2 True Tests for a ‘Relational’ Ministry

Many declare, “We do relational ministry.” That’s good. But some who declare it don’t really do it. When people claim to do relational ministry they often explain that their ministry is based on authentic relationships. Sometimes they add, “We’re about people, not programs.” That’s good–when it’s true. How can anyone determine if a church’s claim of […]

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How the Church Confronts Evil

Pure evil. Is it on the rise? How are churches handling the public’s curiosity or concern about the presence of evil in our world? Public interest is intensifying. The horror of another mass shooting causes many to ask questions about evil influences. They wonder where God is when evil erupts in ghastly ways. While events […]

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Talking About God Without Being a Jerk

In everyday life, most Christians avoid talking talking about their faith. They freeze up. They don’t know what to say. Or they fear rejection. Or they don’t want to come off as a narrow-minded jerk. The truth is, most people–even most churchgoers–lack a basic understanding in how to naturally bring faith into a real conversation. How […]

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Will the Easter People Go Back to Church?

Easter Sunday brings special joy in many ways. It’s wonderful to see so many gather in worship to rejoice in the resurrection of our Lord and remember his redeeming sacrifice for us. Most churches see a boost in attendance on Easter, which brings a special joy to church leaders and members. For many congregations, it’s the […]

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Church Mission: Self-Preservation or Something Else?

I asked the pastor and congregation members, “What’s your church’s mission?” The answers were all over the landscape: To carry on our tradition in the community. To make people feel good and want to come back. To show God’s love through acts of kindness. To keep our old building open and maintained. It’s the same […]

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Uprising in the Pews

Part of what is crippling the American church may actually lead to its renewal. Over the past few generations, the people–the church–have formed an entrenched mindset. It’s this: the work of the church–ministry–is something the people pay the professionals to do. The laity’s role is to simply watch the paid staff work, or perhaps to make a financial […]

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6 Must-Have Goodies for the Modern Church

At the start of another year I’m reflecting on the ever-emerging trends in vital equipment for the modern church. As I travel extensively around the country and world, I’ve noticed a number of popular items that were not commonplace in churches a decade ago. So, maybe it’s time to come out with a new catalog […]

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Is Once-a-Week Church Too Much?

The habit of weekly worship attendance has already taken a hit among American churchgoers. Now a move is afoot to offer the Sunday morning routine just once per month. Even people who describe themselves as regular churchgoers are attending less frequently these days. That’s one of the factors that is contributing to shrinking church attendance on […]

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Incognito Zone: Where the Church Is Booming

The final leg of our cross-country trip brought us to a sequestered zone where the church is thriving. After flying over multiple states where the majority of congregations are stagnant or shrinking, we arrived in a land where church leaders are scrambling to keep up with the growth. This healthy church zone is a hundred miles wide and […]

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Meet and Greet: Shake and Fake?

Whenever a pastor or worship leader prods us to “stand and greet your neighbor,” I muster my little smile and go through the motions. “Good morning. Good morning. Good morning.” I assume the goal is to shake as many hands as I can in 60 seconds. I usually squeeze seven or eight hands as I twirl like a […]

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