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9 Questions to Ask

Nine Questions to Ask Before Visiting Someone in the Hospital

For the last two years, hospital visitation has been a challenge. That’s beginning to change, and it’s time to rethink the strategy for hospital visits. When I started pastoring, I didn’t think much about the strategy of a hospital visit. I just went. In most cases, a simple ministry of presence is the key. However,…

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A Proposal: One Reason We Don’t Evangelize

A Proposal: One Reason We Don’t Evangelize

In some studies, fear is the #1 reason Christians give for not sharing their faith. I think there’s another reason, though, we cannot ignore. The Gospel of Mark has helped me to see this problem, and I invite you to review the Word as you read this post. In several stories in the first half…

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Why Sermon Preparation is Not Devotional Time

Why Sermon Preparation is Not Devotional Time

Every Monday morning, I swivel in my desk chair—praying, pondering. Yellow legal pads fill with chicken scratch in a language only I understand. About fifty Mondays a year, around 3:00 p.m., I start to wonder if I’ll have anything worthwhile to say the following Sunday. The other two Mondays I’m on vacation. I know it’s…

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9 Realities for Your Church in 2022

Nine Realities Your Church Will Face in 2022

Presuming we get on the other side of COVID by the end of this year, the picture for churches in America is mostly clear. Of course, none of us can know the future with certainty, and another COVID spike could change the conversation dramatically. Still, we see nine realities your church will face in 2022….

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How Pastors Can Use Feelings of Restlessness in a Positive Way

How Pastors Can Use Feelings of Restlessness in a Positive Way

I have a tendency towards restlessness. Leading through a pandemic did not help. Feeling restlessness is a common phenomenon among pastors and church leaders right now. Maybe you can relate. Leadership restlessness is something most leaders feel—usually more often than not. It’s the nagging question that keeps you thinking . . . what’s next? In…

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8 Reasons Some Church Members are a Thorn in a Pastor’s Side

8 Reasons Some Church Members are a Thorn in a Pastor’s Side

Any of us who’ve pastored very long recognize that most churches (if not all) have at least one member who seems to be opposed to everything the pastor wants. Those members can be a continual irritation for even the most patient pastor. In my opinion, though, it’s important to consider possible reasons behind their actions: …

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5 Reasons Your Church’s Giving Is Increasing

Five Reasons Your Church’s Giving Is Increasing Even Though Attendance Is Lower

“Our attendance is down 20 percent, but our giving is up 10 percent!” We hear similar comments like that one frequently. When the first quarantine began, there was a clear and valid concern that churches would not have the funds to continue their ministries and keep their staff. Then the surprise came for some churches….

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Make the Connection, Keep the Connection

Make the Connection, Keep the Connection

In our weekend worship services, a first-time guest is a fragile guest. They are on high alert for anything that pushes them out of their comfort zone, and constantly looking for anything that feels familiar and safe. That’s why making a connection with a first-time guest is crucial. To paraphrase Jerry Seinfeld, it’s not enough…

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4 Simple Steps You Can Take Right Now To Grow

Four Simple Steps You Can Take Right Now To Grow Generosity At Your Church!

We see it happen all the time… A church is struggling to meet their operating budget. Yet, they also have some pressing capital needs and wonder if it is even possible to raise that kind of money. In faith, they launch a capital campaign to fund a much-needed facility improvement, and, to the leader’s amazement,…

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An anecdote for COVID-19

An anecdote for COVID-19

COVID-19 has wreaked havoc on our lives. We went from a booming economy to great uncertainty almost overnight. We have seen illness, death, job loss, social unrest, increased anxiety, and a loss of normalcy in our lives. We are grieving over many things, including the sense of security many thought we possessed. But the truth…