Church Leadership

Buffer Have you noticed some of the recent changes within denominations in the United States? It is fascinating to step back and observe the seismic shifts sweeping through many different circles. These trends aren’t bound to any one denomination or church group, but have been increasingly occurring year after year. As the culture changes and church leaders alter their methodology, these shifting ... Read More »

Buffer 2015 has come to a close. As you anticipate the new year ahead, you may be reflecting on your 2015 and what things you have to celebrate, be grateful for, and learn from. I’ve composed a list of the some of my most visited blog posts for you to check out from the past year… in case you missed ... Read More »

Buffer You’ll never engage in intentional missional outreach in your church. Wait. That can’t be right, can it? Well…it may not mean what you think it does, so read on. Missional outreach doesn’t occur in the church building. It also doesn’t occur in the church members. So if it doesn’t occur in the building or in the members, where does it ... Read More »

Buffer Your church will handle mobilization in different ways than mine — no two churches are the same. And while each church may handle things differently, there are some common mistakes in church mobilization that frequently occur by pastors and other Christian leaders. Mistakes that may not be apparent and mistakes that may be glaring.  If you forget to pay attention ... Read More »

Buffer If you hope to impact your community, you have to take the time to serve your community. Does it sound easier than it looks? These innovative community outreach ideas for pastors looking to engage their community are intensely practical, easy to utilize, and examples from pastors all over the country. Take a look and see what outreach ideas might ... Read More »

Buffer Everyone seems to have an opinion about mental illness these days. My post on mental health and the church generated a heavy response from pastors and other church leaders struggling with how to more properly respond and care for those dealing with mental illness. But I find that some of the same old misconceptions about mental illness and faith ... Read More »

Buffer Guest retention matters. You need to not only plan for guests, but also determine how you will retain those guests. Churches that do this tend to do a much better job integrating those guests into the life of the church. One of the key reasons I believe in church hospitality and intentional planning for guest retention is primarily theological. A ... Read More »

Buffer Good leadership resources can be hard to come by without spending heavy amounts of time researching. How do you know what you can trust? Which resources are worth reading and come from a true expert rather than a random blogger? These links and resources for leaders, pastors, and churches from October 6, 2015 should give you a good place to ... Read More »

Buffer Churches often engage in a process I call “Death By Committee.” The thinking goes like this: Joe (a new leader in the church) has been faithfully serving as a greeter, usher, parking lot guy, or a role in another ministry. He’s been faithful. He’s a devoted worker. Now we need to appoint him to a committee. If he serves well ... Read More »

Buffer Oftentimes we focus more on the need for vision clarity rather than providing tips for funding your vision. Vision is the picture of where you are going and the impact you are going to make. Creating a clear and accurate vision of where you are going can be a challenge, but it is quite another thing to fund it ... Read More »