The Spiritual Leadership of the Board
Most churches underestimate the importance of the board members as “spiritual leaders”. Board members are often elected or appointed because of specific skills (teaching, finance, property management, etc.). However, as management responsibilities are delegated to a trusted, gifted few, it becomes more important that the board members be models for the spiritual life. They need to be […]
Church Growth Failure
Some of you may remember the Church Growth Movement of the sixties and seventies. Great leaders such as Donald McGavran and Win Arn led the movement and soon every church in town was running programs like Bring a Friend Sunday and doing follow-up with visitors. Every time you turned around, there was a new program […]
Modeling Jesus
When I was a kid, I used to like to put model airplanes together. Revell made all sorts of great models, but I loved the aircraft. I built a Mustang, a P38, and a number of others. I even tried my hands at building an aircraft carrier so I could build the accompanying aircraft. Now, […]
Microsoft’s Top Twelve
By: Jeff Patton Monday Morning Insights posted this “rant”. I think it is worth the look (http://mondaymorninginsights.com) “This is how Microsoft keeps going and growing into the world leader in computers… each time you see the word “company” think “church”. 1) Hire the Best People-(How many churches hire poorly and then really pay for it? Hire […]
Mid-Career Questions
By: Jeff Patton A friend asked if I could help plan a mid-career sabbatical. My friend wanted to know the best way to use these months away from a long pastorate (15 years). After writing these questions down, I thought, “these are critical questions, pretty much on a daily basis.” So I share them with you. […]
Ten Ways to Life or Death
By: Jeff Patton #1—EQUIP—Ephesians 4:11-12 is quite clear. The role of the pastor is to equip the saints. So equip, equip, equip. Stop doing all the ministry. Empower the people to live in the fullness of the Holy Spirit by using their gifts, stretching their faith and witness God’s power in their midst’s. #2—Do something to […]