Pillar Church, a CRC/RCA congregation in Holland, MI, has experienced a remarkable Spirit-birthed turnaround. Their ministry focus is, “A CHURCH FOR THE CITY.” Their ministry commitment is, “TO BE A PLACE WHERE YOUR NAME IS …
Positive Messaging
Would you rather hang out with a “yes” person or a “no” person? A person who is persistently positive or persistently negative? A person who is grateful or a person who complains incessantly? The answer …
Choose To Change One Thing This Summer
The 2022/23 ministry season has ended. What was the one thing that most annoyed you during the past year? Was it misspelled worship slides, leadership meetings that majored in minors, a poorly run children’s ministry, …
From Me to We Outreach
Lifeway Research published a post-pandemic church growth article entitled “4 Factors That Predict Church Growth”. The author notes that the average Protestant church has 85% of their pre-pandemic attendance. Still, surprisingly, several churches grew. What …
Third Rail Conversations in Renewal Congregations
Third rails are electrified metal rails supplying power to subway trains. If you touch the other two rails, you will live. If you touch the third rail, there are no guarantees. A “third rail” has …
Renewal and Downsizing Well
Most North American churches need downsizing. Lifeway Research (see here) notes that today’s median worship attendance is 65, down from 137 in 2000. This downsizing trend has been accelerated by three factors: a cultural shift …
Human Sexuality Conversations and Church Renewal
Essential to church renewal is congregational health. Without healthy relationships revitalization is impossible. Sadly, many congregations needing a fresh start are mired in unhealthy dialogue about same sex attraction, gender identity and Christian discipleship. These …
Reengaging the Disengaged
The well-known expert in church planting, revitalization, and trends in Christian missiology, Dr. Ed Stetzer, was a recent guest on Church Now Conversations (view here). Dr. Stetzer reflected on ministry in a post-COVID world and …
Intentional Churches Are Thriving Churches
A U.S. presidential candidate in the last election cycle replied to most questions with, “I have a plan for that.” When asked about ministry and mission few churches can reply, “We have a plan for …
Who Is My Neighbor?
Jesus was asked, “Who is my neighbor?” He replied with the story of the Good Samaritan which highlighted, essentially, “Anyone God puts in your path whose needs you are able to meet.” Renewal congregations want …
