Rebuke unapologetically
If a car is heading up an exit ramp the wrong way, the most loving thing you can do is blare on your horn. When we see hazardous behavior in the lives of fellow believers, we need to love them enough to rebuke them in the most effective way possible.
5 trends in small groups coming out of COVID
Most of the attention has been focused on the regathering of in-person worship services, but small groups are regathering as well.
3 things to know before a church rebrand
A rebrand doesn't change the gospel message, instead it compels people to receive the message of hope in a way they'll feel like they're understood and loved.
Leading through preaching
As a retired pastor, now looking for a church home, I have visited several churches and listened to preachers casting vision, reminding us of their mission, explaining their detailed strategy and describing the culture they wish to create.
Why the healthy post-pandemic church will be a church of congregations
Understanding the different sub-congregations in your church is the starting place to make you a better leader.
Blurred lines and how to avoid them
I've been in several situations, mostly in churches, where a lack of a clear purpose, clear directions and clearly stated goals led to confusion, frustration and wasted time.
Are you a demographic church?
Has God equipped your church to minister to "people like us"?
The two largest groups who have not returned to in-person worship since COVID
When will our churches get back to normal? If "normal" means pre-COVID behavior, we will not return at all. We will, however, experience a new normal. We have to be ready for it when it comes.
Software review: Logos 9 offers extensive updates for this seminary student
An expansive update built on Faithlife's preexisting software, Logos 9 offers user-friendly features to accompany its extensive selection of books, lexicons, and commentaries, which I found especially helpful for my research papers and exam study times.
Virtual communion? [Video]
In this short video interview, Bob Whitesel explains some of the most creative uses of technology he's seen since the arrival of COVID-19.
15 things you can do to protect your flock and your pastor
I taught at a Christian university for 11 years, counseling and guiding young men and women either already in the ministry or those that soon would be. Even then, I saw their struggles with sexuality.
Truth that is more than words
Moses experienced God in near-fatal doses. How do you experience him?
Are you a geographic church?
Exactly who should your church be going out to serve? Usually, there are two options that can be discovered by asking two questions: Question 1: "Has God equipped your church to minister to people in a geographic community?" If you answered yes, you might be a Geographic Church. Geo- means "of an area." This is a church whose ministry has been directed toward people in a geographic area (often those who live nearby). These churches meet the needs of people in one or more geographic communities. Examples: a neighborhood church, a village church, a rural church, a church in a [...]
The church planting lie: It’s about numbers!
As an experienced church planter, trainer, and teacher, one of the biggest misnomers I have witnessed is the pressure placed upon the planter or planting team to produce numbers.
7 reasons you must not abandon your online services
As churches return to in-person gatherings, they are abandoning their digital and streaming services. At the very least, they are not giving them the attention they did during the quarantine. It's a big mistake.
3 important keys to the power of presence
When building relationships, the power of presence is critically important. Relationships are nurtured by being present with your spouse, your family, your friends, and those you lead.
Comparing pastors
It is time to rethink how we treat our pastors. Time to be less critical and more prayerful; less judgmental and more forgiving; and less expecting and more serving.
5 reasons to have hope in 2021
As your church faces the challenges and joys of 2021, let me point you to five unshakable truths that anchor our hope as Christians.
3 lies that will shipwreck your leadership
In my experience these are some of the most dangerous lies a leader can ever tell themselves.
Feeling overwhelmed? Try this!
Burnout, moral collapse, and the weight of ministry have shattered many dreams for Kingdom impact. This simple tool could have profound implications for your future, your family, and your ministry.
