Pathway Learning Blog

 Access our growing library of hundreds of blog posts covering topics relevant to church leaders. Preview and read these blog posts now.

SEARCH THE BLOG

Looking for something in particular? Search our hundreds of blog posts on topics of interest to church leaders. 

A Vision for the PCA: A Look Back and Ahead
Groups, Community, Theology, Church Planting, Church Renewal, Church Revitalization, Online Seminary Training, Pastoral Education, Pathway Learning, Fellowship, Steve Childers, Biblical Interpretation, Applied Theology, Bible Commentaries, Pastoral Resources, Christian Discipleship, Christian Doctrine, Spiritual Formation, Holiness, Christian growth, Religious Education, Evangelism Strategies, Contemporary Christianity, Theological Studies, Faith and Society, Biblical Themes, Evangelism, Discipleship Groups, Community, Theology, Church Planting, Church Renewal, Church Revitalization, Online Seminary Training, Pastoral Education, Pathway Learning, Fellowship, Steve Childers, Biblical Interpretation, Applied Theology, Bible Commentaries, Pastoral Resources, Christian Discipleship, Christian Doctrine, Spiritual Formation, Holiness, Christian growth, Religious Education, Evangelism Strategies, Contemporary Christianity, Theological Studies, Faith and Society, Biblical Themes, Evangelism, Discipleship

A Vision for the PCA: A Look Back and Ahead

Randy Pope discusses the importance of maintaining doctrinal purity and effectively equipping church members to share their faith in a culturally relevant manner. He notes a decline in the vitality of his denomination, advocating for a balance of doctrinal understanding and active mission work. Inspired by Frank Barker, he emphasizes the need for regular training in evangelism, urging churches to model and teach practical faith-sharing annually.

Read More
The Key to Evangelism in the 21st Century
Groups, Community, Theology, Church Planting, Church Renewal, Church Revitalization, Online Seminary Training, Pastoral Education, Pathway Learning, Fellowship, Steve Childers, Biblical Interpretation, Applied Theology, Bible Commentaries, Pastoral Resources, Christian Discipleship, Christian Doctrine, Spiritual Formation, Holiness, Christian growth, Religious Education, Evangelism Strategies, Contemporary Christianity, Theological Studies, Faith and Society, Biblical Themes Groups, Community, Theology, Church Planting, Church Renewal, Church Revitalization, Online Seminary Training, Pastoral Education, Pathway Learning, Fellowship, Steve Childers, Biblical Interpretation, Applied Theology, Bible Commentaries, Pastoral Resources, Christian Discipleship, Christian Doctrine, Spiritual Formation, Holiness, Christian growth, Religious Education, Evangelism Strategies, Contemporary Christianity, Theological Studies, Faith and Society, Biblical Themes

The Key to Evangelism in the 21st Century

In "Workers for Your Joy" by David Mathis, a class at Reformed Theological Seminary, led by Steve Childers, learns that "hospitality" is crucial for 21st-century evangelism, especially in the West. The article underscores hospitality's growing importance in a post-Christian society, highlighting it as an ancient, biblical strategy gaining renewed relevance for engaging with contemporary secularism.

Read More
Jerry Bridges Versus Jerry Bridges
Groups, Community, Theology, Church Planting, Church Renewal, Church Revitalization, Online Seminary Training, Pastoral Education, Pathway Learning, Fellowship, Steve Childers, Biblical Interpretation, Applied Theology, Bible Commentaries, Pastoral Resources, Christian Discipleship, Christian Doctrine, Spiritual Formation, Holiness, Christian growth Groups, Community, Theology, Church Planting, Church Renewal, Church Revitalization, Online Seminary Training, Pastoral Education, Pathway Learning, Fellowship, Steve Childers, Biblical Interpretation, Applied Theology, Bible Commentaries, Pastoral Resources, Christian Discipleship, Christian Doctrine, Spiritual Formation, Holiness, Christian growth

Jerry Bridges Versus Jerry Bridges

Childers reviews Jerry Bridges' evolving theology, noting his early focus on "dependent responsibility" in his best-selling book "The Pursuit of Holiness” versus his later focus on God's grace and the gospel as the motive and means of holiness–moving away from a performance-based approach.

