Tag «Church Answers»

10 Ways the Enemy Attacks Church Leaders

10 Ways the Enemy Attacks Church Leaders

For more than 25 years, I have studied the biblical reality of spiritual warfare. In no particular order, here are ten common strategies I’ve seen when the enemy attacks church leaders: 1. Encouraging leaders to live in self-reliance. Because most leaders can lead, they are always susceptible to leading in their own ingenuity and strength….

The post 10 Ways the Enemy Attacks Church Leaders appeared first on Church Answers.

A Brighter Tomorrow Awaits Your Church

A Brighter Tomorrow Awaits Your Church

If God can save any person, He can save any church. No church should die. Ever. Perhaps a church is far gone, deep into a toxic state of disunity. Perhaps a church has decades of decline. Perhaps a church has veered far from doctrinal convictions. Would the death of these churches advance the kingdom? Would…

The post A Brighter Tomorrow Awaits Your Church appeared first on Church Answers.

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,…

The post Nine Questions to Ask Before Visiting Someone in the Hospital appeared first on Church Answers.

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…

The post A Proposal: One Reason We Don’t Evangelize appeared first on Church Answers.

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…

The post Why Sermon Preparation is Not Devotional Time appeared first on Church Answers.

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….

The post Nine Realities Your Church Will Face in 2022 appeared first on Church Answers.

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…

The post How Pastors Can Use Feelings of Restlessness in a Positive Way appeared first on Church Answers.

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: …

The post 8 Reasons Some Church Members are a Thorn in a Pastor’s Side appeared first on Church Answers.

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….

The post Five Reasons Your Church’s Giving Is Increasing Even Though Attendance Is Lower appeared first on Church Answers.

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…

The post Make the Connection, Keep the Connection appeared first on Church Answers.