Ministry Articles & Interviews
Read articles and interviews on church ministry, brought to you by IVP Extra.
Books for Every Season: Resources to Read Through the Church Year
Explore IVP's books organized by the seasons of the church year—Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, Easter, Pentecost, and Ordinary Time. Find resources for every season of faith, whether you're new to liturgical practice or deepening a lifelong rhythm.
Books on Disability and the Church
These books invite individuals, ministry leaders, and entire congregations to move beyond awareness toward meaningful inclusion. They offer theological grounding, practical wisdom, and powerful stories that challenge us to reshape how we serve, empower, and learn from people of all abilities.
5 Ways Pastors Can Avoid Losing Their Way
In a time when so many leaders are faltering, the question of how to remain faithful for the long haul has never been more pressing. Peter Greer and Jill Heisey, authors of How Leaders Lose Their Way, sought to understand what causes leaders to lose their way and what sets apart those who remain steadfast. Their research points to five essential practices that enable leaders to stay grounded, mission true, and faithful for a lifetime.
Top Reference Books Every New Pastor Needs
In this guide, we’ll highlight some of the best reference books for new pastors like trusted commentaries, Bible dictionaries, and other essential study tools. These resources will help you build a strong foundation for preaching, teaching, and shepherding God’s people.
10 Must-Have Books for Pastors
If you are seeking fresh insight, deeper spiritual formation, or practical wisdom for ministry, there's something here for you. Whether you're a pastor yourself or you want to support the church leaders in your life, these books are the perfect place to start!
What Is Juneteenth? How Christians Can Engage with Black History
How can Christians engage with Juneteenth? Take this opportunity to educate yourself, your family, and your church on Black history in America and get practical ideas to become a part of the continuing story of justice and reconciliation in your community.
A Conversation on Anxiety and Worship with J. Michael Jordan
Too often in the history of Christian worship, evangelical leaders have sought to manipulate anxiety to spur repentance. In this interview, J. Michael Jordan (author of "Worship in an Age of Anxiety") explores how the church can be a space that offers healing worship for the next generation.
5 Ways Seminary Deepened My Appreciation of Different Theological Perspectives
Seminary shaped Makayla Payne in countless ways, but one of the greatest gifts it gave her was how it deepened her appreciation for different church traditions and global perspectives. Read these five ways that theological education can expand your outlook and introduce you to impactful resources for Scripture study.
How Studying the Bible Together Builds Vital Spiritual Community
In our lonely culture, community is more vital now than ever. But how do we pursue it? Studying the Bible together is one way to build life-giving spiritual community. Learn practical ways of participating in church small groups that foster spiritual growth, friendship, and connection.
Being God's Image as a Woman in the Academy and the Church
What is it like as a woman in the world of Biblical Studies? For Carmen Imes, author of "Being God's Image" it means being called to teach the Bible but not always embraced within the church. Read about how Scripture's testimony calls for full inclusion of women in gospel ministry.
A Conversation on Early-Church Women in Ministry with Nijay Gupta
Nijay Gupta, a passionate ally of women in the church and academy, wrote about the lives of women named as leaders and ministers in the Bible in his book "Tell Her Story." In this interview, he talks about how those insights from the early church have real implications for today.
A Conversation on Renewal Worship with Steven Félix-Jäger
All Christian worship is led by the Holy Spirit. But is there a distinctive theology of Pentecostal worship? In this interview, author Steven Felix-Jager discusses Spirit-led doxology, implications for the global church, and his own experience of sensing the presence of the Holy Spirit in worship.
2 Simple Ways to Revitalize Your Church with Group Prayer
Churches are struggling to meet the needs of their congregations and to entice people to return to church after pandemic living. But instead of rolling out fancy programs, ministry veteran Carolyn Carney says we can revitalize our churches through the simple yet powerful act of group prayer. Read this article for two practical tips on building prayer in your congregation.
Book of Common Prayer (International Edition) Free Resources & FAQ
The 1662 Book of Common Prayer: International Edition gently updates the classic Anglican liturgical text for contemporary use. Will the international edition be a good fit for your congregation? What is the nature of the changes and updates? Browse this page to get answers to your questions and to download numerous free resources and extra materials to go alongside the book.
Together at Home: Staying Hopeful in Community During the COVID-19 Pandemic
We're all facing disruption right now as the coronavirus and COVID-19 have radically altered our daily lives. But one thing is certain—we're coming together even as we practice social distancing, whether it's in virtual spaces, in our homes, or as a world community. Christian community is just as important now as ever, so use these tips and resources to stay hopeful while we're together at home.
