Christian Zionism and the Future of Israel
By Kyle Dunham This year marks the 70th anniversary of the inception of the modern state of Israel. On May 14, 1948, David Ben-Gurion announced …
God in the Cracks?
By Diane Scallon For those of you who have smartphones, please take a moment to check the battery status of your phone. In the battery …
8 Money Myths That Can Negatively Impact Your Ministry
Money matters matter—even at church, because as church leaders we have a God-given responsibility on behalf of God’s people to direct the financial affairs of …
The Top 6 Areas of Pastoral Search Evaluation
The task of a pastoral search committee in a church isn’t what it used to be. It was never easy, but it seems to be …
12 Turnoffs for Newcomers
Most church leaders are happy to see guests visit on Sunday. Sometimes they come as a result of a personal invitation. At other times, a …
How to Turn Workers into Leaders
Here’s what I’ve discovered about leadership development: some of the best leaders I’ve worked with as a pastor had their start as workers. They didn’t …
5 Things New Believers Need for Growth
The local church, by God’s design, has the responsibility of fostering spiritual growth. All that we do in worship, fellowship, service, and Bible study ought …
Top 10 People Skills for Church Leaders
Church ministry is people ministry, and those of us who seek to sharpen our skills in this area will reap the rewards of greater support …
12 Practical Ideas for Revitalizing the Sunday School
Although Sunday School ministry has been declining in recent decades, I’m not ready to give up on it. I still think the Sunday School is …
Replenishing Pastors
8 things deacons can do to help their pastors stay balanced, healthy, and effective Never have the demands been greater or the pressures more stressful …
Starting Points for Revitalizing Worship
12 Suggestions . . . First, a disclaimer: I’m not an expert on worship. I’ve had no significant training in music or the arts (although …
Inside-Out Leadership
Successful church leadership is rooted in spiritual commitment. People who are walking with God, growing in their faith, demonstrating godly character, and seeking God’s guidance …
7 Leadership Priorities for Churches in Pastoral Transition
Among my responsibilities as associate national representative of the GARBC is working with churches that are in pastoral transition. Much of that work focuses on …
10 Ways to Promote Outreach Events
Sometimes our church outreach events are our community’s best kept secret. We do a great job planning them—safety clinics, classic car shows, sportsmen’s dinners, sports …
Finding and Keeping Volunteers
8 Common Mistakes Church Leaders Make Where would we be without those faithful workers who regularly give of their time to serve in our churches? …
Working with Your Church Constitution
4 Suggestions I’ve never heard of a church that didn’t have a constitution, but I have heard of church leaders who wish they didn’t have …
Honey, I Shrunk the Membership!
In the first year of one of my pastorates, I removed about 200 people from the membership! It’s true—but let me explain. Although the church …
A Fourfold Foundation for Effective Preaching and Teaching
Good communication is a central part of a pastor’s role as a preacher and Bible teacher. It’s also an important skill in the ministry of …
6 Reasons Visitors Come Back
We have plenty of guests in our services,” a church-planting pastor recently told me. “But they don’t seem to want to come back.” I’ve heard …
Church Leaders and the Nursery
Wait! Don’t skip this page or merely pass it on to your nursery coordinator. Here’s why: While excellent child care has always been an important …
Guest-sensitive Ministry
Most churches are thrilled to see visitors attend services. Often we can reach these people with the gospel; other times we can minister to them …
8 Areas of Local Church Outreach
Every church should make evangelism a ministry priority. But getting organized and strategic is the challenge! Here’s my recommendation: Start with at least one initiative …
7 Practical Suggestions For Encouraging Congregational Unity
If I have learned anything about working with people in local churches, I’ve learned this: congregational unity is a fragile thing! One minute everything is …
14 Questions to Assess Your Church’s Health
We all desire growing, healthy churches. But we know that such churches don’t automatically become that way. Healthy ministries result from the strategic efforts of …
10 Benefits of Not Planning
Here’s a thought. With all the talk these days of strategic planning and organizational church ministry, what would happen if we did church work without …
Leader’s Digest: Don’t Miss This Holiday Outreach Opportunity
One of the most effective times for evangelistic outreach is Christmas Eve. Outreach pastors and evangelism ministry leaders agree on this: Unbelievers seem to be …
10 Crucial Commitments of Effective Deacons
No church can be successful without committed leadership. It starts with pastors who are committed to the Word and the people they serve, but it …
First Steps in Church Safety and Security
Studies have confirmed a dramatic increase in crimes against church ministries in recent years. Tragically, dangers such as arson, child abuse, vandalism, assault or threats …
7 Keys to a Great Marriage Ministry
Marriages are in trouble these days. Divorce rates remain high. Affairs and immorality abound. Many couples have unsatisfying relationships because of seemingly constant conflict, a …
Six Ways to Respond to a Budget Shortfall
During my years in the pastorate, I recall lots of financial ups and downs. At times the giving was great, and we ended the year …
Don’t Miss This Holiday Outreach Opportunity
…Consider Doing Evangelism on Christmas Eve This year! One of the most effective times for evangelistic outreach is Christmas Eve. Outreach pastors and evangelism ministry …
The Top 5 Mistakes of Pulpit Committees
The process of finding the man of God’s choosing for pastoral leadership in a church is a challenging one. In independent churches like ours, the …
The View from the Road
My top 8 suggestions about outdoor church signs Have one! The name of the church in big letters on the side of the building isn’t …
Do You See What They See?
How a Pleasing Exterior Attracts Your Community Real estate professionals know that initial impressions can be huge factors for potential buyers. What a home looks …
Ten Marks of Spiritually Mature Church Leaders
Perhaps you’ve heard the story about the pastor who got into an angry argument with a disgruntled deacon in the lobby after church one Sunday. …
Three Things Every Church Should Do in Managing Its Finances
Most churches I know have challenges with money. It’s a continual burden for church leaders in the light of increasing costs and the failure of …