Rise & Fall of the Nones: Culture Shift (Again)

In a recent revelation by Lifeway Research, the narrative surrounding the religiously unaffiliated, or “nones,” in America is undergoing a significant shift. For decades, the steady climb of individuals identifying with no religious affiliation has painted a concerning picture for faith communities across the nation. However, the latest findings suggest this trend may be […]

Getting Church Members to Invite

The other day, I found myself in a heart-to-heart with a pastor, and his frustration was palpable. He complained, “My members just aren’t inviting their friends and neighbors to church.” It’s a common refrain, isn’t it? But here’s the twist: your members have already invited pretty much everyone they know over the years and […]

The Five Tasks of a Successful Lead Pastor

This week I want to talk about the multifaceted role of a successful lead pastor in the Post-Covid Church. To begin with, though, I’d like us to get one thing straight: as the lead pastor, you’re the captain of the church ship. Everything from the high seas of worship to the nitty-gritty of budgeting […]

Holy Shift: Redirecting Your Ministry Focus

As we usher in the 2024 New Year, it’s not just about flipping the calendar page; it’s about reassessing our paths and priorities – cutting through both ministry and life’s clutter. For us pastors and church leaders, this introspection is more than a ritual—it’s a necessity. We’re not just managing organizations; we’re nurturing communities […]

From Popcorn to Post-Mortem: Anatomy of Ministry Failure

In the heart of a bustling suburban neighborhood, a local church, brimming with enthusiasm and good intentions, embarked on a mission to attract young families. Their plan? A Saturday night family movie event, featuring a beloved classic Disney film. The team behind this initiative was confident they had all the right ingredients for success: […]

The Great Worship Juggling Act: Keeping Millennials, Gen X, and Grandma in Harmony

In an era where the tapestry of our congregations is as diverse as ever, the concept of targeted worship has emerged as a pivotal strategy in church growth and community outreach. Gone are the days when a one-size-fits-all approach to worship could meet the spiritual needs of every attendee. Today’s churches are a melting […]

5 Strategies to Boost Volunteer Engagement at Your Church

Whether they’re handing out bulletins, teaching kids’ Sunday school, or running the audio/visual system during services, volunteers are the backbone of your church. They give their time and talents to perform essential tasks year-round, expanding your church’s capacity to serve the congregation and fulfill its mission.

The key to a strong church volunteer team is […]

Is Your Vision Building or Busting Your Church’s Growth?

In the quest of how to grow a church, there’s a pivotal yet often overlooked element: distinguishing your personal vision from your church’s. Think of it as the unsung hero of church leadership. Many pastors, in their heartfelt service, blur these lines, leading to a journey where their personal compass gets lost in the […]

Time to Organize Your Church – Once And For All!

In the ever-evolving landscape of church leadership and management, one of the most pressing challenges faced by pastors and church leaders is navigating the complexities of organizing the church. At the heart of this challenge lies a critical question: How can a church’s structure facilitate effective decision-making, foster growth, and align with its mission […]