As a church encourager, I often research areas the church needs to improve. I thought I would write a quick article to look at some things the church is doing well. In an era of rapid societal change and challenges, the church in America has shown an impressive ability to adapt, serve, and make a…
Today’s ecclesial landscape is teeming with churches seeking to refine, reimagine, or entirely reconstruct their vision and mission. While contemporary methods for improvement are essential, the process of seeking external perspectives—commonly known as church consultation—is deeply rooted in theological principles. The heart of a church consultant must include understanding the Church as a collective body,…
As a church consultant, we may need to help pastors learn to set and maintain emotional boundaries. Pastors are often seen as beacons of support, comfort, and guidance, tasked with navigating a congregation through times of joy and sorrow. The depth of emotional engagement can be advantageous but also presents a significant challenge. Pastors can…
This article, “Experiences at Their Churches,” summarizes the fourth section of a recent report by the PRRI’s 2022 American Values Atlas titled “Religion and Congregations in a Time of Social and Political Upheaval” (you can access the full report here https://www.prri.org/research/religion-and-congregations-in-a-time-of-social-and-political-upheaval/). This is the fourth and final installment in this series of articles on Church…
Spiritual disciplines form an integral part of the Christian tradition. They are practical ways through which pastors and other believers can nurture their relationship with God, striving to develop holiness, obedience, humility, and love. For pastors, practicing spiritual disciplines is not just necessary but a mandate that enables them to lead with authenticity, resilience, spiritual…
One of the pervasive themes in the Bible is the importance of encouraging others. Encouragement, in biblical terms, is more than just expressing kind words. It entails uplifting the spirit, fostering hope, and nurturing spiritual growth in others, reflecting God’s love and compassion. The New Testament particularly underscores the importance of mutual encouragement. Paul, in…
This article, “The Diversifying American Religious Landscape”, summarizes the first section of a recent report by the PRRI’s 2022 American Values Atlas titled “Religion and Congregations in a Time of Social and Political Upheaval” (you can access the full report here https://www.prri.org/research/religion-and-congregations-in-a-time-of-social-and-political-upheaval/) This report reveals intriguing insights into the evolving religious landscape of the United…
“Lead Like It Matters: 7 Leadership Principles for a Church That Lasts” by Craig Groeschel is a compelling and insightful book that offers practical guidance for church leaders hoping to create a lasting impact within their congregations. Groeschel capitalizes on his experience as a pastor and the founder of LifeChurch, one of the largest and…
A church, a sacred gathering point for believers, serves a purpose far beyond just Sunday sermons and hymn sessions. It’s a cornerstone of community, a stronghold of shared values and faith, and a hub for social service. But like any organization, churches are not immune to hurdles and challenges, and it is here that the…
We are wrapping up our series called the Questions Jesus Asked this week by looking at a question Jesus asks in Mark 10:36, “What do you want me to do for you?” Mark 10:35-45 (NIV)35 Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him. “Teacher,” they said, “we want you to do for…
This week in our Questions Jesus Asked series we are looking at a question Jesus asks in Mark Chapter 4:13, “Don’t you understand this parable?” about the parable of the sower. Let’s start with the parable and then the explanation. Mark 4:1-9 (NIV)1 Again Jesus began to teach by the lake. The crowd that gathered…
This week in our Questions Jesus Asked series we are looking at a question Jesus asks in Mark Chapter 3, “Which is lawful on the sabbath….”? We are going to talk about living out this life in Christ. The question we need to ask ourselves is. “will we be relationship people or rule followers”? Mark…