Category: Articles

Stop Suffering From Mega Church Envy

We live in a time when the nature of church is changing dramatically.  There are a few very large congregations, but most churches are quite small.  Do I have to be a mega church pastor to be “successful?” What does it mean to be church in our time?  Let’s be honest.  How do we feel […]

The Top Staff Positions for Churches Reaching Young Adults

A client recently posed a staffing question and asked me to address it. “Why should the first hired staff positions be (1) a worship leader for a non-traditional style worship service; and (2) a children’s director?” The answer is as simple as it should be self-evident. Without a steady influx of young families to the […]

Does Jesus Believe in Church Growth?

The term “church growth” means all sorts of things to different people.  Some see no problem whatsoever.  Others find it to be controversial. The question that defines it for me is?  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.  I love the way God designed his church.  I hate the way church often looks when it ceases to be the church God designed. Do you understand why I say this?  How do you feel about church if you go to church?  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 […]