GalleryA Smooth as Glass Restart
...congregation did right was calling a pastor they had confidence in. A successful church transformation always starts with a new pastor. Sometimes, as in this case, the new pastor comes...
GalleryWhy 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 […]
GalleryNew Wineskins-Part 1
The Wall Street Journal reports that one of the key reasons for the continued growth of McDonalds restaurants is their continually embracing of change. What began as the original fast food provider of burgers, fries and a soft drink or shake, now daily serves pancakes, eggs and bacon or sausage for those who want […]
Five Marks of an Effective Congregation
I got an email from a faithful blog reader last week who mentioned I did a good job pointing out the shortcomings of the church, but that there wasn’t much there in terms of what a healthy, functional, faithful, effective congregation looks like. The fact is, it’s a lot easier to find fault with […]
GalleryComing Out From Under Our Rocks: Returning to Active Ministry (and a few things you might not know about periodical cicadae)
Let me start by saying, “I am not an insect person.” I remember screaming my way into the house during Summers growing up in Pittsburgh, PA because I saw a grasshopper jump in our small yard. I can’t tell you how many times I tested my parents’ patience by refusing to go out to […]
Morgan McCall Jr. The Lessons of Experience
McCall, Jr.Morgan The Lessons of Experience: How Successful Executives Develop
The Lessons of Experience: How Successful Executives Develop on the Job
(The Free Press, New York, NY 1988) hardback, $27.50. (Obtain from The Free Press, 1230 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020.
This is a must read book for seminary students, young pastors, judicatories who […]
Joseph Jarworsky, Synchonicity
Jarworski, Joseph Synchronicity: The Inner Path of Leadership
(Berrett-Koehler Publishers, Inc., 1996) 213 pages, $24.95 Hardback. Obtain thru Berrett-Koehler Publishers, Inc., San Francisco, CA 415-288-0260.
Don’t let the first three chapters of this book fool you. This book is a “must” read for church leaders wanting to dream God’s dream or for those who need a […]
GalleryChrist-Centered Pastors Don’t Make Disciples or Care for People
That’s right, you read it correctly – Christ-centered pastors don’t make disciples, nor do they take care of people. Instead, they do what Jesus did: they equip others to make disciples and to care for people. These pastors would rather equip ten people to make disciples than to make disciples themselves. Disciple-making and caring for […]
GalleryATTRACTING NEW VISITORS FOR VALENTINE’S DAY.
Cultural holidays are wonderful opportunities to attract people to your church. Take last weekend’s Super Bowl as an example. For years the church I pastored would host ‘Football Sunday’ and we would encourage unchurched people, especially men, to attend services wearing their favorite team’s jersey or colors. As a part of my message on […]