Tag «Church Answers»

Just Some Thoughts about My Pastoral Heroes

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

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

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

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

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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The Moribund Church

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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A Surprising First Step, Pastors, toward Strengthening Your Evangelism

A Surprising First Step, Pastors, toward Strengthening Your Evangelism

Over more than forty years of ministry, I’ve learned that not many Christians share their faith on a regular basis. In fact, I know few pastors who evangelize, either. So, I agree with Thom Rainer that “evangelism is dead or dying in most American churches.” I also strongly affirm Thom’s statement that “an evangelistic church…

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More on the Graying of the Church: Find Ways for Your Congregation to Become Younger

More on the Graying of the Church: Find Ways for Your Congregation to Become Younger

Our team member, Ryan Burge, wrote a fascinating article about which denominations are graying the most. You can see his article in our premier content at Church Answers on February 1. I continue the theme of the graying of the church today to address how congregations can become younger. Senior adults are a blessing in…

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Where Gen Z Gets It Right And What We Should Learn From Them

Where Gen Z Gets It Right And What We Should Learn From Them

I’ve recently taken on the role of teaching a cultural theology and biblical worldview class for high school juniors at a private school in my new hometown. Surprisingly, I’ve found that I’m learning just as much from them during our discussions, whether in class sessions or through our private conversations.  When it comes to discussing…

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Which Denominations Are the Grayest? (The Youngest Will Surprise You)

Which Denominations Are the Grayest? (The Youngest Will Surprise You)

Demographics is destiny. And when it comes to American Protestant Christianity, the future looks a lot grayer. Over the last few years, I’ve been invited to speak and present data about American religion to various religious organizations and church…

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