Four Key Strategies That Will Grow Your Church

Growing a church isn’t about finding a magic bullet or the latest trendy program. It’s about focusing on what truly matters. After decades of working with churches across the nation, I’ve found that sustainable church growth boils down to four core processes: Invite, Connect, Disciple, and Send. Bill Easum and I wrote about these […]

Why Leadership, Not Calling, Determines Ministry Success

Once upon a time, I was a young, optimistic student pastor appointed to a small Methodist church in Hinson’s Crossroads, Florida. The church, nestled at the end of a paved road that gave way to a winding red clay path, had just 38 members. Despite being told that growth was unlikely, I rolled up […]

If You Have a Blurry Vision, You Have a Bleak Future

You’ve heard me say it before. If you’ve got to herd cats, you’ll need a bigger mouse.

Your church cats will chase the biggest mouse in the room, and if your Big Mouse Vision is smaller than someone else’s, you’ll lose their attention every time. The wise and successful pastor stays on his/her knees until […]

The Pastor’s Playbook for Boosting Church Giving

“We don’t have money problems anymore.” Imagine hearing that in your church. That’s exactly what one of my Catalytic Church Growth Pastors told me last week. It’s like a breath of fresh air, isn’t it? But let’s be real – even in churches where the offering plate seems always full, there’s never enough cash […]

The Computer Science of Church Growth: Time Management Lessons for Pastors

Time management is a challenge that every pastor faces, especially when you’re leading a growing church. The good news? Computer science has some fascinating insights that can help you manage your time more effectively. Brian Christian did a TED Talk some time ago that offers some different – even some counterintuitive – tools to […]

Turn Water into Wine … or at Least Turn Your To-Do Lists into Done

You’ve got the vision. You’ve got the mission-critical goals. Now, what you need is the time management strategy to make it all happen. In a world where pastors are expected to be spiritual leaders, counselors, and administrators, time is your most valuable asset. Let’s talk about how to prioritize it effectively.

The ABCDE of Time […]

From Sermons to Staplers: How to Sort Your Church Priorities Without Losing Your Religion

In today’s fast-paced, distraction-filled world, staying focused on what truly matters is more challenging than ever. As a pastor or church leader, you’re not merely managing a congregation; you’re spearheading a mission—a mission that can’t afford to get derailed by the myriad of “urgent” but ultimately inconsequential tasks that vie for your attention. So, […]

The Silent Killer in Your Church: Unresolved Conflict and How to Tackle It Head-On

You walk into your church on a Sunday morning, greeted by the familiar faces of your congregation. The atmosphere is warm, the hymns are uplifting, and the sermon is inspiring. But beneath the surface, there’s a silent killer lurking—unresolved conflict. It’s the elephant in the room that no one wants to address, yet it’s […]

Unlock the Secret to a Magnetic Church

Ever walk into a place and think, “I belong here”? That’s not by accident; it’s by design.  

Hey folks, Bill here. Today, let’s talk about the secret sauce that makes some churches irresistible—culture. It’s not just about the music or the sermons; it’s about the vibe you feel the moment you walk in. Creating a […]