The Deepest Challenge
The Deepest Challenge By: Tom Bandy Behind and underneath all the other resistance or anxiety about change and growth, leaders have discovered the root cause of decline and plateau in the church. The real question is: “With my (our) first breath and last penny, will it be “me” or “mission”? This is true both for […]
Key Questions for Every Creative Idea
Key Questions for Every Creative Idea By: Tom Bandy Servant empowering leaders never tell people what to do, but always ask these questions when anyone suggests a creative idea: 1) Did it emerge from serious spiritual growth? 2) Is it aligned with our vision and mission? 3) Is it within the boundaries of core values […]
Mission Attitude
Mission Attitude By: Tom Bandy Parish clergy are an endangered species in the emerging world of indifference or hostility to the established church. Attitude is everything. You can acquire the skills you need, but unless you have the right attitude you are vulnerable to drop out or burn out. Score yourself (and ask others to […]
Finance and Leadership
Finance and Leadership By: Tom Bandy Established churches of all kinds are hitting a financial wall. Some are now asking the clergy or staff to take salary cuts, and these leaders are rightly perturbed at the hidden assumptions behind such a move. Remember that the key to stewardship is disciplined adult spiritual growth, and that […]
How Churches Die Spiritually Part 2
How Churches Become Alive Spiritually: Part 2 By: Bill Easum Last week we saw how churches become spiritually dead. But spiritual death does not have to happen. In order for the picture to be reversed, the following usually happens. Action – Some one (usually the pastor) begins to cast a vision of a different future […]
How Churches Die Spiritually Part 1
How Churches Die Spiritually: Part One By: Bill Easum Most established Protestant churches today are spiritually dead. I don’t believe church leaders intentionally set out to cause their church to become spiritually dead. Most church leaders in established churches I’ve worked with believe their actions are meant for just the opposite – to keep their […]