Adoring Crowds and Ministry Success
“Our worship attendance has grown from 100 to 500 in just the last year.” “We have over 75 kids in the youth group.” Numbers. They’re …
Uncomplicating the Simple Truth
The eyes of the small boy in rural India drew me in. He was filled with wonder as he heard about Jesus for the first …
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Friendless in Ministry
The old pastor advised the new young minister: “Whatever you do, don’t form any friendships in the church.” I’ve often heard this advice in the …
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Teaching Faith to Yawning Students
“If you just have enough information, then you’ll believe–and behave.” That seems to be the unspoken hope in the church today. Helping others love and …
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Concluding God Is Mere History
In years of Sunday school, Johnny heard hundreds of Bible stories. Then he graduated to years of Bible studies. Eventually he went off to college, …
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Eavesdropping a Church Planter
Overheard at a Starbucks somewhere in America: CHURCH PLANTER: Hi there. I’m Tyler. REGULAR GUY: Hi, I’m Guy. PLANTER: Hi, Guy. Hey, I’m new in …
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What the Web Says About Your Church
You can tell a lot about a product from its packaging. Apple’s simple white product boxes radiate a promise of cool technology inside. Hormel’s old-style …
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Sermon Fill-in-the-Blanks are ____________.
Stupid. Yup, I’m afraid those fill-in-the-blank sermon outlines are simply stupid. Obviously, that’s not the intent. Those who use fill-in-the-blanks do so with good intentions. …
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Haggard, Vampires, and Other Taboos
News of next week’s Lifetree episode on Ted Haggard’s tale of temptation has lit up the news wires. From USA Today to Reuter’s to CNBC …
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Top 3 Reasons Ministries Avoid Evaluation
Whenever I’ve asked church leaders why they don’t encourage more feedback on their ministry work, I’ve heard familiar recurring reasons they don’t: 1. If you …