By Marv Knox Imagine figuring out how your church can thrive by experimenting with innovation, unafraid to fail in pursuit of transformation. Imagine learning from innovations that didn’t work. Then trying even-newer initiatives that eventually work. Imagine experimenting alongside other churches in situations like yours—learning from and encouraging each other—and guided by a coach who … Continue reading
By Laura Stephens-Reed The most vital skill to cultivate in congregations is curiosity. That might seem like a strange claim to make. After all, the gospels tell us that the two greatest commandments are to love God and then to love neighbor. Matthew 25 calls us to feed the hungry, clothe the naked and visit … Continue reading
By Jennifer Colosimo Imagine how it would feel to grow up practicing faith one way, only to be judged for it as an adult—by the people who believe the same thing as you? For many Black women today, that’s exactly the case. They often don’t have a place where they can simultaneously grow in their … Continue reading
By Laura Stephens-Reed It’s that time again! Many congregations launch stewardship campaigns in the fall to coincide with budgeting for the following fiscal year. Talking about money can be awkward for pastors because the largest portion of most church budgets is devoted to personnel costs. This is not a bad thing, by the way. Staff … Continue reading
By Laura Stephens-Reed It’s that time again! Many congregations launch stewardship campaigns in the fall to coincide with budgeting for the following fiscal year. Talking about money can be awkward for pastors because the largest portion of most church budgets is devoted to personnel costs. This is not a bad thing, by the way. Staff … Continue reading
By Brian Foreman I play this guessing game with my wife. When she is talking and pauses to collect her thoughts, I interject mine; or when she is searching for a word, I fill in the blank for her. This is not a game she enjoys and, for my own health, I try to avoid … Continue reading
By Brian Foreman INTOIT, six letters that show a way forward in a culture of toxic polarization. These six magical letters are an acronym for I Never Thought of It That (way), and the title of a recent book by Seattle journalist Monica Guzman, a left-leaning child of Mexican immigrants in Seattle who vote Republican. … Continue reading
By Laura Stephens-Reed Thirty years ago, author and radio talk show host Gary Chapman published his first book on the five love languages. While the initial volume was geared toward helping romantic partners deepen their understanding of one another, Chapman has expanded the use of his love languages to parent-child relationships, friendships and even to … Continue reading
By Jennifer Colosimo About five years ago, Reverend Michael Mills was called to be the pastor of Agape Baptist Church in Fort Worth, Texas. He was a young pastor with enviable energy and an excitement for missions that aligned with this church’s identity. Unfortunately, within that identity, membership was diminishing. Families had started to leave … Continue reading
By Laura Stephens-Reed For a long time there has been commonly-held wisdom about church size dynamics and the role of the pastor at each church size: The family size church has fewer than 50 people, with most of them related to one another. This congregation experiences little numerical growth because it is difficult for visitors … Continue reading