To be a steward of Jesus’ bold promise in this week’s reading implies that we will fully invest ourselves in passing on the faith, in sharing the story, and in continuing the work of Christ. In doing so we align our wills to Christ’s will, and as his body visible today we boldly carry his message to the world. (Photo by Charles Clegg, used by Creative Commons license)
Creativity is not just for a few select “artistic” types, but rather a universal human quality that can help bring your church or ministry to new realms of service and success. This article from ShareFaith debunks five misconceptions about creativity. (Photo by Laffy4k, used by Creative Commons license)
Lots of us busy pastors and church leaders become stuck because our “to do” lists grow impossibly long and our workdays seem impossibly short. From Entrepreneur magazine, here’s a simple idea that can help you manage your time, prioritize tasks and improve productivity! (Photo by Robert van der Steeg, used by Creative Commons license)
It’s hard for regular churchgoers when Easter arrives and the church is crowded with all those pesky “Creasters” — folks who come only on Christmas and Easter — as well as the curious visitors. Here, from ChurchLeaders.com, are 12 ways to make sure those heathens never come back. (Photo © Winston Health, used by Creative Commons […]
Among the many opportunities the Lenten season provides for us, it also gives us many chances to broaden the discussion of stewardship. In our world, which is so driven by consumerism, greed, and wealth, this season calls us to turn away from these, and look again to the one true God. Here are some ideas […]
When a ministry and its leaders are struggling, it’s often because their vision is no longer in line with the vision God has for them. Here are five principles about vision that can keep a ministry and its leader on track. From Pastors.com. (Photo by Ken Teegardin for www.SeniorLiving.org, used by Creative Commons license. )
Most pastors would rather preach on almost anything besides than finances and stewardship, but as the preaching pastor, you are the chief development officer for your church. Provocative words from Ministry Matters. (Photo by Sumos, via Bigstockphoto.com)
If you lead and serve in a congregational setting, be sure to read this article about the importance of self-care from Faith & Leadership at Duke Divinity School. (Photo: Miguel Virkkunen Carvalho)
The comparison between microwaves and Crock-Pots can teach us a lot about ministry and church growth. Specifically, do you want to have a “Microwave Ministry” or a “Crock-Pot Church”? Microwaves are good for a lot of things, chiefly convenience. If we are going to have churches that are healthy, growing, vital and reaching God’s people, we need to resist “microwave” solutions and aim for “crock-pot” solutions. (Photo by Alex Schultz, used by Creative Commons license. Thanks!)
Nancy Ortberg’s rare combination of tenacity and grace has enabled her to break through many of the barriers to female leadership in evangelicalism today. Nancy served eight years as a teaching pastor at Willow Creek Community Church, one of America’s largest congregations, and today, she is a consultant to businesses and non-profits, a sought after speaker, and author. In this interview, she shares her leadership secrets.
