christian life, Compassion, Discipleship, Experiencing God, Fellowship, Servanthood, Vulnerability
Filters:	Church board, Disability ministry, Homelessness, Hospitality, Outreach, Pastor, Shepherd, Volunteer
Purpose:	Ministry
References:	Isaiah 57:14-15
Date Added:	June 03, 2008