Tag «Staff & Organizational Issues»

Shifting Your Church Out of Survival Mode and into Hopeful Optimism

Shifting Your Church Out of Survival Mode and into Hopeful Optimism

Many churches are barely hanging on, but there is hope. Churches are simultaneously both fragile and resilient. They hang on by their fingernails, but those fingernails are surprisingly strong. Every Sunday seems to have the potential to be the last one. Yet the same church survives year after year, decade after decade. Struggling churches tend…

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Nine Microstresses of a Pastor

Nine Microstresses of a Pastor

December 15, 1967 was a major moment in American history. I bet few of you know what happened on that day. I sure didn’t until I began studying the world of microstresses.  Let me explain. On that fateful day in 1967, the Silver Bridge collapsed, and 46 people died. The bridge connected Point Pleasant, West…

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The Top Three Ways Lead Pastors Can Serve the Second Chair

The Top Three Ways Lead Pastors Can Serve the Second Chair

The second chair position is paradoxical for two reasons. First, a second chair involves the tension of submitting as a subordinate to the first chair while at the same time leading with a high level of influence. Second chairs maintain a dependence on the first chair while at the same time managing the significant amounts…

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The Life Cycle of a Pastor (Updated)

The Life Cycle of a Pastor (Updated)

For almost 30 years, we have tracked the tenure of pastors. Though some of the categories are the same, the time periods and the descriptions of the periods continue to evolve. We are now in a post-pandemic, post-Christian era. The changes are significant. Of course, these cycles are generalizations. There will always be exceptions and…

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Five Solutions for the Weary Pastor: A Personal Note to Church Members

Five Solutions for the Weary Pastor: A Personal Note to Church Members

Pastors are tired. Many pastors are tired because of all the work they did leading to Easter Sunday,  But it’s really bigger than that. Pastors are tired because culture is no longer friendly to churches and to church leaders. Pastors are tired because of internal church conflict. Pastors are tired because of the barrage of…

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7 Reasons Even Church Leaders Need Hope—and How Church Answers Can Help

7 Reasons Even Church Leaders Need Hope—and How Church Answers Can Help

We recently celebrated Resurrection Sunday, a day filled with hope and anticipation. That’s not to say, though, that everyone leading a church that day was living in hope. In fact, many church leaders need hope. Here are some reasons why: We don’t really let the power of the resurrection affect every part of our lives….

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This One Meeting Revolutionized How I Listen to My Church Staff

“You’re missing an opportunity to listen,” the consultant told me. He was kind but blunt. I knew he was right. “Start meeting with each team member one-on-one, at least once a month.” I followed his advice and have not looked back. These one-on-ones have helped me lead the church staff unlike anything else. Setting up…

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The Right Way to Seek Pastors and Church Staff for Your Church

The Right Way to Seek Pastors and Church Staff for Your Church

Almost every week we at Church Answers hear from search committees (or their equivalent). They are frustrated because they can’t find quality candidates for pastor or church staff positions. The process has taken much longer than they anticipated. Members of the church are getting restless and, sometimes, critical. Likewise, we hear from pastors and church…

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How Sensible Pastors React to Harsh Public Criticism

How Sensible Pastors React to Harsh Public Criticism

One pastor had a group of people circulate a petition to get him fired. They tried to get signatures in the foyer as members walked into church for Sunday services. Another pastor experienced the creation of a Facebook page dedicated to criticizing every aspect of his preaching and leadership. In a small town, a pastor…

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Why Work from Home Won’t Work for the Church

Why Work from Home Won’t Work for the Church

A philosophical tug-of-war is occurring in the work world. To what degree should people work from home, and how much time should they spend in the office? Some CEOs are mandating a permanent return to the office on all workdays. Others allow their workers to be remote, even working in other states. Many are splitting…

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