Five reasons millennial pastors are not moving to larger churches
They are the second largest generation in America’s history. At 74 million persons, they are only surpassed in size by the Boomer generation. Born between 1980 and 1997, they are shaping our businesses, our government, and our culture. And they are shaping our churches.
Engaging volunteers during the Summer
Some of us may need to give our volunteers a break during this season. Some of us may need to give them opportunities. And some of us need to do a combination of both. Below are reasons why—and action steps on how—to do both.
Why a pastor did not survive a difficult church: an interview
A pastor shares his experience leading a deeply divided church, facing resistance, personal attacks, and ultimately resigning.
Men’s Discipleship: Big vs. Small Church — guests: Travis Edgar and Ronnie Cordrey
Effective men’s discipleship is critical to the health of every church, whatever its size.
First Baptist Church Jacksonville: a healthy turnaround megachurch
What makes a healthy church? First Baptist Church of Jacksonville, Florida is a case study.
Five reasons not to volunteer for a church board
Volunteering in a church, for example, on a church board or committee, can not only be rewarding but also an important contribution to a church.
What I’ve learned about handling a compliment for my teaching
In over five decades in vocational ministry, I’ve discovered that how I respond to compliments says a lot about me.
40 things I’ve learned in 40 years of ministry
Now, four decades later, I reflect on what I’ve learned in ministry. Some lessons came rather naturally; others were very painful.
Dogwood Community Church: a healthy country church
Since retiring from local ministry in 2006, I’ve had the privilege of preaching in countless churches, both large and small. What I’ve seen has been overwhelmingly encouraging. With a few exceptions, I’ve been reminded again and again that the Lord’s church is alive, well, and making a difference in people’s lives.
10 churches nailing their social media headers
Most people checking out your church will view you on social before they visit you in a service. Here are 10 examples from churches doing a good job with their social headers to inspire you.
Five reasons why 2025 will be a pivotal year for many churches
There seems to be a convergence of issues that could have a profound effect on churches in 2025.
Thoughts on how to talk to people about God
More and more I’m seeing at the end of the day all we’ve got is our relationship with God and with people. Not the idea of a relationship, but the reality of a relationship.
My 7 do-overs after over 40 years in ministry
As I look back, I think I’d have done a few things differently. Here’s a list of my do-overs.
Why are 30% of your “active” church members absent on a given Sunday?
Are any of you old enough to remember “perfect attendance awards”?
The impending death (and rebirth) of cool church
Everything has its season. And the season of the cool church is, in many ways, coming to an end.
Ten simple ways to enhance your church’s future
Most pastors are already overworked with business as usual, and leading a “turnaround” is the most difficult task of church leaders.
If I had to choose five church metrics to measure and follow…
A sincere pastor asked me this question: If I only had to measure and follow five church metrics, what would be my top five choices?
Anatomy of the firing of a pastor
I have worked with countless pastors who shared their stories with me. These phases are common in many of them.
A simple formula to keep and improve your church bulletin
If you’re going to keep your printed bulletin, here are 5 ways to improve it.
The missing ingredient in multilingual churches
Despite churches’ best efforts, it seems that maintaining ministry in several languages is impossible. It turns out that it isn’t impossible, it just requires an ingredient we tend to miss.
