How Churches Can Prevent Financial Crises

As Americans transition to a non-religious population, churches have been closing rapidly across the US. In 2019, about 4,500 Protestant churches closed, with those still standing typically having only 85% of the pre-pandemic attendance numbers. This number has worsened since COVID-19 struck in 2020, with research by the Survey Center on American Life and the University […]

Grow Your Church Easter Sunday to Summer

The time between Easter and the beginning of Summer is a critical time in the life of your church.

Whether Easter is early or late in the calendar, the time between what will probably be your best attended Sunday and the beginning of a time when church service attendance traditionally slumps is short. This year […]

Getting Your Building and Grounds Ready for Easter.

With Easter coming, most churches anticipate their largest services of the year. Are your building and grounds ready for double your average attendance? Here are a couple of things to turn your attention to in preparation. Is your parking lot in good shape? Usually 10 percent of your spaces should be clearly designated for […]

6 Essentials of Church Hospitality

My wife and I went on our first cruise.  It was a well oiled machine.  They were prepared for serving meals to 2800 people.  “Free” ice cream almost 24/7!  A staff member always in sight to make your experience great.  A highlight was the towel art on our bed each evening which was in […]

Staff Syndromes by Milton Lewis

From Milton Lewis, Pastor of Northern Hills in San Antonio, TX

syndrome . 1. A group of signs and symptoms that collectively indicate or characterize a disease, psychological disorder, or other abnormal condition. 2. a. A complex of symptoms indicating the existence of an undesirable condition or quality.

1. The Star Syndrome

2. The Manageable Size Syndrome

3. […]

How to Effectively Lead a Staff

This article is a follow up to the previous article on staff management.

Learning how to lead a staff is one of the most important aspects of a pastor’s life if that pastor wants to be an effective leader. Every study shows that the vast majority of churches grow based on their leader and how […]

Breaking the barriers

Every church has natural barriers through which it must pass as it grows. The numbers go something like this (all refer to worship attendance) 200, 500, 900, 3,000 and up.
 These barriers are not hard and fast numbers, only approximate numbers.  In other words you may have to grow to 500 to be totally free […]

Four Reasons Some Churches See First-Time Visitors Almost Every Week

The pastor was on vacation and I was invited to be the guest preacher. Before the service, while I was being briefed by the worship leader, I noticed a significant hubbub at the back of the church. A young couple had come in and they were very nearly mobbed by one well-wisher after another. […]

Great Commission Conference

…with a free will offering received. For more information, contact me at scott@effectivechurch.com. OR Pay Online And Register Now When: Saturday, October 29th, from 10 am to 2 pm CT….