Ministry Resources
Practical articles from ACT International and MinistryHelp — covering generosity, fund management, accounting, marketing, and more. Everything a ministry leader needs to run a healthy, sustainable organization
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Embodying Grace
When it comes to personal evangelism, feelings of obligation, guilt, and duty have never been effective motivators for me. On the other hand, experiences of God’s provision, accessibility, love, and forgiveness naturally flow out of me in Gospel witness to others.
An Interview with Melodie Tunney
We are excited to introduce you to a new member of our ACT Intl staff. Meet Melodie Tunney (also known as “Mel”). Melodie has been involved in the Christian music industry in multiple ways – as a studio singer, songwriter, and artist touring with First Call and also with her husband Dick. Together, they have won 10 Dove Awards, and received 3 Grammy nominations. We are happy to now have her on our team! Our Founder and President, Byron Spradlin, recently spoke with Mel and here’s their conversation.
The Essence of Worship
While people may attempt to categorize worship as public or personal (corporate or private), all worship is personal. Musicians may lead a congregation in corporate praise but, that which goes on in the heart–communication between God and the worshiper–can only be experienced personally. And every person’s worship experience is different. This is because worship is experienced in the heart.
Sowing and Reaping is A Process
God created the sowing and reaping process (Genesis 1), and it is just that—a process. As with any process, there is a predictable and tangible outcome that comes from following the guidelines or principles that process requires.
Who is God?
If worship is to be central in all areas of our church life, then the question must be asked, “Who is God”? To answer this question, four major theological realities must be articulated: 1) God is supreme, 2) God is holy, 3) God is the Creator, and 4) God is hesed-love.
Evangelism, Imagination, and Artists — A Critical Mix for Modern
My life’s work and my passion are to motivate the Church toward thinking more deeply and seriously about the importance of creatives and artists who serve as “imaginative expression specialists.” And, toward these ends, my goal is for pastors and others in church leadership to treat singers, musicians, fine artists, dancers, and others as not just performers but as key strategists on their evangelism and outreach teams. Why? Because God has gifted artists with the ability to uniquely communicate his infinite, unfathomable transcendence.
The Importance of a Biblical Definition of Imagination
It’s important to have a biblical definition of imagination and imaginal intelligence. We know from Genesis 1:26, 27 that humans are made in God’s image. As such, we possess imaginal intelligence. Dogs, for instance, have instinct; people have imagination.
How-To’s for Your Philanthropy and Giving for God
If you receive a QCD (qualified charitable distribution) from an IRA account, you can donate your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) and it will be considered “Tax Deferred.” Here’s how.
Non-Cash Giving Methods At-A-Glance
Over the last year or so, Artists in Christian Testimony Intl (ACT Intl) has given you many helpful articles on how to maximize your philanthropic giving for God, specifically through Non-Cash Donations. The challenge is in presenting clearly the multitude of different non-cash options in one place, so that it is easy to keep track of all the different types of gifts and methods of giving.
Do I Need a 501(c)(3)?
Organizations that qualify as public charities under Internal Revenue 501(c)(3) nonprofit code have many advantages that they wouldn’t otherwise, including eligibility for federal exemption from payment of corporate income tax, limited liability, and the capacity to offer donors tax deductions for their donations.
What Is a 501(c)(3)?
Technically to be non-profit under section 501(c)(3), an organization must be organized and operate exclusively for exempt purposes as defined by the IRS code, and none of its earnings may benefit any private shareholder or individual. In this article we'll explore the nonprofit designation in a bit more detail.
How to Create a 501(c)(3)
Each year, thousands of organizations and individuals in the United States like “Jennifer” start a nonprofit, or a 501(c)(3), so they can raise tax exempt funds from donors for a personal or corporate charitable effort. Setting up a 501(c)(3) involves several steps including ...
How to Become a Christian Missionary
A Christian missionary is someone who dedicates their life to spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ and serving others in His name. It is a challenging and rewarding path, but one that can transform lives, both the missionary's and those they serve.
The Cost to Record an Album
Recording an album can be an expensive and time-consuming process. There are many factors that contribute to these costs, including studio time, equipment, musicians, and production costs. In this article, we will take a closer look at the cost of recording an album and how musicians can prepare for this expense.
How to Start a Christian Ministry
Starting a Christian ministry can be an exciting and rewarding way to serve the Lord and impact the lives of others. However, the process is often challenging and overwhelming, especially if you do not know where to begin. It requires a deep commitment to faith, a clear understanding of your mission and vision, and a willingness to serve your community with humility and compassion. If you’re considering starting a Christian ministry, here are some important steps to help you get started.