Understand that you are always measuring something … even if you do not know it. Most churches measure harmony, financial stability, membership. So long as there are no complaints, the church is in the black, and membership is at least stable, they feel they are a “success” (particularly in a religiously indifferent culture).
Your mission […]
In a program based church the following model works very well in hiring staff.
Before advertising for the position, develop a clear Mission Statement setting out all of the expectations and objectives on which the person will be evaluated. This way the person knew what was expected before joining the staff.
Next, advertise nationally through your […]
Over the past couple of decades a major shift has taken place that has gone unnoticed by many established congregations. I’ve never had a good word for this shift until today when I read Servolution by Dino Rizzo, pastor of The Healing Place. Servolution is a movement underfoot today. More and more church leaders […]
Take the next couple of minutes and peruse your investment portfolio. How are things going? Is your stock going up or down, or is it stagnant? In your whole portfolio, which is the most important investment you’re making?
Oh, wait. I’ll bet you’re thinking I’m talking about Dow Jones and the S&P 500. Nope. I’m […]
Christendom is dead. It used to be that Christianity was referenced in textbooks, the media, the arts, and in daily conversation, with certain regularity; it was assumed that most people, at least in America, were Christian. It used to be, but not any more. It’s a shock to realize when you’re a Christian, and are interacting casually […]
During national tragedies like natural disasters and mass shootings, the phrase “in our thoughts and prayers” is often used by officials and other public figures to express concern in difficult times.
The phrase has recently received criticism for its repeated usage in the context of gun violence and has been labeled by a word […]
When it comes to first-time visitors, you may be surprised to learn that perhaps the most influential person your guests will meet isn’t your worship leader. It’s not the choir director, Christian education leader, or the board chair. It’s not even your pastor. Believe it or not, probably the most influential person your first-timers meet is your […]
By Steve Cordle
“We are committed to becoming a church of small groups.”
“Life-change happens best in small groups.”
“Everyone needs authentic community.”
These statements, and others like them, are heard often in churches around the country. Small groups have become a big deal.
Churches desiring to help members connect relationally and to grow in discipleship have turned to […]
In a world driven by data and metrics, the church often finds itself in a peculiar position. While businesses and organizations meticulously track KPIs (Key Performance Indicators), churches sometimes shy away from the numbers game. But if we look back to the early church, we find a different story—one where numbers were not just […]
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