Why many churches seeking a full-time pastor can’t find one
While we are entering a new era for churches in the United States and beyond, I see it as a new era of opportunity rather than problems.
7 things you can do if you want things to change … and no one else does
So, what do you do if you want things to change and pretty much no one else does?
Four reasons why “evangelism” is often misunderstood in churches
Satan does not want people to become followers of Christ. He blinds them to the gospel until the Holy Spirit removes the scales from their eyes, often through our personal evangelism.
The one thing we don’t hear about multisite churches
The multisite strategy is ingrained in the American church culture. While the majority of churches will never use a multisite strategy, they are no longer perceived as aberrations and outliers.
In the future, blended services may not be so common
Church leaders often blend worship services in hopes of creating unity.
Eight key decisions you must make about groups in your church
I spent many years in a church tradition that viewed Sunday school as the only legitimate group model.
Why most churches greet you like it’s 1999
When you welcome people to your church during your in-person services, do you still behave like it's 1999?
The perils of a checklist pastor
Transfer growth is elusive these days. If churches are not growing by conversion or evangelistic growth, they probably are not growing at all.
Gradually, and then all of a sudden
In the midst of all the gloom and doom about the state of churches, I remain an obnoxious optimist.
How far ahead should a church plan?
Leaders often ask me, "How far ahead should our ministry plan?" The answer depends on the change cycle of your ministry.
Five reasons why large churches are having difficulty finding millennial pastors
"We can't find a pastor." It is a challenge to find a pastor, but it's also a new opportunity to look at how we "do church."
Leadership can be lonely: how to support those at the top
Leaders need encouragement because it can be lonely at the top. Find some encouragement in this post.
The importance of making prayer spaces accessible (Video)
Making prayer spaces accessible is important, but so is this often neglected element.
The incredible story of one church that turned around in 30 days
A 30-day turnaround for a church, or a quick fix does not exist. But, Thom Rainer shares why there's reason to offer hope to the church.
What pastors can say to the class of 2024
With everyone’s attention on the graduates and the pastor’s advice for them, these ceremonies are opportunities to assure the graduates: “We’ve pulled for you; we’ve prayed for you; we’re proud of you.” What else do graduates need to hear?
Rethinking how we preach for the digital age
By rethinking how we preach for the digital age, we can effectively reach people, build relationships, and ultimately disciple them daily – one micro-content moment at a time.
3 leadership lessons learned about serving others
Our mission was to serve. We felt called to address the marginalized and the vulnerable who were struggling to access quality healthcare. Through this journey we've learned many lessons in leadership.
Words that changed my ministry
A few years ago I attended the funeral of a dear friend whose words back in 1969 changed the direction of my life and ministry.
An easy way to gauge your church’s growth and decline
While no numerical formula is perfect, I suggest church leaders look at this simple way of evaluating their churches’ growth or lack thereof.
How the Baby Boomers will impact your church in the years to come
Here are seven things that will take place in your church as the Baby Boom Generation dies.
