Image: Stefan Schmitz | Flickr

Leaders are learners. It’s an axiom as old as leadership itself.

I used to say leaders are readers. But that’s never been entirely true. Because you don’t need to be an avid reader to be a constant learner.

Some learn by collaboration and conversation. Some by ...

Image: Anthony Kelly | Flickr

What does your church do well? And how long does it take a first-time guest to experience it?

Your response to those questions is a huge factor in how well your church attracts and keeps new people.

According to church leadership experts, most people will subconsciously decide ...

Image: glasgowbury | Flickr

Do all healthy things grow?

Yes.

If a church is healthy, will it grow?

Also, yes.

Will that growth always result in larger congregational attendance?

Not so fast.

When Church Growth Theory Meets Church Life Reality

I know it seems logical.

If a church is healthy they’ll be reaching ...

Image: Russ | Flickr

I have no idea what the right way to do church is.

And I'm growing increasingly skeptical of anyone who says they know.

Sure, I write about it. But most of the time it's little more than "here's something that helps me and my church. Maybe it can help you and ...

Image: Michael Cory | Flickr

Church internships are great. For the church and for the intern.

If they’re done right (yes, that’s a big “if”), they can confirm or define a call to ministry, provide real-life experience, enhance classroom learning, and bless a local church.

If you’re ...

Image: Jesse Wagstaff | Flickr

I like big- and megachurches. I wish there were more of them.

I like small churches even more. I wish there were a lot more of them.

As I continue to write and speak about the value of small churches, I’m noticing a disturbing mini-trend that I want to opt out of. It’s ...

Image: Niklas Rhöse

Your struggling church can turn around this year.

This month.

This weekend.

Because turnarounds can happen in an instant.

If you’re in a church that needs a turnaround, that’s the good news.

Now here’s some hard news. Good, but hard.

Turnarounds can happen fast. ...

Image: Tarah | Flickr

Impact.

It’s what every pastor wants from our Sunday sermons (or talks, messages, homilies – take your pick).

We want to have impact. We want the message to stick. We want the words we speak to help people follow Jesus more closely.

Sermons aren’t just about Sunday. ...

Image: Expert Infantry | Flickr

Jesus was a small church pastor.

Every time I say that, people rush to remind me that massive crowds followed Jesus. Which, of course, is true.

It’s also true that Jesus is the founder, the savior, the builder and sustainer of the Church – all believers at all times ...

Image: contemplativechristian | Flickr

Truth matters.

Especially as followers of Jesus.

Christians should have the reputation for being the most truthful people on earth. But we don’t.

Instead, whenever I’m on social media and see a tagline like, ‘This is huge, if true’ linking to a news item, ...