Read More
Leadership in Community: Groups Part 6
Groups, Community, Theology, Church Planting, Church Renewal, Church Revitalization, Online Seminary Training, Pastoral Education, Pathway Learning, Fellowship, Steve Childers Groups, Community, Theology, Church Planting, Church Renewal, Church Revitalization, Online Seminary Training, Pastoral Education, Pathway Learning, Fellowship, Steve Childers

Leadership in Community: Groups Part 6

Learn 3 Ways to Build Strong Group Leaders: Qualifications, Structure, and Training. Discover how to develop a group leadership pipeline in your church that fosters a culture of leadership excellence.

Read More
Commitments in Community: Groups Part 5
Groups, Community, Theology, Church Planting, Church Renewal, Church Revitalization, Online Seminary Training, Pastoral Education, Pathway Learning, Fellowship, Steve Childers Groups, Community, Theology, Church Planting, Church Renewal, Church Revitalization, Online Seminary Training, Pastoral Education, Pathway Learning, Fellowship, Steve Childers

Commitments in Community: Groups Part 5

Unlock the power of healthy group dynamics. Learn the three core commitments that will revitalize your small group engagement and develop vibrant church community.

Read More
Recommended Revelation Commentaries for Lay People (and the Top 3 For In-Depth Study)
Groups, Community, Theology, Church Planting, Church Renewal, Church Revitalization, Online Seminary Training, Pastoral Education, Pathway Learning, Fellowship, Steve Childers, Biblical Interpretation, Applied Theology, Bible Commentaries, Pastoral Resources Groups, Community, Theology, Church Planting, Church Renewal, Church Revitalization, Online Seminary Training, Pastoral Education, Pathway Learning, Fellowship, Steve Childers, Biblical Interpretation, Applied Theology, Bible Commentaries, Pastoral Resources

Recommended Revelation Commentaries for Lay People (and the Top 3 For In-Depth Study)

We've curated commentaries on Revelation, classified by three views: futurist, preterist, and idealist. This unique approach aids understanding, whether you're a curious reader or seeking deeper insight into this profound book.

Read More
Health in Community: Groups Part 4
Groups, Community, Theology, Church Planting, Church Renewal, Church Revitalization, Online Seminary Training, Pastoral Education, Pathway Learning, Fellowship, Steve Childers Groups, Community, Theology, Church Planting, Church Renewal, Church Revitalization, Online Seminary Training, Pastoral Education, Pathway Learning, Fellowship, Steve Childers

Health in Community: Groups Part 4

Discover the 7 elements of healthy small groups that lead to spiritual growth. Just as the health of a human body is determined by the health of its cells, so the health of a church body is found in the health of its groups. Learn more in Health in Community, Groups Series Pt 4.

Read More
Design for Community: Groups Part 3
Groups, Community, Theology, Shepherding, Pastoral Ministry, Pastors, Church Planting, Church Renewal, Church Revitalization, Online Seminary Training, Pastoral Education, Pathway Learning, Fellowship, Steve Childers Groups, Community, Theology, Shepherding, Pastoral Ministry, Pastors, Church Planting, Church Renewal, Church Revitalization, Online Seminary Training, Pastoral Education, Pathway Learning, Fellowship, Steve Childers

Design for Community: Groups Part 3

Growing in Faith Together: The Transforming Power of Shepherding Structures: Learn how to design shepherding structures that facilitate spiritual growth and provide every member the care they need in Design for Community, Groups Series Part 3.

Read More
Purpose for Community: Groups Part 2
Groups, Community, Theology, Church Planting, Church Renewal, Church Revitalization, Online Seminary Training, Pastoral Education, Pathway Learning, Fellowship, Steve Childers Groups, Community, Theology, Church Planting, Church Renewal, Church Revitalization, Online Seminary Training, Pastoral Education, Pathway Learning, Fellowship, Steve Childers

Purpose for Community: Groups Part 2

Learn why the Bible teaches you cannot fully mature spiritually without a true devotion to the community of a local church. Explore 3 reasons given in Scripture why all believers should regularly gather in Christian community–in the Groups Series Pt 2 by Dr. Steve Childers.

Read More
Vision for Community: Groups Part 1
Groups, Community, Theology, Church Planting, Church Renewal, Church Revitalization, Online Seminary Training, Pastoral Education, Pathway Learning, Steve Childers Groups, Community, Theology, Church Planting, Church Renewal, Church Revitalization, Online Seminary Training, Pastoral Education, Pathway Learning, Steve Childers

Vision for Community: Groups Part 1

Share the vision for building a new community and learn how to develop healthy groups in your church that transform lives and communities. Learn why Christian leaders from more than 60 countries representing over 300 denominations have taken this training.

