He finally took our advice and started spending time at the local coffee shop at the big box book store. Every Tuesday and every Thursday he was there from 9 to noon without fail, but after eight weeks he was pretty discouraged. He hadn't had a meaningful conversation with anyone, hadn't exchanged contact information with […]
January 22, 2015 by 2 Comments
The Wrong Way and the Right Way to Network at Your Local Coffee Shop (or Wherever)
January 4, 2015 by 9 Comments
Five Things You’re Doing that Won’t Grow Your Church
The church pastor was flummoxed. He had no idea why his church wasn't growing. He was doing lots of stuff right, but he just couldn't get any traction. So he called me. After a lengthy conversation, I helped him identify five things he was spending a lot of his time on that wasn't growing his […]
December 14, 2014 by 11 Comments
The Small Church
I begin with a disclaimer - I don’t believe the size of a church has any merit in the Kingdom. Neither do I believe a small church (under 200 in worship) or a large church has any advantages over the other. They both are called of God to perform the same mission....to carry out Christ’s […]
December 14, 2014 by Leave a Comment
Dispelling The Three Big Small Group Myths
Over the years I’ve noticed three huge myths about small groups. These three myths are so pervasive and powerful they have caused churches to avoid initiating small group systems. And when a church fails in its attempt at developing small groups that multiply, most likely the culprit is one of these three myths. That’s why […]
December 14, 2014 by 2 Comments
Retaining First Time Guests
Getting people in the door the first time isn’t easy these days, but getting them to return a second and third time is even more difficult. However, you can do a few things that greatly raise the return rate. The following is a seven step response to first time guests. Step One: Immediately following their […]
November 7, 2014 by Leave a Comment
A Post Modern Resurrection Story
In one of the congregations I worked in last year I ran across a story that had become legendary in that congregation. It seems as if the pastor had told the story many times so the detailed authenticity of the story is suspect. However, I have learned that some of the most profound truths are […]
November 6, 2014 by Leave a Comment
How To Develop Sermon Series That Grab Attention
I’m constantly being asked about the importance of sermon series and how’s the best way to go about doing them. The questions are all over the map, ranging from pastors in their first year to seasoned veterans who realize we are no longer in the 1950s. So I thought I would share a few quick […]
October 7, 2014 by Leave a Comment
Better Than a Secret Handshake – SIGNS!
I was looking for the storefront church on Sunday morning. My GPS said I was at the right address, but nothing jumped out and said, "Hey You! Come join us for worship." I finally parked and walked down the sidewalk. I finally found the church right where it should be - but the stenciled church […]
September 23, 2014 by 10 Comments
What Every Pastor Should Know About Church Growth
"I just didn't think it would happen to me." Those words played hide-n-seek in my head while I listened to his all-too-common story. Kenneth's first call to a church had started pretty well. He'd heeded the advice of his seminary professors and spent his first year just "loving on" his congregation and getting to know […]
September 8, 2014 by Leave a Comment
Christmas Ideas
It’s not too early to begin thinking about what you’re going to do to capitalize on the pagan holiday known as Christmas. Yes, you heard me correctly- Christmas is a pagan holiday. But contrary to what you might think, being a pagan holiday makes it an even more valuable evangelism tool than you think. Meeting […]
