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ChurchInfluence.com is a FREE web tool that networks pastors with leading ministry experts to helping churches grow. The website’s algorithm analyzes church influence and reach within the community based on: (1) your survey results, (2) your local demographics and (3) leading ministry expertise combined with national church trends.

Keep Your Bucket Full of Energy and Compassion

Alan Baker highlights the importance of self-care for pastoral care providers to keep their personal buckets filled so that they are not emptied by burnout and compassion fatigue. He offers ways for church leaders and chaplains to enhance their practice of self-care and build resilience. Your personal health is an important aspect of self-care. Christian […]

The post Keep Your Bucket Full of Energy and Compassion appeared first on Lewis Center for Church Leadership.

13 Do’s & Don’ts for Incoming Cross-Racial and Cross-Cultural Pastors

How can an incoming pastoral leader lay the groundwork for successful ministry in a congregation where most members are from a different racial or cultural background? The United Methodist General Commission on Religion and Race shares “Do’s and Don’ts” to help new clergy leaders in cross-cultural ministry partnerships begin on the right foot. 1. Honor […]

The post 13 Do’s & Don’ts for Incoming Cross-Racial and Cross-Cultural Pastors appeared first on Lewis Center for Church Leadership.

Who are The Nones?: An In-Depth Interview with Ryan Burge

The rapid growth in the percentage of Americans claiming no religious affiliation is drastically reshaping the country’s religious and cultural landscape. Ann Michel of the Lewis Center interviews Dr. Ryan Burge, a leading expert on the “Nones,” about the characteristics of the growing cohort of Americans who say their religion is “nothing in particular.” Ann […]

The post Who are The Nones?: An In-Depth Interview with Ryan Burge appeared first on Lewis Center for Church Leadership.

Who are The Nones?: An In-Depth Interview with Ryan Burge

The post Who are The Nones?: An In-Depth Interview with Ryan Burge appeared first on Lewis Center for Church Leadership.

Surfing the Waves of Grief

I’m convinced that grief comes in waves. Whatever losses we absorb in life, grief is the reality that follows. And yes, grief comes in stages, but the stages repeat.
The post Surfing the Waves of Grief appeared first on Brandon Cox, Northwest Arkansas …

Surfing the Waves of Grief

Six Common Patterns in Toxic Churches That Fire Pastors

The title of this article might engender some visceral reactions. I get it. It is not a pleasant subject. For church members who have observed it taking place, it is a painful situation. For those pastors who have been fired, it is traumatic. It is traumatic for the pastor’s family as well. Please read the…

The post Six Common Patterns in Toxic Churches That Fire Pastors appeared first on Church Answers.

Leaping Into the Arms That Are Mighty to Save

I can testify that, in the absence of absolute certainty, my very best days are the days on which I choose to take that leap. To trust. To believe that God is there, ready to catch me again, ready to hold me safe.
The post Leaping Into the Arms That Ar…

In case of RAPTURE…

1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 – King James Version 16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the…

Did God Really Say? Wrestling with Doubt and Finding Freedom in Truth

In a post-information and internet age, it is becoming increasingly difficult to sift truth from lies. You can find anything online to affirm, or deny, your feelings, your theology, and even your motives. With so many competing voices and endless truth claims, it’s no wonder so many feel disoriented. And perhaps the enemy is seizing…

The post Did God Really Say? Wrestling with Doubt and Finding Freedom in Truth appeared first on Church Answers.