“The Church Doctor will see you now.” The church had a bit of grimace on her face, but she shuffled in and hopped up onto the paper-covered examination table.
“Tell me,” the doctor said. “What seems to be ailing you?”
The church shared her symptoms. Lethargy. Uncontrollable membership loss. And an unmistakeable rumbly in her […]
When I went to seminary, we were taught that the best, most authentic, relevant way to preach was to create an expository sermon. For the uninitiated that’s a sermon that starts with a scripture passage, “expose” it by digging in to teach what the passage says, what the author meant, and then apply it […]
We hear it at probably 90 percent of the consultations we lead. Some good hearted person asks us if we’re going to make some recommendations on how the church can reconnect and reactivate formerly active church members who have left the church.
No one likes our answer. No one.
“Yes, we’ll be making a […]
It’s August.
The last real vestiges of summer are upon us.
Do you know … has your staff taken some serious Rest & Reflection time off?
Part of your role as the senior pastor is to ensure your staff are taken care of … well taken care of. You are responsible for your staff, much more […]
What’s the most important thing about your sermon?
Is it the scripture you start with?
The introduction that gets the congregation on board?
The stories they’ll remember for the rest of their lives?
The exposition of the deeper truths of the biblical passage?
The application of those truths to real life?
The invitation?
Let’s agree that they’re all important. A well […]
In my community, there are a couple of new church starts kicking off. One’s in my denomination and another is in a denomination not too dissimilar to mine.
I’ve met both pastors. They’re younger than I am. They have more energy than I have (barely!). And they both have denominational funding behind them.
But […]
Is the future of your sitting in your pews?
Maybe
… but probably not.
The future of your church isn’t the legacy generation. Your seniors, whether Boomers or Builders, have largely brought your church to where it is – for better or worse. But they won’t be around in a few years, most haven’t invited anyone to […]
I’m not talking about mega churches or even large churches. I mean, who is your Adult Worship Service designed for?
If your choir is singing in robes, it’s probably for Senior Adults who have lots of church experience.
If your band sounds like Peter, Paul, and Mary with guitars and a keyboard, it’s probably for Boomers. […]
Almost every church leader I’ve met tells me they want to grow their churches.
Be careful what you ask for.
A growing church brings problems. LOTS of problems. To be honest, a growing church is a pain in the neck, back, backside, and pretty much everywhere else.
Why?
Because a growing church demands change. Real change. Painful change.
Imagine […]
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