Read More
Knowing God as Lord in All Areas of Your Life: Essentials in Theology Part 6
Steve Childers, John Frame, Essentials, Theology, Church Planting, Church Renewal, Church Revitalization, Online Seminary Training, Pastoral Education, Pathway Learning, Knowing God, God's attributes, God's Lordship Steve Childers, John Frame, Essentials, Theology, Church Planting, Church Renewal, Church Revitalization, Online Seminary Training, Pastoral Education, Pathway Learning, Knowing God, God's attributes, God's Lordship

Knowing God as Lord in All Areas of Your Life: Essentials in Theology Part 6

Experience the transforming power of learning how to know God as Lord–not just in an isolated "spiritual life"– but in all areas of your life in the Essentials in Theology series by John Frame and Steve Childers.

Read More
Knowing God’s Attributes: Essentials in Theology Part 5
Steve Childers, John Frame, Essentials, Theology, Church Planting, Church Renewal, Church Revitalization, Online Seminary Training, Pastoral Education, Pathway Learning, Knowing God, God's attributes, Incommunicable Attributes, Communicable Attributes, God's simplicity Steve Childers, John Frame, Essentials, Theology, Church Planting, Church Renewal, Church Revitalization, Online Seminary Training, Pastoral Education, Pathway Learning, Knowing God, God's attributes, Incommunicable Attributes, Communicable Attributes, God's simplicity

Knowing God’s Attributes: Essentials in Theology Part 5

Learn how to know God and find your joy in him by understanding his two kinds of attributes that reflect who he is and what he does. You should not see God's attributes as mere characteristics of God but as reflections of his being and person. Learn more from Frame and Childers.

Read More
Knowing God’s Being: Essentials in Theology Part 4
Steve Childers, John Frame, Essentials, Theology, Church Planting, Church Renewal, Church Revitalization, Online Seminary Training, Pastoral Education, Pathway Learning, Knowing God, God's attributes, Herman Bavinck, Doctrine of God, Theology Proper, God’s immanence, God’s transcendence, Bible analogies Steve Childers, John Frame, Essentials, Theology, Church Planting, Church Renewal, Church Revitalization, Online Seminary Training, Pastoral Education, Pathway Learning, Knowing God, God's attributes, Herman Bavinck, Doctrine of God, Theology Proper, God’s immanence, God’s transcendence, Bible analogies

Knowing God’s Being: Essentials in Theology Part 4

You are at risk of dangerous error if you don't affirm two biblical truths about God that can seem contradictory. Learn how biblical analogies can help you know, love, and worship God as both high and lifted up (transcendent) and near you (immanent) in Essentials in Theology.

Read More
Knowing God as Lord: Essentials in Theology Part 3
Steve Childers, John Frame, Essentials, Theology, Church Planting, Church Renewal, Church Revitalization, Online Seminary Training, Pastoral Education, Pathway Learning, Knowing God, God's attributes, God's Holiness, God as Holy, God as LORD, God as Yahweh, God as YHWH Steve Childers, John Frame, Essentials, Theology, Church Planting, Church Renewal, Church Revitalization, Online Seminary Training, Pastoral Education, Pathway Learning, Knowing God, God's attributes, God's Holiness, God as Holy, God as LORD, God as Yahweh, God as YHWH

Knowing God as Lord: Essentials in Theology Part 3

Can you explain the meaning of God’s personal name, YHWH (Hebrew)? Learn how to know God as Yahweh, the one and only Covenant LORD, who keeps all his promises in Essentials in Theology Pt 3 by Drs. John Frame and Steve Childers.

Read More
Knowing God as Your Holy Creator and Redeemer: Essentials in Theology Part 2
Steve Childers, John Frame, Essentials, Theology, Church Planting, Church Renewal, Church Revitalization, Online Seminary Training, Pastoral Education, Pathway Learning, Knowing God, God's attributes, God's Holiness, God as Creator, God as Redeemer, God as Holy Steve Childers, John Frame, Essentials, Theology, Church Planting, Church Renewal, Church Revitalization, Online Seminary Training, Pastoral Education, Pathway Learning, Knowing God, God's attributes, God's Holiness, God as Creator, God as Redeemer, God as Holy

Knowing God as Your Holy Creator and Redeemer: Essentials in Theology Part 2

Learn how to know God as your Holy Creator and Redeemer and discover why God reveals himself to you in the Bible as "high," "exalted," and "lifted up" in Essentials in Theology Pt 2 by Drs. John Frame and Steve Childers.

