From the Latest Net Results: Is Evangelism Dead?
Dr. Bruce Stevens reflects on a key reason many of our evangelism efforts are ineffective … and the reasons why might surprise you. (Get the newest issue of Net Results) In the Parable of the Sower (Matt 13:1–9) Jesus observed that the ground can be rock hard. Generations of preachers have concluded that the good […]
Easter Sunday Checklist
It was over twenty-five years I walked into a tent that would revolutionize the way I would forever pastor a congregation. Soon after being called to the First Christian Church of Norwalk California, I began hearing about a church in Orange County that was doing big things. The church was Saddleback Valley Community Church and […]
Stop Sharing Your Church Newsletter with Visitors – and Other Follow-Up Gaffes
I had a rare Sunday off a couple weeks ago and decided to drop by a local church that I’d never visited. I’d discovered the church on my annual Christmas Light Tour (where I drive aimlessly through random neighborhoods looking for great light displays) and I discovered this church tucked deep inside a neighborhood I’d never driven […]
Too Late Warning Signs
One of the sad realities about being a church consultant is that too often, churches don’t realize they’re “in trouble” until it hits their bottom line. Their finances. It seems that no one seems to take too much notice when the congregation begins to age out. There’s an expectation that the older folks will relocate […]
Change is Hard … Even for Me
I’ve been working in the church planting and church turnaround business since I was twenty-six years old. Let’s just say that was awhile ago [my wife just whispered “A LONG while ago.”]. One might think that I’m immune from the allergy to change. But, sadly, I’m not. It was Grandparent Church Camp. Three days, two […]
Attracting ‘Super’ Men to Your Church
Pastors of churches all over our country continue to ask the question, “Where are all the men”? Women comprise more than 60% of the adults in the typical worship service in America. Some overseas congregations report ten women for every man in attendance. Volunteer ranks are heavily female. No other religion suffers the enormous gender […]