by Tracee Swank | Jul 15, 2026 | challenges, church health, community, growth
Think of the last person who actually became part of your church. Not a name on the attendance roll. Someone who got woven in. They almost certainly did not fall for a service first. They were loved by a few people who refused to let them stay strangers. That used to...
by Tracee Swank | Jul 8, 2026 | challenges, church health, growth
You count the room on Sunday. Fewer than last year. A couple of regulars gone. And the thought you keep pushing down comes back anyway: This church is shrinking, and I am the one watching it happen. Sit with that fear for a second because it deserves an honest answer....
by Tracee Swank | Jul 1, 2026 | challenges, decision-making, entrepreneur, leadership
Why Faithful Ministry Was Never Meant to Be a Solo Assignment There is a lie many ministry leaders believe. Most would never say it out loud, and many don’t even realize they believe it. But it quietly shapes their calendars, their leadership, and eventually...
by Tracee Swank | Jun 25, 2026 | challenges, decision-making, entrepreneur, leadership
Think about your last week. When did you have time to dream? To pray deeply? To think strategically? To discern what God might be calling your ministry toward next? For many leaders, the answer is uncomfortable. “Late at night.” “Early in the...
by Church4Today Team | Jun 16, 2026 | Beyond Sunday Podcast, challenges, growth, leadership, mission
There is a list of conversations your leadership team is not having. You know it. They know it. The conversations sit in the corner of every meeting, quietly waiting for someone to bring them up. Most weeks, nobody does. The succession question that has been hanging...
by Tracee Swank | Nov 13, 2024 | challenges, church, mission
Leading a church has always come with challenges, but recent times have placed an even greater strain on pastors and staff. With many churches reporting high levels of burnout, it’s clear that the demands of ministry are pushing leaders to their limits. If you or your...
