Simple, Practical, Authentic Faith
As churches look to recover from the separation caused by the pandemic, many pastors have lamented their poor church attendance. I've heard pastors say things like "we're back open but we only have a few people each week." Some have said "our members won't come to church but I see them everywhere else." I've considered … Continue reading Using Empathy: How to Help Members Return to Church
The church has become decentralized. It is not focused on the church building any longer. Many pastors have expressed joy when reopening their buildings and sadness at the lack of attendance. Also, church isn’t focused on the 11:00 hour anymore as people engage with the church digitally at the times that fit their lifestyle. The … Continue reading 7 ways to be effective in the decentralized church.
Things have changed in our churches and may never really go back to pre-pandemic standards. Sunday schools, missionary ministries, and special services may not survive the pandemic. Youth and children’s ministries will be unrecognizable as we adjust to new social norms. Small group teaching ministries and community fellowship gatherings may die out because of a … Continue reading 7 Steps to Evaluate Post Pandemic Ministry
The final point in my sermon this week was “Communicate Everything”. During that point, I explained how Nehemiah made communication a priority during a crisis. There’s a story I wanted to share but the Lord didn’t lead me to share it at that time. So I’ve decided to share it now to emphasize the value … Continue reading Communicating In A Crisis
Times have changed. We are living in a new age of information and influence. To be effective in ministry in this present age, we must learn from the examples of those who were leading the church in an unchurched world. With this in mind, I'd like to share a few thoughts with you from Paul's … Continue reading Ministry in the Present Age
The best leaders communicate well with their teams. The Apostle Paul, writer of 13 books of the New Testament, used letters to keep followers on track spiritually and connected to his ministry. I’d like to share some communication principles from Paul’s example that every leader can apply for immediate results. Let’s look at 2 Corinthians … Continue reading Four Communication Principles for Leaders
This is a busy hurricane season. Hurricane Harvey has flooded the 4th largest city in America and hurricane Irma is currently making landfall in Florida and other Southeastern states. As pastors, we may feel the call to make a response. We may also feel the need to encourage our people as they wrestle with the … Continue reading Hurricane Preparations for Pastors
“Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to Him, “All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me.” Then Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! For it is … Continue reading Success doesn’t equal identity
“Then the devil took Him up into the holy city, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written: ‘He shall give His angels charge over you,’ and, ‘In their hands they shall bear you up, Lest you … Continue reading Your title isn’t your identity.
Last week, my friend Jeff Centers, pastor of Riverland Church, shared a thought with me. He said one of the primary ways the enemy attacks ministry leaders is in the area of identity. As we discussed this concept I began to believe Jeff was right. Immediately my mind went to the interaction between Jesus and … Continue reading Ability doesn’t equal identity
Two Commandments 