Articles
Filtering Through All the Voices to Find God’s
It’s been said that God gave us two ears and one mouth so that we will listen twice as much as we talk. However, pastors probably need about ten or twelve ears in order to best function. (And no, that’s not a joke about how long their sermons are!) Because they...
So Your Child No Longer Wants To Attend Church
All parents know children go through various stages (and attitudes), and sometimes a child might say he or she wants to stop attending church. What is a parent supposed to do in that situation? I remember a time when a particular church member was upset because her...
Hey, Pastor! It’s Time To Plan A Getaway!
At the beginning of each year, I begin thinking about planning a week for my pastor husband and me to get away to unplug and rejuvenate. In our experience, a staycation is not an option—we need to leave town. But where does a pastor take his family for a break from...
Mutual Submissiveness
Training seminars and textbooks galore focus on how to lead with compassion, understanding, and authority. What about those who do not serve in a leadership capacity? Are these followers simple sheep, witlessly trailing wherever the leader decides to direct? Or are...
Solving Conflicts When Tensions Are High
As today's political climate heats up, we've got to learn how to deal with a certain amount of tension in the air. Conflict in the church takes on various forms. Sometimes the conflict surrounds something the pastor has done, or hasn’t done, or someone thinks he...
4 Ways to Increase Giving in your Church by MyCom
Money can be a touchy subject, especially when we start talking about how churches can increase donations. People often fear the stereotype of the church that “always” is begging for money. However, the reality is that people want to give to your church and God calls...
Got Guilt Over NOT Being an Insanely Busy Pastor?
There are many stereotypes people have concerning pastors: They do not make much money (unless they pastor a megachurch, in which they then make too much money). Most of their week is spent studying and memorizing the next sermon. They are definitely Type B...
Why Vacation Bible School Is Vital
I have good memories of Vacation Bible School. When I was growing up, it was held in the daytime, mainly because more moms stayed home with their children and could teach VBS during the day. I remember marching through the front doors of the church to “Crown Him with...
Change The World. Become Stephen.
I just want to change the world. That’s it. Nothing more. So… who’s with me? Have you ever considered the life of one of the boldest preachers in history? He was of such significance that God gave him a place in Scripture, a testimony for all time, because of his...
Finding Affordable Speakers and Bands
Though the gospel may be free, groceries and rent are not, and more and more gifted speakers and musicians are having to increase their booking fees to amounts that the average church pastor would get laughed out of a deacon’s meeting if he proposed paying it for a...
Author & Pastor Larry Osborne Shares His Secrets for Success
Larry Osborne has served as a Senior Pastor at North Coast Church in Vista, California since 1980. The church has grown from 128 to over 11,000 in weekend attendance. Larry’s books include Thriving in Babylon, Innovation’s Dirty Little Secret, Accidental Pharisees,...
9 Must-Read Biblical Fiction Titles For Pastors
If you are looking for a good escape that can also feed your spiritual hunger, biblical fiction could be your answer. Just what is biblical fiction? First, it is speculative fiction that uses Christian themes and incorporates the Christian worldview, however varied...
Three Strikes For Tough Teens in the Church
I love the kids my husband has had the privilege of pastoring, no matter their ages, and many a child has gone through one of my Wednesday night classes. Some of the children who gave me grief in their elementary school years have grown to be sweet, loving teenagers....
Bishop Quigg Lawrence Shares the Worries He’s Experienced in Church Finances
Quigg Lawrence, Bishop of Church of the Holy Spirit, talks about church finances while opening up about his family’s financial struggles when he was a boy. This, among other things, has led him to the important realization that satan can gain a foothold where there is...
Dealing with Addiction as a Grace-Filled Church
Though it typically is thought to be in reference to alcohol, drugs, and, lately, pornography, the term addiction truly refers to an almost unlimited list of habits that negatively affect a person and/or the people around him or her. In addition to these, people in...
Eight Ways to De-stress This Spring
A life of ministry collects stress like a house collects dust. That’s why Spring cleaning isn't t something that should just happen in our homes. Each Spring you and I can de-clutter our lives to eliminate the stress and make sure we're maximizing our time at work and...
Q&A With Lead Pastor and Awesome Guy, Ron Vietti
Pastor Ron Vietti is the Lead Pastor of Valley Bible Fellowship in Bakersfield, California. Ron and his wife Debbie, of 43 years, pioneered Valley Bible Fellowship in 1974 with ten teenagers. It is now a church of over 10,000 people. Outside of the main campus, VBF...
The Best Bible Study Resources
As an editor of Christian books, I often need quick access to multiple Bible translations and resources, and I know you find yourself in the same boat daily. Here are some online sources to assist you in your preparation. Bible Gateway—This is my go-to resource, and I...
Former Pastor Jonathan Watson Digs Deep Into Pride
Pastor Jonathan Watson stepped into a leadership role in the church just days after his son was born. Here, Jon discusses his experience with pride and his relationship with his position of authority within the church. As he faced devastating challenges in his...
How To Run Highly Effective Church Staff Meetings
Church life is full of meetings, and no doubt you’ve experienced the satisfaction of a well-conducted, efficient meeting that makes an impact. Likewise, you may also have been a part of meetings that leave people confused and aimless. Like good project management,...
