I can tell you there are many times when I have stepped up to the pulpit and my spiritual fuel gauge is close to empty. It has been a busy week, I am depleted, I am tired—for whatever reason, I am not exactly full of vim and vigor. Can you relate? Yes, I have started...
Practice the Discipline of Celebration
One Sunday at church, my husband preached about the celebration as an important part of a Christian’s life. He said it was a discipline that, when practiced, can help develop us into mature Christians. At that point, he grabbed the microphone from the pulpit and said,...
Church-Wide Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner Party
One of the most difficult segments of people to reach are new visitors to a church. At our church, we do the best we can to make new visitors feel welcome by implementing the “First Five” after church. This is where regular attendees spend the first five minutes after...
Three Ways Couples Can Successfully Lead Together in Ministry
After fifteen years of being in the ministry together, we have led almost every type of group imaginable. We have watched as members in suit and tie and those dressed in coveralls both sat side by side in the church pew. Because our ministry has led us to four...
Traits of a Leader
My husband and I lead a mentorship group for aspiring leaders in our church. We hand picked the leaders and taught them through practical example how to lead their small groups. But one member, at the end of one meeting said, “I don’t think I’m a leader. I always...
Five Tips For Creating A Third Space At Your Church
Ray Oldenberg, author of The Great Good Place wrote, “The third place is a generic designation for a great variety of public places that host the regular, voluntary, informal and happily anticipated gatherings of individuals beyond the realms of home and work.” Small...
Bless Those Who Curse You
The knife went in, only a bit deeper this time. Some congregation members had spread gossip about my husband and I, ruining our reputation not only in our community, but with our leadership team as well. People who we thought were friends became our enemies. I felt...
The Case for Lent
Aaron Damiani, writing for Pastoresources.com One of the common beliefs among evangelical pastors is that Lent is legalistic. The word “Lent” conjures associations of petty and pointless acts of self-denial, like giving up chocolate or meat while conspicuously wearing...
The Vital Role Of Elderly in Church Growth
In at least some ways, we are probably all guilty of telling ourselves that in order to best grow our church and impact the community, we need to be focusing on the younger generations and future generations to come. It’s this focus that affects our sermon topics, our...
Referencing Current Films + TV Shows In Sermons
“The kingdom of heaven is like . . .” And here begins a common phrase used by Jesus to introduce his popular way of teaching to his disciples and the crowds around him. “The kingdom of heaven is like . . . treasure hidden in a field . . . a merchant looking for fine...
Fostering a Culture of Evangelism in Your Church
I can tell you there are many times when I have stepped up to the pulpit and my spiritual fuel gauge is close to empty. It has been a busy week, I am depleted, I am tired—for whatever reason, I am not exactly full of vim and vigor. Can you relate? Yes, I have started...
Practice the Discipline of Celebration
One Sunday at church, my husband preached about the celebration as an important part of a Christian’s life. He said it was a discipline that, when practiced, can help develop us into mature Christians. At that point, he grabbed the microphone from the pulpit and said,...
Church-Wide Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner Party
One of the most difficult segments of people to reach are new visitors to a church. At our church, we do the best we can to make new visitors feel welcome by implementing the “First Five” after church. This is where regular attendees spend the first five minutes after...
Three Ways Couples Can Successfully Lead Together in Ministry
After fifteen years of being in the ministry together, we have led almost every type of group imaginable. We have watched as members in suit and tie and those dressed in coveralls both sat side by side in the church pew. Because our ministry has led us to four...
Traits of a Leader
My husband and I lead a mentorship group for aspiring leaders in our church. We hand picked the leaders and taught them through practical example how to lead their small groups. But one member, at the end of one meeting said, “I don’t think I’m a leader. I always...
Five Tips For Creating A Third Space At Your Church
Ray Oldenberg, author of The Great Good Place wrote, “The third place is a generic designation for a great variety of public places that host the regular, voluntary, informal and happily anticipated gatherings of individuals beyond the realms of home and work.” Small...
Bless Those Who Curse You
The knife went in, only a bit deeper this time. Some congregation members had spread gossip about my husband and I, ruining our reputation not only in our community, but with our leadership team as well. People who we thought were friends became our enemies. I felt...
The Case for Lent
Aaron Damiani, writing for Pastoresources.com One of the common beliefs among evangelical pastors is that Lent is legalistic. The word “Lent” conjures associations of petty and pointless acts of self-denial, like giving up chocolate or meat while conspicuously wearing...
The Vital Role Of Elderly in Church Growth
In at least some ways, we are probably all guilty of telling ourselves that in order to best grow our church and impact the community, we need to be focusing on the younger generations and future generations to come. It’s this focus that affects our sermon topics, our...
Referencing Current Films + TV Shows In Sermons
“The kingdom of heaven is like . . .” And here begins a common phrase used by Jesus to introduce his popular way of teaching to his disciples and the crowds around him. “The kingdom of heaven is like . . . treasure hidden in a field . . . a merchant looking for fine...
Helping Your Small Group Thrive
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