Innovation Comes from the Edges
Where does innovation most often occur? Innovation most often happens on the edges and because of that we need to stay close to those on the cutting edge. Our NewThing Networks has gone from one network to three networks and doubled the number of churches in the last year. And because of our investment in resources and […]
Interview with Jim Tomberlin
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Leadership Roles
Confusion frequently abounds regarding the functional role of the official Leadership Team of the congregation. Congregations and leaders themselves seldom seriously consider the diversity of expectations surrounding the roles of church leadership. Think about the different perspectives present within a congregation regarding how leaders, whether that be the elders, council, pastor, session, board, or vestry, […]
Look to the Margins
According to Alan Roxburgh[1], the North American church in late modernity is firmly in liminal space…meaning that there is little that is firm or solid as we transition into a post-modern or post-colonial era. “Liminality is a term that describes the transition process accompanying a change of state or social position,”[2] and our churches are feeling […]
Messages from Randy: Spiritual Rituals
I, Randy, woke up this morning a little weary. The rain from last night was pounding against the air conditioner unit in my back bedroom window. The “ping ping” of the rain “bullets” hitting the metal backing of the air conditioner had a certain rhythm throughout the night that, at first, was pleasing to hear, […]
Mission Successes Requires Effective Invitation
You Are Formally Invited Imagine. The day you’ve dreamt of since your daughter’s birth is finally here. It’s her wedding day! You have spent months preparing, taking your “Father/Mother of the Bride” role to superhero proportions. Now, the church is decorated and the caterer is setting up a gourmet feast in the reception hall. You’ve […]