Read More
Knowing God Through Scripture: Essentials in Theology Part 1
Steve Childers, John Frame, Essentials, Theology, Church Planting, Church Renewal, Church Revitalization, Online Seminary Training, Pastoral Education, Pathway Learning, Knowing God Steve Childers, John Frame, Essentials, Theology, Church Planting, Church Renewal, Church Revitalization, Online Seminary Training, Pastoral Education, Pathway Learning, Knowing God

Knowing God Through Scripture: Essentials in Theology Part 1

Learn the difference between "knowing God" and "knowing about God," and how the goal of theology is not merely to understand doctrine, but to apply it so we know, love, and honor God in all areas of our lives–in Essentials in Theology Pt 1 by Drs. John Frame and Steve Childers.

Read More
The Practice of Mercy: Mercy Part 6
Steve Childers, Mission, Kingdom, Mercy, Justice, Compassion, Poverty, Injustice, Theology, Church Planting, Church Renewal, Church Revitalization, Online Seminary Training, Pastoral Education, Pathway Learning Steve Childers, Mission, Kingdom, Mercy, Justice, Compassion, Poverty, Injustice, Theology, Church Planting, Church Renewal, Church Revitalization, Online Seminary Training, Pastoral Education, Pathway Learning

The Practice of Mercy: Mercy Part 6

When Helping Hurts: How you understand and define poverty will determine how you help alleviate poverty. Learn three effective approaches to help mobilize your church to have a more effective mercy ministry in this new Mercy course and book by Dr. Steve Childers.

Read More
The Heart for Mercy: Mercy Part 5
Steve Childers, Mission, Kingdom, Mercy, Justice, Compassion, Poverty, Injustice, Theology, Church Planting, Church Renewal, Church Revitalization, Online Seminary Training, Pastoral Education, Pathway Learning Steve Childers, Mission, Kingdom, Mercy, Justice, Compassion, Poverty, Injustice, Theology, Church Planting, Church Renewal, Church Revitalization, Online Seminary Training, Pastoral Education, Pathway Learning

The Heart for Mercy: Mercy Part 5

Learn how to develop a heart of mercy like the Apostle Paul's that was "eager" to care for the poor. And learn why caring for the poor was not just a duty to Paul, but an act of worship in this new Mercy series by Dr. Steve Childers.

Read More
The Goal of Mercy: Mercy Part 4
Steve Childers, Mission, Kingdom, Mercy, Justice, Compassion, Poverty, Injustice, Theology, Church Planting, Church Renewal, Church Revitalization, Online Seminary Training, Pastoral Education, Pathway Learning Steve Childers, Mission, Kingdom, Mercy, Justice, Compassion, Poverty, Injustice, Theology, Church Planting, Church Renewal, Church Revitalization, Online Seminary Training, Pastoral Education, Pathway Learning

The Goal of Mercy: Mercy Part 4

You're called to show mercy to those who suffer from broken relationships–with God, themselves, others, and the world. Just as there are different types of brokenness, so there are different types of parallel ministries of mercy. Learn more in the new Pathway Learning series.

Read More
The Vision for Mercy: A Sneak Preview, Mercy Part 3
Steve Childers, Leslie Newbigin, Mission, Kingdom, Mercy, Justice, Compassion, Poverty, Injustice, Theology, Church Planting, Church Renewal, Church Revitalization, Online Seminary Training, Pastoral Education, Pathway Learning Steve Childers, Leslie Newbigin, Mission, Kingdom, Mercy, Justice, Compassion, Poverty, Injustice, Theology, Church Planting, Church Renewal, Church Revitalization, Online Seminary Training, Pastoral Education, Pathway Learning

The Vision for Mercy: A Sneak Preview, Mercy Part 3

When you show mercy to the poor you display a “sneak preview” of God’s kingdom to come on the earth when Jesus returns. Learn more in the new Mercy series by Dr. Steve Childers.

Read More