Is Your Next Sermon Dangling?
I can’t help but wonder if you’ve ever been there… It’s Saturday, and you’re not completely sure if your message is as “installed” as it needs to be … Here’s a lesson from the home improvement world. Try uninstalling a dining room chandelier when you’re not exactly certain what you’re supposed to do with the…
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When Worlds Collide: Balancing Family & the Ministry
99.9% of the time, your family is part of your church body. That can lead to some sticky situations for a pastor’s family: from church bleeding over into family life, to the big stuff (a rebellious child, a medical crisis that becomes very public). Being a pastor is your job, yes, but it’s a little…
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8 Excuses That Keep Churches Broke
The other day I sat down with a pastor who had an incredible dream for his church. He’s an awesome dude. Talented. Smart. Successful. He had some great ideas. And he was passionate about them. But over tomato soup and blackened fish (which was delicious, by the way), he told me all the reasons why…
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3 Simple Phases To A Great Fundraising Campaign
Let me ask you a question: do you want to execute a successful fundraising campaign? Stupid question, right? It’s like one of those questions a college professor asks at the beginning of his first lecture to get you to pay attention in his class all semester… something like, “Do you want to succeed when you…
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How You Can Encourage Musicians To Play Together As A Team
I’ve heard from many churches that complain that their people aren’t playing together. The problem is that people are focusing only on themselves. I used to play soccer. I’ll never forget what it was like to play and be focused only on what I was doing without being aware that there were open people in…
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Pastor’s Kids Stories
Pastor’s kids know: Always keep the house clean, in case a parishioner drops by the parsonage! Don’t get caught misbehaving, expectations are twice as high for you! Participate in everything, without volunteering for anything…somehow…and through it all, smile! There’s a special kind of camaraderie amongst PKs (pastor’s kids). And while the above might be a…
Read More7 Reasons For Giving Talks: What To Think About When You Write Them
52 times a year, you have the opportunity to link your congregation to God’s heart for generosity and your church’s mission in the community. But effectively connecting the dots requires planning. You must think about the offering time in advance. Too many churches tack this on with little consideration. The worship leader mumbles a few…
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After Easter (Part 2): Avoiding Burnout
Are you coming off the Easter glow? The Sunday was a success: people came, heard the Gospel and now you have a lot of momentum going at your church. People are EXCITED to be there. Now the onus is on you to take that momentum and do something. With the excitement of growth comes the…
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After Easter (Part 1): Maintaining Momentum
The big Sunday is almost here. And when it’s done, you’ll probably breathe a sigh of relief; but you have to do it all over again the following Sunday. And the Sunday after that. And the one after that…(you get it). You probably have two big questions on your mind: How do I keep the…
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7 Things I Learned From Counseling Pastors
Being a pastor can be a lonely place sometimes. It’s hard to find people you can open up to, be honest with, or “vent” about your struggles and frustrations. You want to be honest with your spouse without overwhelming him or her, stressing them out, or making them your punching bag (as a side, we…
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