My Predictions for 2050
Over the years, I’ve made a few predictions about the future and every one of them has come true (you can see the bulk of them here). Now it’s time for another set of predictions. The first seven predictions are strictly about Christianity and the remaining predictions are secular but will need to be addressed […]
The Basic Law of Congregational Life
Over the past twenty-five years I’ve worked with almost seven hundred churches of all sizes and locations. Most in the U.S. but some in Canada, Hawaii, Australia, New Zealand, and Ghana. And one overarching truth has emerged from my experiences in these churches – I call this truth The Basic Law of Congregational Life. It […]
Is Christmas Becoming Like Easter?
It’s an exciting time to be a pastor. It’s equally exciting to be a consultant. You have to stay on your toes. These times are changing from moment to moment. For some time, the Effective Church Group has referenced Easter as Alumni Sunday, meaning that it’s a time when members who rarely attend worship may […]
Christmas Eve on Sunday
Christmas Eve, the most important time of the year to reach the unchurched (yes, it’s more important than Easter these days), is fast approaching and far too many pastors will be enticed by their church leaders to make one of the most fatal mistakes possible. And this year that enticement will be even more likely […]
The 7 Front Lines of Your Effective Hospitality Ministry
At my church, the first person a guest likely has conversation with is “Tom.” Tom has Asperger Syndrome. He’s the perfect front line for hospitality. His life situation keeps him focused on the mission at hand. He’s not distracted by people he knows who are tempted to chat with each other. His job is to […]
The Long Game
One of the most frustrating realities about a turnaround is that it takes more time to get ready for a successful turnaround than it does to grow a church. Let me explain. There are Several Ways to Grow a Church Give me a big enough budget and I can fill your church I don’t care […]