Tag «How To»

The Two Greatest Gifts You Can Give Your Pastor

The Two Greatest Gifts You Can Give Your Pastor

I am glad October has been designated as Pastor Appreciation Month. While we should appreciate our pastors year-round, it is good to have this reminder to say and do a few kind things for those who serve and lead our churches faithfully.  My two pastors happen to be my sons, so I obviously have a…

The post The Two Greatest Gifts You Can Give Your Pastor appeared first on Church Answers.

Launching a Transformative Bible Study for Women: A Step-by-Step Guide

Launching a Transformative Bible Study for Women: A Step-by-Step Guide

The fall season brings with it not only colorful foliage and cozy cardigan weather but also the exciting opportunity for women to delve deeply into the Word of God. It’s a season of kick-starting various Bible studies, whether within church settings, homes, or workplace break rooms. If you’re considering leading your first women’s Bible study,…

The post Launching a Transformative Bible Study for Women: A Step-by-Step Guide appeared first on Church Answers.

Why Every Single Word in the Bible Matters for You Today

Why Every Single Word in the Bible Matters for You Today

All of Scripture is for every part of our lives. Every single word in the Bible is powerful, purposeful, and prescient. Understanding the Bible as a whole is worth your whole effort. Every word in the Bible matters because every minute of your day matters. In Luke’s gospel, we learn that God counts the hairs…

The post Why Every Single Word in the Bible Matters for You Today appeared first on Church Answers.

It’s Time to Release Churches from the Myth of Infinite Expansion

It’s Time to Release Churches from the Myth of Infinite Expansion

Every church has limiting factors. No church grows exponentially every year. Infinite expansion isn’t possible. Even the largest churches stay at the top of the list for only about twenty years. Each generation has its own group of biggest congregations or fastest-growing congregations. Compare any lists of the largest churches from the 1970s, 1980s, 1990s,…

The post It’s Time to Release Churches from the Myth of Infinite Expansion appeared first on Church Answers.

8 Things I’d Love to Receive for Pastor Appreciation Month

8 Things I’d Love to Receive for Pastor Appreciation Month

Each year, I post on my personal site a list of possible ways to show your pastor gratitude during October (Pastor Appreciation month). Even with that list in mind, here are some things I would love to receive from members if I were pastoring again:  Regular, intentional prayer. In our Church Answers’ Know Your Church…

The post 8 Things I’d Love to Receive for Pastor Appreciation Month appeared first on Church Answers.

Finishing Well: Navigating Leadership with the End in Mind

Finishing Well: Navigating Leadership with the End in Mind

I had the privilege of hosting a podcast episode featuring the incredible Kay Warren, where we delved into life, leadership, and the art of finishing well after decades of leadership. One particular remark she shared has been playing on repeat in my mind ever since our talk. I asked her for some advice to pass…

The post Finishing Well: Navigating Leadership with the End in Mind appeared first on Church Answers.

The Great Leadership Shortage in Churches: Five Ways to Address It

The Great Leadership Shortage in Churches: Five Ways to Address It

One of the most common challenges we hear from church leaders, particularly pastors, is the need for more leaders in the church. The vacuum seems the greatest among elders, deacons, and teachers. Many churches lost not only members in this post-pandemic world, but they also lost leaders as well. Of course, it is likely that…

The post The Great Leadership Shortage in Churches: Five Ways to Address It appeared first on Church Answers.

How to Discern If a Church Member Is Guilty of Gossip

How to Discern If a Church Member Is Guilty of Gossip

Gossip is a destructive force in the church. Once the rumors of gossip spread, it’s hard to correct if they are false. Even if partially true, gossip is always wrong because what is shared is inappropriate and hurtful. Gossip fosters an environment of distrust and suspicion. Instead of focusing on productive work or conversations, individuals…

The post How to Discern If a Church Member Is Guilty of Gossip appeared first on Church Answers.

Are You Asking the Character Question about Your Staff?

Are You Asking the Character Question about Your Staff?

If you examine the job descriptions in searches for pastors, associate pastors, and church staff (as we have), you will find (as we did) an absence of expressed interest in character and a profusion of terms connected to skills. Job descriptions, even for senior pastors, have devolved into a can-do list. That is because we…

The post Are You Asking the Character Question about Your Staff? appeared first on Church Answers.

The Big Warning Signs Your Church Bylaws Are Working Against You and Not for You

The Big Warning Signs Your Church Bylaws Are Working Against You and Not for You

Every church needs a good set of bylaws. Put simply, the bylaws are written legal documents establishing the governance of a church. Church polity and ecclesiology will have an impact on the contents of bylaws. The size and structure of a church will also affect bylaws. For example, multi-site churches will differ from single-site churches….

The post The Big Warning Signs Your Church Bylaws Are Working Against You and Not for You appeared first on Church Answers.