Congregation
On my bookshelf are at least a dozen church books on vision. Written by some of the outstanding authors in church-related publishing today, each of them describes a "vision" for the church -- build your church by small groups, become a church of influence, raise your church'
Community
Thanks to Jim Tung for photographing our Chatham Arts Community Music School Recital last Saturday, May 12, 2007. Chatham Arts emerged from our partnership with Virginia Tech, local parents, and community leaders. About 30 students take voice, piano, violin, cello, and guitar from world-class instructors affiliated with the Renaissance Music
Congregation
I've been thinking about the title of this post for a long time. Primarily because it really does describe my church. We do not do any of the stuff that is hot, hip, or trendy now. Actually, we probably haven't been hot, hip, or trendy since
Congregation
Another characteristic Israel Galindo identifies in his book, The Hidden Lives of Congregations is the spiritual style of a church. Last year a new family moved into our community and our members invited them to worship with us. Our church has a traditional worship service with grand piano, pipe organ,
Congregation
If you're reading this blog, chances are you are a pastor or member of a small-church -- meaning attendance under 300. But even in the 10-300 attendance range, Israel Galindo's book, The Hidden Lives of Congregations, identifies 3-types of churches based on size alone. Then, to
Congregation
The old Beach Boys' hit, Be True To Your School, has a lesson for pastors of small-churches, too. While the Beach Boys were singing about loyalty to your school, I'm talking about being true to your church's history, personality, and memory. I think one of
Congregation
The Tipping Point, by Malcom Gladwell, is a must-read book for church leaders. It's the book that started the viral marketing buzz, but The Tipping Point is far more than a marketing book. Chapter 5 is subtitled, The Magic Number 150. Here's a quick summary: * Human
Community
This past week was difficult for our community. I live in Chatham, Virginia, about 2-hours from Blacksburg and Virginia Tech, so we were obviously affected by that tragedy. But, on the Saturday before the VT tragedy, our town doctor died suddenly and unexpectedly. Dr. Thompson was a member of our
Community
I have tried several times this week to write about the tragedy at Virginia Tech, but I could not. Here is the sermon I am preaching tomorrow. My prayer is that it will help. Finding God in the Midst of Tragedy John 21:1-19 Suppose everything we thought and believed
Congregation
The Big Sunday is coming up and if you're like me, you're anticipating some new faces at your church on Easter Sunday. Here are my 6 Easter Do's and Don'ts for your service this Sunday: 1. Don't say, "I&
Congregation
I just got my March/April Outreach magazine today. I have looked at some of the online version, but I missed the article, Shaping Generations by Alicia Kazsuk. Trinity Lutheran Church in Pembroke Pines, Florida, has an IGSS -- intergenerational group Sunday School, and Alicia writes about their experience and
Community
I've put up two new categories -- "Sermon Illustrations" and "Missional Church." I love good stories and that's what "Sermon Illustrations" is -- good stories you can use in sermons or your blogs, or wherever. Most of the stories are