by Barry Howard | May 30, 2017 | prayer
During my years as a pastor, the question I have been asked most frequently is “Where is God when bad things happen?” The question may follow a devastating storm, an unexpected diagnosis, or a catastrophic event. The contexts vary but the query is the same. This...
by Mike Queen | May 23, 2017 | community
Virtually every church I know, if asked to describe itself, would use words like friendly, caring and welcoming. Not every new person who comes their way would use those same words. While churches are not hostile to newcomers, many of them are unaware of the coolness...
by Barry Howard | May 16, 2017 | Uncategorized
One of the most enriching and fatiguing things about church life these days is the vast diversity within most local congregations. During some recent days of self-reflection and ministry evaluation, I spent some time thinking about why I feel more fatigued these days...
by Bill Owen | May 9, 2017 | community
I stood in a hospital room crowded with family members of one who, without a single word, had summoned us all together. She was ready, after almost 94 years, to leave this life. So that is what she did. She left a hushed silence unable to muffle the emotion of time...
by CHC | May 2, 2017 | call, clergy
The treasurer reported that everything looked good. Giving was slightly exceeding our budgeted needs and financial obligations. Immediately, there were smiles all around the room. Everyone relaxed, happy to know that we didn’t have to worry and stress about our...
by Jim Kitchens | Apr 25, 2017 | future, support
I am fascinated by the things that turn out to have retro appeal. People warn you not to get rid of your old clothes (the classic case being bellbottom jeans), “because they’re sure to come back in style again.” The whole business model for the cable channel Nick at...
by Bill Wilson | Apr 18, 2017 | focus, healthy ministry
Easter changes everything. Like no other part of the Christian faith, the story of Easter is at the heart of what makes our faith unique and life-changing. Death is overcome by life. Not even the grave is immune to the life-giving power of Jesus Christ. Those simple...
by Doug Haney | Apr 11, 2017 | future, spiritual discernment
Sometimes a book ends up in your hands at just the right time with just the right words. Reading that kind of book is like meeting with a mentor or friend. You read a bit and think. Maybe you write something in the margin. It becomes a conversation. A book like...
by Bill Wilson | Apr 4, 2017 | accountability
Whenever I have an opportunity, I suggest that the starting point for bringing health and effectiveness to a church’s ministerial staff is the critical work of clarifying mission, vision and purpose in the congregation. That clarity then becomes the “north star” for...
by CHC | Apr 3, 2017 | Social Media
Belmont University, Nashville, TN April 18, 2017 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Transitioning to the Digital Communication World Now that your church is ready to communicate in the age of the Internet, the next steps can be daunting. What exactly does a communication director...
