- 11/03/2012
Millennials, Politics, and an Open Letter
At least in 2008 the Millennials proved to be a generation motivated by a strong centralized federal government. Most every study of the Millennials indicates that the same desire is still alive and well today. It is not unusual to see people look to the government for solutions when few alternatives seem available.
- 10/16/2012
Eight Terrible Church Visits
When I led a church consultation company, one of the more common facets of my consultation was an on-site visit to a worship service. The person I hired to conduct the visit could know nothing about the church. What makes for a bad first-time experience? Being asked to introduce yourself and everyone talking in code.
71 comments - 10/13/2012
Ten Things Pastors Like About Pastoring
We wanted to know what pastors like about their ministry. Here are their top ten responses listed in reverse order, followed by a comment from a representative pastor. Preaching. "My sense of God's call to ministry was a call to preach. It's still what I love to do more than anything."
12 comments - 10/06/2012
Ten Things Pastors Don't Like About Pastoring
The expectations of a pastor are endless. Many members expect them to be omniscient, omnipresent, and omnipotent. But different pastors are wired differently. One pastor may get great fulfillment out of counseling, while another dreads every minute of it.
52 comments - 09/27/2012
Six Ways Churches Reverse a Decline
I don't particularly like the "quick-fix" formula some pundits offer to leaders of churches that are plateaued or experiencing a decline. Nevertheless, I have had the wonderful opportunity to research churches across America. Many leaders are frustrated and seeking God's solution.
123 comments - 09/19/2012
Seven Updated Trends on Megachurches in America
The fascination with megachurches is, at least to some extent, related to the sociological impact on the community in which it resides. There continues to be a shift of members and attendees from smaller churches to larger churches, particularly megachurches.
42 comments - 09/15/2012
Seven Common Comments Non-Christians Make About Christians
Christians are against more things than they are for. "It just seems to me that Christians are mad at the world and mad at each other." I don't see much difference in the way Christians live compared to others.
123 comments - 09/10/2012
Pastors Are Hurting
Not all the news about pastors is discouraging. Pastors feel privileged to be called to their places of ministry. They have a deep love for those they shepherd. Most of them could not conceive of doing anything else. But please hear me: Many pastors are hurting.
51 comments - 08/27/2012
Listening to Negative People Will Make You Dumb
We all know those "energy drainers." They are the people that seem to have a perpetual cloud hanging over their heads. Research shows that exposure to 30 minutes or more of negativity – including viewing such material on TV – actually peels away neurons in the brain's hippocampus. That's the part of your brain you need for problem solving.
214 comments - 08/25/2012
10 Questions to Diagnose the Evangelistic Health of Your Church
In my work with churches across America, I often ask a series of questions that help me assist the church to become more evangelistically focused. Are members more concerned about the lost than their own preferences and comfort?
18 comments - 08/11/2012
Eight Leadership Lessons From Bad Politicians
Let's be fair. Many politicians are good and strong leaders. They have a high ethical standard, care for their constituencies first, and seek to serve. But some politicians are bad. They put self first. They lie. They seek power first.
3 comments - 08/08/2012
Two Big Distractions for Pastors
Distractions take our eyes off those things that really matter. For a pastor, the health of the church is greatly at risk when he loses his focus. Most pastors say critics distract them from their ministries.
31 comments - 07/30/2012
Dealing With Five Common Objections to New Member Classes
There is good anecdotal evidence and older research evidence to indicate new member classes are good for the health of congregations. One of the common objections to new member classes, however, is a lack of time or resources.
15 comments - 07/26/2012
Leadership Lessons From Penn State
I must force myself to learn something if I am ever to be the kind of leader to make certain this tragedy does not place where I serve. If nothing else, I must learn leadership lessons for the sake of these children and future children. In doing so, I noted seven leadership lessons from Penn State.
2 comments - 07/19/2012
10 Reasons We Have Not Reached the Unchurched
Let us look with stark honesty and candor at the ineffectiveness of most American believers when it comes to sharing their faith. One of the main reasons many Christians do not share their faith is simply explained by the word disobedience.
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