Columns & Commentary
Columns & Cultural Analysis
By
Ed Stetzer, Ph.D.
Outreach Magazine
Editor-in-Chief
ChurchLeaders
Contributor
USA Today
Contributing writer
CNN
Contributing writer
Lead Column
Breaking the 200 Barrier
Both the pastor and the congregation must recognize that the pastor’s highest-leverage work must focus on sharing ministry by developing leaders who can in turn care for and develop others. This realization is...
The Archive
ChurchLeaders
Sep 25, 2026
20 Truths From ‘Future-Perfect: 8 Megatrends Revealing the Future, and God’s Call for Bold Leadership’
Here are 20 key quotes from Robert Yi's new book, "Future-Perfect: 8 Megatrends Revealing the Future, and God’s Call for Bold Leadership."
Outreach Magazine
Sep 10, 2026
Ed Stetzer: Is Revival Here?
New research points to growing spiritual interest in the U.K. and U.S. But Ed Stetzer explains why increased religious openness isn’t necessarily a spiritual revival, and what church leaders should do with the moment.
ChurchLeaders
Sep 9, 2026
6 Signs Your Church Is Dysfunctional
In recent months, I have run across several people in dysfunctional churches and unhealthy organizations. The issue continues to grow and, although such organizations can actually do good, the harm they cause to many...
Outreach Magazine
Jul 24, 2026
20 Disciple-Making Truths Every Church Leader Should Know
Drawing from Disciplology, this collection of 20 key insights explores Jesus' model for making disciples through intentional relationships, biblical teaching, and practical mission. These memorable quotes challenge...
ChurchLeaders
Jul 22, 2026
Churches Without Broken People Are Broken Churches
"Serving and saving were marks of Christ's life on earth. They should be marks of His people, as well."
Outreach Magazine
Jun 4, 2026
Breaking the Barriers to Church Growth
Churches of every size can thrive, yet many become stuck at key growth thresholds. By addressing both purpose and personal barriers, pastors can better position their churches to reach more people with the gospel.
Outreach Magazine
Apr 14, 2026
N.T. Wright: Rethinking Salvation and the Future of Creation
Is heaven really the final destination? N.T. Wright reframes salvation as God’s plan to renew creation, bringing heaven and earth together in Christ.
ChurchLeaders
Apr 10, 2026
20 Truths From ‘Discipology: The Art and Science of Making Disciples’
Here are 20 truths from Peyton Jones' new book, "Discipology: The Art and Science of Making Disciples."
ChurchLeaders
Apr 6, 2026
The Leadership Question: Breaking 200
A long time ago, John Maxwell said, "Everything rises and falls on leadership." That rings true when trying to break the 200 barrier.
ChurchLeaders
Apr 1, 2026
Breaking Barriers Before Breaking 200
This article will addresses of the most powerful barriers that prevent churches from growing beyond 200.
Outreach Magazine
Mar 17, 2026
The Great Unmooring: How Cultural Upheaval Is Creating a Gospel Opportunity
Amid cultural, political, and generational upheaval, the “Great Unmooring” is creating unprecedented opportunities for churches to share the gospel.
Outreach Magazine
Mar 12, 2026
Personal Evangelism: 4 Practical Ways Christians Can Be Proactive Witnesses
Personal evangelism doesn’t have to be intimidating. Ed Stetzer offers ways Christians can become proactive witnesses for Christ.
ChurchLeaders
Mar 10, 2026
Bridging the Gap Between Church and Academy
Thankfully, many leaders in theological education want to bridge the gap between the academy and the church and are working hard to do just that.
ChurchLeaders
Feb 21, 2026
Creativity in Context: St. Andrews Presbyterian Church in Newport Beach
Recently, I enjoyed being with St. Andrews Presbyterian Church in Newport Beach, California, not far from my own home church.
ChurchLeaders
Feb 19, 2026
Lessons From a Contextualized Egyptian Megachurch
Heliopolis is a thriving and vibrant megachurch in Egypt, embedded in the Heliopolis neighborhood of Cairo.
Outreach Magazine
Feb 16, 2026
How the Church Can Take the Lead in Suicide Prevention
"The church is for the broken. A church without the broken is a broken church."
Outreach Magazine
Feb 13, 2026
Key Takeaways From the Practical Guide to ‘Come Away and Rest’
I’m thrilled that Alyson has published an important book about stepping away from the chaotic noise of the world and into the rest of Jesus in “Come Away and Rest: A Guide to Personal Spiritual Retreats.”
ChurchLeaders
Feb 10, 2026
Leading the Way in the Middle East: My Visit to Kasr El Dobara in Cairo
It was a joy to be with Kasr El Dobara (KDEC), an evangelical church in Cairo, Egypt, as well as with KDEC’s Senior Pastor Dr. Sameh Maurice.
ChurchLeaders
Jan 28, 2026
Why Change Leadership Matters
I’ve come to believe that change leadership is a key need in our day. We need far more growing Christians and growing churches.
ChurchLeaders
Jan 28, 2026
20 Truths From ‘Come Away and Rest: A Guide to Personal Spiritual Retreats’
Alyson Pryor has published an important book in "Come Away and Rest: A Guide to Personal Spiritual Retreats."
Outreach Magazine
Jan 13, 2026
Is Revival Here Now?
When God chooses to blow the wind of his Spirit, we should be ready. How do we set the sails?
Where Ed Writes