Congregation
It's not too late
In leading your church, have you ever thought "it's too late" to start a new class, solve a problem, or try a new church strategy? Or, "we missed our chance?" Or, the best one -- "we tried that once and it didn'
Leadership
Journey
Priority drift and how to fix it
"Priority drift." I made that phrase up to describe the state I found myself in a couple of weeks ago. Simply put: my priorities had drifted. I found myself spread too thin, doing too many good things, and not doing the things I felt called -- even compelled
Congregation
Our youth ministry shuffle
Our youth ministry took another blow this week. Word trickled back to me that one of our families with young teens has found another church "where there are more kids." I've been here 4 years this month, and this is at least the fourth time this
church as abbey
Lessons Learned While Building A Community Center
Last week The Community Center at Chatham opened to the public after three years of planning, praying, and building. Reaction to the building was amazing, and ranged from "Wow" to "Now we can have exercise classes here." Everything about this project went extremely well, and moved
Journey
Closed door, open window
I forgot exactly where I heard that saying -- When God closes a door, He opens a window -- but as corny as it sounds, it's true. Last year, I dropped out of the "Missional Leadership" Doctor of Ministry program track at Fuller. The program is
Congregation
Christian leaders manage meaning
I'm reading a great book by Scott Cormode, the Hugh De Pree Associate Professor of Leadership Development at Fuller Seminary. Titled, Making Spiritual Sense: Christian Leaders As Spiritual Interpreters, Cormode says, To the extent that Christian leaders provide people with a theological framework for action, they are proclaiming
Congregation
3 Things Churches Must Do in 2008
Now that we're 8 years into this millenium, here are the 3 things I think churches must do in this pluralistic, postmodern, post-christendom world -- 1. Tell the story. Read both the Old and New Testaments and the constant practice that emerges is that God's people
Congregation
What's the expiration date on your church?
Wouldn't it be interesting if the expiration date for a church were stamped on it as clearly as it is on a package of meat at the grocery? The expiration date tells you how fresh the package you hold in your hand really is. If you're