by Phill Martin | Apr 23, 2019 | giving
I have to confess when it comes to calculating and filing my taxes, I am a procrastinator. It is not that I am unaware of where I will likely stand on the subject at the end of the day; it is just a task that I do not enjoy. Ok, no one does unless it...
by Barry Howard | Apr 17, 2019 | healthy ministry
The first time I walked onto the grounds at Augusta National in 2002, I was overcome by the lush beauty. I have been privileged to attend The Masters several times through the years, and on each visit, I am inspired when I step foot on this immaculately...
by Joel Snider | Apr 9, 2019 | preaching
Most ministers, particularly those who have studied to be pastors, took at least one course in seminary on preaching. That class time covered using the Bible, sermon structure, and delivery. A few hours of these classes also discussed how to plan...
by Bill Wilson | Mar 26, 2019 | strategic planning
Building a congregation’s life around a clear vision and purpose is an easy thing to believe in. Aligning that purpose with biblical teaching and witness is an agreeable notion. I seldom encounter a leader or leadership group who resists the idea that the path toward...
by Guy Sayles | Mar 19, 2019 | preaching
Congregational leaders use a variety of frameworks, processes, and tools in their work of guiding, shaping, and nurturing churches. Among others, I’ve gratefully used appreciative inquiry, family systems theory, adaptive leadership, and a variety of...
by Doug Haney | Mar 12, 2019 | healthy ministry
Adult choirs still matter and these faithful singers when at their best contribute to the health of the church. A healthy adult choir both reflects and contributes to church health. What does it mean to have a healthy adult choir and what can ministers of music...
by Jayne Davis | Mar 5, 2019 | leadership
What is the best team you’ve ever been a part of? We are in the middle of a hiring process at our church right now. This is an important question to ask if you value team ministry and want your next hire to be a good fit. Good teams work together toward a...
by Mike Queen | Feb 19, 2019 | leadership
I read an article some time ago about a young woman who had applied to a certain college. Like at most schools, the application had several personal questions. To her surprise, she was accepted at this school. In her acceptance letter, it said something like this:...
by Jim Kitchens | Feb 12, 2019 | future
“In those days there was no king in Israel; all the people did what was right in their own eyes.” – Judges 21:25 Editorial comments like this are peppered throughout the book of Judges. Its editor wanted to make sure we didn’t...
by Chris Aho | Feb 5, 2019 | love
I stood in the chancel with the bride and groom. The moment’s significance was infused with the Spirit’s presence as we turned to the most familiar of wedding scriptures: If I give away all my possessions, and if I hand over my body so that I may boast, but do...
