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 […]
Some of Us Don’t Value the Soul Anymore
During my 50 years of ministry (Yes, 50. That’s not a typo.), I’ve become convinced that most churches don’t put much value on soul. And that saddens me. Why do I say this? Far too often, more than anything else, money defines a person or organization. The old saying “show me your pocket book and […]
Why You Shouldn’t Show Individual Staff Salaries
I’m often asked if the church budget should show individual staff salaries and without hesitation I always say, “NO, not on your life!” Here’s why. First showing all the salaries encourages mediocrity. Why? Because the same mindset that publishes individual salaries also wants to give across the board raises, which is always a horrible thing […]
5 Questions to Discover If You Honor the People God Loves
We talk a lot about honor in our culture in regards to public service and acts of bravery. But why don’t we speak more about honoring one another in daily life? Think about it. How do people perceive you? And in regards to church, does your congregation honor every precious child of God? I feel […]