July 2018

Church Growth
Is Church Growth The Best Way To Make More Disciples In Your Neighborhood?
In addition to “how can we break through to the next size level?” we need to ask “is bigger really better in this situation?"
Is Church Growth The Best Way To Make More Disciples In Your Neighborhood?
Image: BLM | Flickr

Because I minister to small churches, I’m often asked, “aren’t you worried, that by supporting small churches you’ll be encouraging churches that could grow, to stay small instead?”

Yes. That is a concern. One that I’ve addressed in Small Church ...

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Innovative Ministry
Why Most Small Churches Don’t Use (Or Need) An Organizational Chart
When small churches follow a strict Org Chart, people end up filling positions instead of operating within their talents, gifts and passion.

Does your small church have an Organizational (Org) Chart?

If you don’t, relax. You probably don’t need one.

If you do, brace yourself. You may want to get rid of it because they tend not to work in small churches like they work in large churches. In fact, some of ...

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Innovative Ministry
The Best Way To Reduce Money Problems In A Local Church
When a church is making disciples a whole lot of problems get better or go away entirely – including finances.

Churches have to do more ministry with less money.

That’s becoming truer with every passing year, and it will increase for at least another generation.

For example, 15 years ago, the church I serve was smaller and less healthy than it is right now. By every indication of ...

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Church Growth
Want Real Church Growth? Don’t Fill Your Building, Empty It
Churches emptying out into their community to share the good news is a greater sign of effective ministry than an increase in church attendance will ever be.

Getting more people to go to church has never been the point of church growth.

Jesus didn’t tell us to “work really hard to gather people into large crowds to fill up your church buildings. Then I’ll know that you love me.” But when you look at how most ...

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Church Leadership
Let’s Ask Better Questions About Church Size
Instead of asking “what’s the best church size?” we need to ask “what’s the best church size for a given situation?”

What‘s the best church size?

Some church growth proponents might argue that, whatever your size, “just a little bigger” would be better.

Many house church attenders would propose that smaller is better.

There are followers of John Wesley’s Rule of 150 who ...

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Christian Unity
3 Ways To Become The Godly Elders Today’s Youth Need – And Want To Follow
The best way to help foster the Fruit of the Spirit in others is not by demanding it of them, but by living it out with them.

This generation wants to honor its elders and be mentored by them.

That may not feel like it’s true – especially if you, like me, are old enough to qualify for AARP membership. But I assure you it is.

I know this because I see it all the time. Youth, both in and outside ...

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Church Growth
If A Church Isn’t Growing, Should The Pastor Be Fired?
Nowhere does the Bible imply that a pastor is not being faithful if they don't hit certain levels of numerical increase.

The title of today’s post is based on a question that I read in a Facebook group for pastors.

While I seldom take such discussions into a public forum like this, I think this question is important enough to answer here. So here’s the longer version of what was asked: ...

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Innovative Ministry
My Best Advice For New Pastors And Church Planters? Be A Great Cover Band
The more good sources you take ideas and inspiration from, the more likely you’ll discover the unique ministry God has for you.

This summer, in county fairs all over America, people will flock to see tribute bands.

With names like Unforgettable Fire (U2), The Fab Four (Beatles), Heartache Tonight (Eagles), and Simple Man (Lynyrd Skynyrd), they can give us a fun evening, seeing a band that looks and plays ...

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Church Leadership
Pastors, The Church Is Not Our Personal Platform
The church does not exist to give us an audience for our ideas, projects or egos. It exists to fulfill Christ’s purposes.

The church belongs to Jesus.

It is not owned by its denomination, its donors, its members, its staff or its lead pastor.

Jesus said he would build his church – and he’s not about to give up that ownership to us or our ideas.

As a pastor, this is a lesson I need to remind ...

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Christian Unity
6 Principles Healthy Churches Use To Deal With Conflict Well
We have an obligation as leaders to have a plan in place to resolve conflicts in the healthiest way possible.

Conflict is inevitable. Even in a healthy marriage, family and church.

Like healthy marriages and families, healthy churches don’t avoid conflict, but they deal with it well.

I’ve been in pastoral ministry for more than 35 years. In the early days, I dealt with more ...

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The Illusion Of Pastoral Control In A Small Church
If you’re a small church pastor who’s been frustrated with your inability to gain control of the church, stop trying. There's a better way.

If you’re a control freak, I have one word of advice.

Don’t become the pastor of a small church. (Actually, I’d advise you not to pastor any church. We have enough control freaks in the pulpit already.)

It’s a common misperception that the smaller a church ...

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Church & Culture
Hey, Boomers! Let’s Step Up And Be The Elders The Church Desperately Needs Right Now
We've been doing this badly, folks. Here are three simple steps to help my generation of Boomers become better at discipling the next generation.

What’s wrong with today’s younger generations?

I hear that question all the time. Especially from my fellow Baby Boomers.

The quick answer?

Nothing.

Nothing is wrong with the current and upcoming generations that hasn’t been wrong with every previous generation. ...

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