Does Jesus Believe in Church Growth?
The term “church growth” means all sorts of things to different people. Â Some see no problem whatsoever. Â Others find it to be controversial. The question that defines it for me is? Â Do your pews or seats look like this image on a Sunday morning? Somewhere between 15 and 20% of Americans will worship as Christians […]
Holding a Congregation Accountable
I recently received a note with a question that I’m sure most pastors have asked themselves at one time or another. I’m afraid there are many answers to this question. And just like there are many answers to the why question, there are several answers to the unasked question, “How do we hold a congregation […]
Why I Hate and Love Church at the Same Time
I have a love/hate relationship when it comes to church. Â I love the way God designed his church. Â I hate the way church often looks when it ceases to be the church God designed. Do you understand why I say this? Â How do you feel about church if you go to church? Â How do you […]
How and When to Give Raises
Churches that give across the board raises are shooting themselves in the foot. Why do I say this? Here are three reasons: No one deserves a raise just because they put in the time during the year. Raises must be earned and deserved, not expected and taken for granted. Raises should be given only when someone […]
How to Cast Vision
Having a vision is one thing; knowing how to cast so it sticks is another. Let me share with you how I did it over a twenty-four year period in the church I restarted. Casting vision begins with having an all-consuming passion for some form of ministry. It can be any aspect of ministry. It […]
Sermon Prep When Time Is Limited
One of the recommendations we make to pastors with churches under 200 is this: learn to do sermon and worship prep in less than two hours each week so you can spend the vast majority of your time reaching people for Jesus Christ. It’s not a popular recommendation. Homiletics professors faint. Long-time pastors just shake their […]