Chuck Lawless

Latest

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  Oct 13, 2015

  8 Unexpected Blessings of Christianity

  My seventh-grade classmate who shared the story of Christ with me was a matter-of-fact kind of guy. Here's generally the way he told me the gospel: "You're going to hell, and you need to get saved."

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  Oct 8, 2015

  10 Things Effective Churches Do Well

  I've written posts for this site and my own that describe some of the negatives our church consulting teams and "spies" have found in churches. The goal of this post is to show some of the positives we've seen in different churches. The topics vary, but perhaps something will help you in your church.

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  Oct 1, 2015

  9 Reasons Churches Must Connect With Cities

  Even if you have no interest in urban settings and ministries, I plead with you to continue to read this post. We are called to get the gospel to all peoples of the world (Matt. 28:18-20), and we will not do that if we shy away from the world's cities. Please read on, and pray about how your church might tackle a city – then encourage others to read this post as well.

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  Sep 19, 2015

  9 Bible Texts to Challenge Christian Leaders

  To be a Christian leader is no small calling. Whether you serve as a church pastor, a lay leader, or a Christian who leads in the secular world, you are under obligation to be a strong and faithful witness for Christ. Here are several texts that should challenge you — and provide you a grid through which to evaluate your life today.

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  Sep 12, 2015

  10 Characteristics of Bad Christian Teachers

  Several times in my teaching career, I've asked graduate students to give me descriptions of the worst teachers they've had. During those same years, I've watched leaders, discussed leadership, and read leadership books to learn characteristics of good and bad leaders. Perhaps not surprisingly, I've seen that some of the characteristics of bad teachers and bad leaders are the same.

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  Jun 13, 2015

  12 Signs of Mediocrity in a Church

  I suspect this post may offend someone, but that's not my goal. I want churches to strive for excellence simply because our calling is to do what we do for God's glory. I fear, though, that many congregations settle for mediocrity. As a church consultant, I've learned that these signs are often an indicator that the church overall does not strive for excellence:

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  Jun 10, 2015

  10 Reasons Why Spiritual Disciplines Matter in Church Revitalization

  Thom Rainer and I have talked often about the process of church revitalization. Both of us recognize, though, that knowledge of revitalization is hardly enough to turn around a church; the process cannot be separated from the personal walk of the leader who longs for church renewal. Below are ten reasons why spiritual disciplines matter in church revitalization.

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  Jun 1, 2015

  13 Ways to Address Signs of Leadership Fatigue

  Previously, I posted on "13 Signs of Leadership Fatigue." Several readers asked me to write a follow up post about ways to deal with these signs. Maybe these suggestions will help you move past leadership fatigue.

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  May 29, 2015

  5 Reasons Some Pastors Are Loners — And Why That's Not Good

  3. It's easier to do ministry alone. It takes less time to make a visit if I go by myself. I don't have to worry about anybody's schedule. Lunch takes less time if it's not connected to hanging out with another believer. We even spiritualize our thinking: "we can get more done for God's glory this way."

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  May 26, 2015

  13 Signs of Leadership Fatigue

  Leadership is sometimes wearisome – so wearisome that we come close to giving up. Over the years, I've watched leaders slide into defeat, and I've seen some of these common signs of trouble.