The Future Belongs to Churches That Learn to Innovate Faithfully
Many church leaders become uncomfortable whenever the word “innovation” enters the conversation. Some fear it implies abandoning biblical convictions in favor of cultural relevance. Others embrace innovation so enthusiastically that every new trend is treated as the...
Obedience to God: How My Spiritual Gifts Journey Began
I felt a stirring from deep within me as I listened to the report from Church Doctor Ministries. That stirring grew into a strong tug over the next several days. Each time I reread the “Spiritual Health/Connected by Serving” section of the report, I grew more...
Why People Are Joining Your Church Before They Ever Attend
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....
Why Friendly Churches Still Lose First-Time Guests
Walk into almost any church in America and ask members to describe their congregation. You'll probably hear the same phrase: "We're a friendly church." Most of the time, it's true. People smile, and conversations fill the lobby before worship. Longtime members embrace...
Stop Focusing on Church Growth. Start Focusing on Kingdom Impact.
Walk into almost any gathering of church leaders, and eventually someone will ask, “How many are you worshipping these days?” It is an understandable question because attendance has become the primary scorecard for many churches. We celebrate growing worship services,...
Five Questions Every Pastor Should Ask About Microchurch
The microchurch conversation is most productive when it happens with someone who is actually doing it. The questions that surface in that kind of context tend to be more useful than the answers found in a book. But there are a few questions worth discerning on your...
The Leadership Lie That’s Keeping You Exhausted
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 their...
Why Your Best Leadership Is Happening in the Leftover Hours
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 morning." "On my day...
What We Can Learn From The Garden in Muncie
Most leaders have heard the concepts. They have read the books on missional community, listened to the podcasts on house church movements, and attended the conference sessions on Fresh Expressions and microchurch networks. And many have walked away with the same...