The last thing pastors want to do is embarrass themselves in front of their colleagues. So, as a new decade dawns, chic pastors will want to be savvy about what’s out and what’s in. Here’s a partial list.
Stained glass.
Silk plants.
Ought-to sermons.
How-to sermons.
Reserved parking places for staff.
Reserved parking for visitors.
“Narthex” or “foyer.”
“Lobby.”
Prayer warriors.
Intercessors.
“Youth.”
“Students.”
Associate minister.
Minister of assimilation.
Assistant pastor.
Director of women’s ministries.
Youth director.
Minister to families with students.
Wednesday night prayer meeting.
Early morning prayer groups.
Denomination-sponsored conferences.
Large-church-sponsored conferences.
Advertising on the church page.
Advertising in the newspaper’s living or entertainment sections.
Annual missions conferences.
Short-term mission trips.
Multiple-board structure.
Single-board structure.
Potluck dinners.
Catered buffets.
Tradition.
Vision.
History-based budgeting.
Zero-based budgeting.
Standing committees.
Task forces.
Door-to-door canvassing.
Direct mail or telemarketing.
Cold calling.
Visits by appointment.
“The non-Christian.”
“The unchurched.”
Revival meetings.
Target-group ministry.
“Visitors.”
“Guests.”
Having guests stand during worship services.
Guest receptions with refreshments before or after services.
“Programs.”
“Ministries.”
-Gary L. McIntosh
Church Growth Network
San Bernardino, California
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