For over two decades, I’ve been devoted to serving Christ on pastoral staffs. On this incredible journey, I’ve discovered that having the support and guidance of coaches is essential in…
Read MoreBy Kyle Dunham This year marks the 70th anniversary of the inception of the modern state of Israel. On May 14, 1948, David Ben-Gurion announced from Tel Aviv the rebirth…
Read MoreBy Diane Scallon For those of you who have smartphones, please take a moment to check the battery status of your phone. In the battery section, it will give you…
Read MoreMoney matters matter—even at church, because as church leaders we have a God-given responsibility on behalf of God’s people to direct the financial affairs of our churches with integrity and…
Read MoreThe task of a pastoral search committee in a church isn’t what it used to be. It was never easy, but it seems to be especially demanding these days due…
Read MoreMost church leaders are happy to see guests visit on Sunday. Sometimes they come as a result of a personal invitation. At other times, a community ministry contact or a…
Read MoreHere’s what I’ve discovered about leadership development: some of the best leaders I’ve worked with as a pastor had their start as workers. They didn’t suddenly jump into leadership but…
Read MoreThe local church, by God’s design, has the responsibility of fostering spiritual growth. All that we do in worship, fellowship, service, and Bible study ought to be means toward our…
Read MoreChurch ministry is people ministry, and those of us who seek to sharpen our skills in this area will reap the rewards of greater support and unity among our people—and…
Read MoreAlthough Sunday School ministry has been declining in recent decades, I’m not ready to give up on it. I still think the Sunday School is the church’s best ministry for…
Read More8 things deacons can do to help their pastors stay balanced, healthy, and effective Never have the demands been greater or the pressures more stressful than for pastors today. Higher…
Read More12 Suggestions . . . First, a disclaimer: I’m not an expert on worship. I’ve had no significant training in music or the arts (although I did have piano lessons…
Read MoreSuccessful church leadership is rooted in spiritual commitment. People who are walking with God, growing in their faith, demonstrating godly character, and seeking God’s guidance make the best leaders! Our…
Read MoreAmong my responsibilities as associate national representative of the GARBC is working with churches that are in pastoral transition. Much of that work focuses on helping pulpit committees establish a…
Read MoreSometimes our church outreach events are our community’s best kept secret. We do a great job planning them—safety clinics, classic car shows, sportsmen’s dinners, sports tourneys, dinner theaters, Christmas pageants—but,…
Read More8 Common Mistakes Church Leaders Make Where would we be without those faithful workers who regularly give of their time to serve in our churches? I think we all know…
Read More4 Suggestions I’ve never heard of a church that didn’t have a constitution, but I have heard of church leaders who wish they didn’t have one! Outdated wording, obscure explanations,…
Read MoreIn the first year of one of my pastorates, I removed about 200 people from the membership! It’s true—but let me explain. Although the church constitution included a clear statement…
Read MoreGood communication is a central part of a pastor’s role as a preacher and Bible teacher. It’s also an important skill in the ministry of deacons and other leaders, who…
Read MoreWe have plenty of guests in our services,” a church-planting pastor recently told me. “But they don’t seem to want to come back.” I’ve heard similar comments more than once…
Read MoreWait! Don’t skip this page or merely pass it on to your nursery coordinator. Here’s why: While excellent child care has always been an important part of the ministry of…
Read MoreMost churches are thrilled to see visitors attend services. Often we can reach these people with the gospel; other times we can minister to them as they grow spiritually. Sometimes…
Read MoreEvery church should make evangelism a ministry priority. But getting organized and strategic is the challenge! Here's my recommendation: Start with at least one initiative in each of the eight…
Read MoreIf I have learned anything about working with people in local churches, I’ve learned this: congregational unity is a fragile thing! One minute everything is going great and people are…
Read MoreWe all desire growing, healthy churches. But we know that such churches don’t automatically become that way. Healthy ministries result from the strategic efforts of godly church leaders to move…
Read MoreHere’s a thought. With all the talk these days of strategic planning and organizational church ministry, what would happen if we did church work without any planning? Here’s what might…
Read MoreOne of the most effective times for evangelistic outreach is Christmas Eve. Outreach pastors and evangelism ministry leaders agree on this: Unbelievers seem to be more willing to come to…
Read MoreNo church can be successful without committed leadership. It starts with pastors who are committed to the Word and the people they serve, but it includes deacons who take their…
Read MoreStudies have confirmed a dramatic increase in crimes against church ministries in recent years. Tragically, dangers such as arson, child abuse, vandalism, assault or threats of assault, breaking and entering,…
Read MoreMarriages are in trouble these days. Divorce rates remain high. Affairs and immorality abound. Many couples have unsatisfying relationships because of seemingly constant conflict, a failure to communicate effectively, and…
Read MoreDuring my years in the pastorate, I recall lots of financial ups and downs. At times the giving was great, and we ended the year with overages that we joyfully…
Read More...Consider Doing Evangelism on Christmas Eve This year! One of the most effective times for evangelistic outreach is Christmas Eve. Outreach pastors and evangelism ministry leaders agree on this: Unbelievers…
Read MoreThe process of finding the man of God’s choosing for pastoral leadership in a church is a challenging one. In independent churches like ours, the time commitment and sometimes frustrating…
Read MoreMy top 8 suggestions about outdoor church signs Have one! The name of the church in big letters on the side of the building isn’t enough. An attractive sign out…
Read MoreHow a Pleasing Exterior Attracts Your Community Real estate professionals know that initial impressions can be huge factors for potential buyers. What a home looks like at first glance—its curb…
Read MorePerhaps you’ve heard the story about the pastor who got into an angry argument with a disgruntled deacon in the lobby after church one Sunday. Voices were raised. Fingers were…
Read MoreMost churches I know have challenges with money. It’s a continual burden for church leaders in the light of increasing costs and the failure of many believers these days to…
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