Measuring Results (Part 1 of 4)
Understand that you are always measuring something … even if you do not know it. Most churches measure harmony, financial stability, membership. So long as there are no complaints, the church is in the black, and membership is at least stable, they feel they are a “success” (particularly in a religiously indifferent culture). Your mission […]
Congregational Trust Building
Take a good look around at your next church board meeting. Listen to the questions and the comments. Look at the faces. More importantly, though, look at the body language. What does it tell you? If you’re like many church leaders, you might conclude it’s a pretty grim scene with a lot of crossed arms, […]
Relevant Bible Study
By Bill Tenny-Brittian Over the past couple of decades there’s been a lot of talk about being relevant in our churches, especially in our worship. There’s been a move toward contemporary music, modern instruments, high-end technology, and even talk about what it means to deliver a relevant sermon. But we don’t hear much about being […]
You Work Too Much
By: Jeff Patton When was the last time someone said that to you? Most of the stupid jokes I hear directed at pastors refer to the short work week (20 minutes on Sunday) and how easy it is to stand up each week and put people to sleep. Reality is far different and most (99%) of […]
Two More Weeks!
By Jeff Patton I heard it again today. Dramatic turnaround in congregations occurs about two weeks after you have decided to throw in the towel. Two weeks. Two weeks. I remember years ago when that was true for me. I was stymied by the controllers who were hindering every new project, each new idea being […]
Newbie Communication
When I go to most churches, even my own, I try to see everything as if I’m a newbie. Most of the time that’s not hard as I travel across the nation. Recently I was in a mid-sized church where the pastor delivered an eloquent sermon on the need for making connections in the church. […]