My wife and I are fans of the British Television show “Silent Witness.” The show focuses on the way a person who died under unknown circumstances can tell a story through an autopsy. As we …
Just Ask: The Power of an Invitation
Despite tectonic shifts over the centuries, one of the best ways to grow a church remains the same — the simple act of extending an invitation. According to Thom Rainer’s book, The Unchurched Next Door, 82 …
Fresh Ideas From The 1860’s
Those who know U.S. history know that the 1860s was a time of great turmoil, not only in the United States’ politics, but also in its churches. These years provide useful lessons for our churches today. …
Navigating Our WEIRDER World
Andrew Wilson’s book, Remaking the World: How 1776 Created the Post-Christian West, takes the reader on a journey to show how the happenings of 1776 changed the way we perceive life today. Wilson reminds us …
Finding a Sustainable Pace In Church Renewal
Last week, I compared leading church to running on a treadmill. The pace of change in today’s world is relentless. We feel like we have to run faster and faster just to stay in the same …
The Death of Hope
Hope is draining away for many in America. One recent analysis found that that 44 percent of American 8th, 10th, and 12th grade students reported feeling that their lives are “not useful.” Almost half added, “I do not …
Leading at an Unsustainable Pace
Leading a church can feel like running on a treadmill. You have to run faster and faster just to stay in the same place, and if you stop for a second, it feels like you’ll …
Forming a Strategy for Church Renewal
One aim of church renewal is to help congregations regain a sense of purpose and calling. However, many churches struggle to form and implement a compelling vision for the future. Why do so many churches …
How to Foster an Innovative Spirit
In the 1980s, GM and the United Auto Workers said they were ready to step into innovation by creating “a different kind of car” and “a different kind of company.” The result was Saturn. You may remember …
EMERGING TRENDS IN CONGREGATIONS
If you are curious about what other churches are doing, this week’s newsletter is for you! The National Congregations Study tracks important metrics over time so that trends can be measured. Today, I will share …