I’m so excited about Eric Bryant’s new book Not Like Me. Or, maybe I should say his newly titled book (it’s first name was Peppermint-Filled Pinatas). Bryant, a pastor at Mosaic Church in Los Angeles, shares his insights and experiences reaching out to people of different races, cultures, and religions. He also includes ”field notes” [...]
Earlier this week, I had the opportunity to talk with a denominational leader in a different part of the country. Over the last few years, he’s personally been involved in consulting engagements with about 60 declining churches within his denomination. That grabbed my attention. Honestly, I don’t have a lot of experience working with churches [...]
I’ve been peppered in recent weeks with questions about how to address the summer slump in attendance. Folks have been asking about service times, numbers of services, series planning, etc. Let me share some thoughts, but I’d love to have your input as well. Should we consider reducing the number of services during the summer? [...]
I have some big news today. I’m launching a brand new venture with the help of some great friends.
Today is opening day for MinistryStrategies.com. It’s a new, unique solution to help churches. The purpose of the new ministry is to help churches take their vision and identify steps to achieve it. It’s like coaching and [...]
A few months ago, I asked you to participate in a survey from the Leadership Network on lean staffing. The results are in. Some of the findings might surprise you. For example:
Lean staff churches do a better job with volunteers and lay leadership development.
Lean staff churches invest a noticeably higher percentage of their budget beyond [...]
I was talking with Jim last week. Jim has been helping church plants for many years. We were talking about the decision that just about every church plant and new multi-site campus faces. The decision revolves around selecting a place to hold services. Typically, it comes down to choosing between the ideal location and the [...]
I’ve recently put together a team of leaders and strategists. These folks have many years of ministry experience with some incredible churches across the country. We’re getting ready to do something big. Here are the folks on the team:
Dan Reiland – Executive Pastor at 12Stone™ Church in Lawrenceville, Georgia. He previously partnered with [...]
Why does it have to be attractional or missional? I’ve seen lives impacted by both approaches. Why can’t it be attractional and missional?
Why does it have to be evangelism or discipleship? Christ-followers need to be engaged in both. Why can’t it be evangelism and discipleship?
Why does it have to be teaching from the platform or [...]
I’ve been working on my calendar today. Here’s where I’m going to be heading over the next several months:
Launching two new coaching networks here in Atlanta and on the Web
Speaking to the staff of 12Stone Church in Lawrenceville, Georgia
Speaking at the Velocity Conference in Cumming, Georgia
Consulting with The Rock Church in Monroe, Washington
Speaking at the [...]
Back in the 1992 elections, Bill Clinton’s political machine used the phrase, “It’s about the economy, stupid!” to remind themselves of their priority. If they were going to run a successful campaign, they had to keep the message focused on the economy.
In church world in the 90s, you may have heard leaders use the phrase, [...]