“Can I interview you about leadership?” I was once asked this question by a college student assigned to interview leaders. I was encouraged that she thought of a pastor as a leader. Not everyone in our …
How To Be Personal Without Taking Things Personally
Leaders often find themselves in the crosshairs of criticism. Renewal leaders who push against the status quo often feel like they’re in the center of the bullseye 24/7. Steve Jobs was right when he said, “If you want …
Renewal And Keeping It Real
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 …
Dealing With The Crisis of Trust
One of the best investments church renewal leaders can make is in sharpening their leadership abilities. To help our church staff grow in their leadership skills, we attended the Global Leadership Summit last week. Several themes emerged at GLS …
Planning a Vision Retreat
The work of church renewal hinges on ministry leaders’ clarity about the church’s mission and their role in helping to accomplish it. Summer is the perfect season to plan a retreat that allows your team …
Is It Time to Retreat?
In the relentless weekly rhythm of church ministry, it can be easy to lose sight of the big picture. Sunday is always coming, so we often put team development and vision work on the back burner. …
The Physics of Church Renewal
Understanding and harnessing the laws of the universe is powerful! Look no further than the highly anticipated movie Oppenheimer, which is centered around the incredible power hidden inside tiny atoms. Similar laws are at work …
How Culture Impacts Church Structure
At the Center for Church Renewal, we often say, “Culture eats strategy for breakfast.” The general idea is this: You might have all the right strategies and plans, but if you don’t have the culture …
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 …
Recent Trends in Church Staffing
A high-functioning church staff helps the church accomplish its mission. A key task many church renewal leaders face is hiring, training, and empowering the right people for ministry as employees. The Unstuck Group recently just published a …
