As churches look to recover from the separation caused by the pandemic, many pastors have lamented their poor church attendance. I’ve heard pastors say things like “we’re back open but we only have a few people each week.” Some have said “our members won’t come to church but I see them everywhere else.” I’ve considered … Read more
Every church member is important. However, it’s not always clear how we can help make our churches better. Here are 5 ways every member can help build and strengthen our church. Make a commitment to spiritual development.“And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the … Read more
The church has become decentralized. It is not focused on the church building any longer. Many pastors have expressed joy when reopening their buildings and sadness at the lack of attendance. Also, church isn’t focused on the 11:00 hour anymore as people engage with the church digitally at the times that fit their lifestyle. The … Read more
Things have changed in our churches and may never really go back to pre-pandemic standards. Sunday schools, missionary ministries, and special services may not survive the pandemic. Youth and children’s ministries will be unrecognizable as we adjust to new social norms. Small group teaching ministries and community fellowship gatherings may die out because of a … Read more
Does your church have screens in the sanctuary? Are you contemplating adding screens to enhance your worship services? If so, I’d like to share some tips with you for using visual media in preaching. 1. Prepare a good sermon. Visual aids are good but they’re not the most important part of the preaching experience. No … Read more
Have you ever preached a Saturday Night Special? A Saturday Night Special is a sermon you start preparing at the last minute on Saturday night before you preach it on Sunday morning. For my entire ministry I’ve heard countless seasoned pastors warn against preaching a Saturday Night Special. I’m sure you have too so I’m … Read more
In January, I was blessed with an opportunity to visit the CURE Childrens Hospital in Niamey, Niger, Africa. While there I learned the hospital had several children who were awaiting surgery while the hospital staff increased their nutritional levels. You see, many of the hospital patients come from remote villages where food is scarce. Some … Read more
This morning I read an article about a new social media hashtag called #ChurchToo. You can read the article here: http://flip.it/LIHWbF Before I jump into this post, I’d like to explain hashtags to those who are not familiar with them. Hashtags are made up of the # symbol and words or phrases that can be searched … Read more
Here is the one question in the Sermon Series Development Worksheet from my book Sermon Series Preaching that keeps me grounded: “How will this series affect the spiritual health of the church?” At the end of the day, every sermon series and every sermon will affect the spiritual health of the church. Their development is … Read more
This is a busy hurricane season. Hurricane Harvey has flooded the 4th largest city in America and hurricane Irma is currently making landfall in Florida and other Southeastern states. As pastors, we may feel the call to make a response. We may also feel the need to encourage our people as they wrestle with the … Read more