Tag «Church Answers»

When Leading Means Disappointing People (and Other Fear of Man Issues)

Leading is an intricate dance between love and discomfort. It’s the constant wondering of what people think, the unspoken desire to please those we guide, and the simultaneous need to make decisions that might stir discomfort. This internal tug-of-war is not just a leadership challenge; it’s a deeply personal journey. As women leaders, we find…

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Only Liberal Denominations Are Declining? The Real, Data-Driven Answer

It’s a phrase I often hear when discussing denominational membership data in the United States. “Liberal churches are declining, while conservative ones are holding steady or growing.” This narrative has become deeply embedded in the vernacu…

How Can a Christian Vote with a Peace of Mind?

Every election cycle comes with a number of attacks, scandals, and playground-like na-na, na-na, boo-boos. We gravitate towards drama, while at the same time complaining of the lack of leadership. We can’t have it both ways. The melodrama of a soap opera does not produce a strong protagonist. So, how can a Christian vote with…

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AI and Church Answers: Full Disclosure

Note: This article is original. None of it is AI-generated. (You will understand why I led with this disclaimer later in the article.) Adding to the conversation about AI (artificial intelligence) is a challenge. There is a ton of information available now. Frankly, I don’t know how much of the information about AI is AI-generated…

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Just Some Thoughts about My Pastoral Heroes

As I grow older, I’ve been thinking a lot about my pastoral heroes—both those still living and those now with the Lord. Here are some thoughts that come to mind: These men are some of the most prayerful men I know. Prayer is in their DNA. These prayerful men are also most committed to Scripture…

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Churches Should Close the Pay Gap for Women on Staff

I’ve noticed a disturbing trend in my (almost) 20 years of ministry. At first, I didn’t do much to solve the problem. I should have done more. Now, I voice concern, and I hope I’m a helpful voice. Women on church staff tend to make less than men for similar roles. Depending on how researchers…

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A Simple Strategy for Getting Your Church to Tell Their Salvation Story

More than one study has shown that few believers share the gospel with non-believers. Over the years as I have taught pastors, interviewed church members and staff, and worked with church consultations, I’ve recognized these obstacles to doing evang…

Five Essential Sources for Sermon Illustrations and Why They Are Important

Preaching is a grind I welcome every week. Expositing God’s Word is one of the toughest but most rewarding aspects of being a pastor. You can’t treat preaching like a sprint, rushing to get a response on Sundays. It’s more like a marathon, a paced lope in which long strides are made over time. Illustrations…

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Five Essential Sources for Sermon Illustrations and Why They Are Important

The post Five Essential Sources for Sermon Illustrations and Why They Are Important appeared first on Church Answers.

The Moribund Church

We’ve done extensive research and provided a number of resources on churches that have died. The reason we’ve conducted these “autopsies” on deceased churches is to learn from them. Why did they die? What warning signs did they have? What intervention might have proved fruitful? We have extended our research on autopsies to moribund churches….

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