Back to Basics: Build Relationships
The second step in Jesus’ 5 step exponential church growth model is to build relationships (step 1 is to get some attention and increase your first-time visitor count). This is part 2 of a five part series. Most, but certainly not all, churches get a first-time visitor every now and then. And if you’re following […]
Extreme Makeover
The TV show Extreme Makeover follows the stories of the lucky individuals who are chosen for a once-in-a-lifetime chance to be given a truly Cinderella-like experience: a real-life fairy tale in which their wishes come true, not just by changing their looks, but their lives and destinies. This magic is conjured through the skills of an “Extreme […]
Transformational Small Groups
One of the key elements of most discipleship pipelines I’ve seen is what I call “transformational small groups.” The problem is, when most people hear “small groups,” they think of Bible studies, which is far from what is meant by a transformational small group. Let’s look at the difference. Most ineffective small groups are primarily […]
Too Many Pastors Are Wasting Their Lives
I love pastors. I was one for thirty years. But my heart goes out to them because most of them are wasting their lives. Let me tell you why. Statistics show that some 85% of the churches in the U.S. are either on a plateau or are declining. Some of these churches can be turned around, […]
Four Lessons from an Interview with Ron Johnson
Ron Johnson is the Senior Pastor of One Church*, a multi-site congregation in Orlando, Florida. For several years he has been planting one church a year, but he recently felt the call to step it up. As a result, he is embarking on an aggressive mission to plant one hundred churches over the next ten years. […]
8 Crucial Steps to Church Hospitality that Transforms Lives
Every church says they are friendly (hospitable), but that usually is true only among church members themselves. The experience of the stranger, of the first time visitor, is often very far from a sense of being welcomed. Let’s be honest. The call to make disciples and the kingdom goal is at stake here. It isn’t […]