Articles
Find Your Church’s Brand Identity
Consider the greatest work of Michelangelo – the sculpture of David that now sits in the Accademia in Florence, Italy. One day, an enthusiastic admirer ran up to Michelangelo and asked, “How did you carve the David?”Michelangelo replied with this strikingly simple description: First, I fixed my attention on the slab of raw marble. I studied it, sketched a few …(More)
6/29/2009
Following Christ and Taking Risks
“It doesn’t work to leap a 20-foot chasm in two 10-foot jumps.”– American ProverbTony Morgan leaves his position as chief strategic officer at NewSpring. Ben Arment says adios to Catalyst. Carlos Whittaker ceases being service programming director at Buckhead Church. Three men who supported their families through enviable church-world positions … three decisions in 2009 to leave those jobs.As Christians, …(More)
6/25/2009
First Impressions Are Everything for Churches
Andy Stanley once said, “The Church is a family expecting guests in their home.” That’s often easier said than done. Have you taken a look at your facilities and processes with “new” eyes recently? How are you welcoming guests into your “home”?Curb AppealOne of the first perceptions that a guest has of your church is based on its appearance from …(More)
6/23/2009
4 Insurance Pitfalls Churches Should Avoid
By now, everyone is well aware that the economy is in crisis. Churches are not immune to the ill effects. Donations have decreased, enrollment in many summer camps was down, and yet more ministries are needed to help the community. Churches are looking for ways to trim their budgets while maintaining their ministries. There are a number of pitfalls to …(More)
6/22/2009
5 Weaknesses of Effective Pastors
Even pastors who are leading healthy, effective churches have weaknesses. In fact, the success of their churches can breed some weaknesses inherently.Tom Harper of the Church Central Leadership Community points to five areas successful pastors often struggle with.Ministering on an individual basisBeing task-driven and inpatientDealing with criticismPersonal or familial time neglectFailure to develop strategic planTo read Harper’s explanation of these …(More)
6/19/2009
3 Ways to Elude the Process Trap
If you’ve ever balked at taking action because “that’s just not the way things are done,” you have probably fallen victim to the process trap.The process trap, as it’s called by Kayla Barrett on Ministry Marketing Coach, is a great tool when things don’t change. So, it you lead in a very static, stale environment, being a slave to processes …(More)
6/19/2009
Liability Problem Areas for Churches
To many individuals, the church represents a refuge, a safe haven, a sanctuary from the troubles of the world. It is my firm’s experience that, along with this belief, comes the perception that nothing bad will ever happen at the church because it is a safe place – affording spiritual, emotional and physical protection for all who enter its doors. …(More)
6/18/2009
6 Ways Pastors Think Too Much
Many church leaders find themselves wrapped in deep thought when they’re exploring ways to lead their churches more effectively. But sometimes thinking – or the wrong kind of thinking – can get you into trouble.Will Mancini calls these “thinkholes” and he identifies six of them in an article for Your Church.Ministry treadmill – Pastors are so busy all of the …(More)
6/18/2009
Secular Pop Music Can Have Positive Outreach Effect
Some churches steer clear of music that isn’t 100 percent about Jesus, for Jesus. Others attempt to pull off pop music tie-ins, such as when pastors fill their sermons with trite references to the Beatles, and it never really works. But one church, Granger Community Church in Granger, Ind., uses its amazing worship band and musicians to the fullest extent …(More)
6/16/2009
10 Things I Hate About Accomplishing Goals
Most people have a suitcase full of dreams collecting dust. I recently finished my first book, “10 Things I Hate About Christianity: Working through the Frustrations of Faith.” While it’s an amazing feeling to have accomplished one of my biggest life goals, it is by far the hardest thing I’ve ever done. I’ve both loved and hated the entire process, …(More)
6/15/2009
