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What do your numbers say about the health of your church?
Is measuring a church's effectiveness by the numbers all bad? Let's say you take the Great Commission in Mathew 28 seriously, which commands us to "make disciples" of all nations. Let's also say you …- Tom Harper -
Deacon in conflict over worship styles seeks advice
Just got an email response about last week’s church conflict article from "a confused deacon." He describes a common issue in many churches struggling to change and not change at the same time …- Rebecca Barnes -
How many churches close each decade?
I used to think we should stop planting so many churches and focus those resources on reviving the dying ones. But the fact is, if we want to continue growing the church, we must continue planting at …2 comments- Tom Harper -
Connecting with young adults could stem the exodus
In this new era after President Obama’s inauguration, making New Year’s resolutions seems so…ancient. Yet, as 2009’s first month slips into history, vexing issues will …- Ken Walker -
What does the economy have to do with the offering plate?
So the economy stinks. Chances are people in your church congregation have felt the hit. So when it comes to asking for cash, church leaders these days are likely feeling guiltier than usual about it …- Rebecca Barnes -
What does age have to do with the health of a church?
It seems churches more often resemble the aging of the human body than the maturing of a business. Unfortunately, many well-intentioned founding members and core families take root and never let go …- Tom Harper -
How good do you have to be to get in your church?
I began thinking about this question after talking with Toby Shope this week. He's the care pastor who runs the recovery ministry at Flatirons Community Church in Lafayette, Colo. He essentially said …- Rebecca Barnes -
One nation, under the bus?
Hundreds of buses in England are now carrying the advertisement that "There's probably no God. Now stop worrying and enjoy your life." Ah, where to begin? What is this new movement in atheism making …- Rebecca Barnes -
Lessons from the inauguration debate
In two weeks the nation's capital will be abuzz as our first African-American president takes the oath of office. For the Church, equally notable will be the presence of evangelical Pastor Rick …- Ken Walker -
Why the American West is less churched
Ever wonder why our country has a Bible belt? The following excerpt from chapter 4 of David Olson's The American Church in Crisis offers a quick geography lesson in church history. >>A …1 comment- Tom Harper -
What do Jesus thieves get for Christmas?
One of the more interesting Christmas stories I saw this season involved the latest high-tech method for resolving the theft of crèches and other sacred objects at this time of year&mdash …- Ken Walker -
The economy, the elections and the Elect: 2008, a year in review and the year to come for American churches
"… to make an end is to make a beginning." –T.S. Eliot So another year is nearly finished and a new one awaits our plans. A quick glance at Yahoo's summation of 2008 shows the economy …- Rebecca Barnes -
Dave Olson's top 10 reasons to plant churches
Have you read Dave Olson's The American Church in Crisis? Within the Society for Church Consulting, we're recommending all our members and students read it - lots of great data, unique analysis, and …- Tom Harper -
Adjusting to the money pinch
With unemployment up, the stock market down and oil prices in freefall, money is on everyone's minds these days—and the Church isn't exempt. Last week, The Barna Group issued a stern warning …- Ken Walker -
MySpace, Facebook for churches
You know Central Christian Church in Las Vegas. Remember Senior Pastor Jud Wilhite's 2007 book "Stripped" that rocked some folks in the church world with its real-life stories of grace for the …- Rebecca Barnes -
Book Review: The Carrot Principle
When you look at the landscaping around your church building, do you see the handiwork of a heart devoted to God and obeying his call to excellence? Or do you look at the weed-infested gravel, dead …- Tom Harper -
My Space, Facebook for churches
You know Central Christian Church in Las Vegas. Remember Senior Pastor Jud Wilhite's 2007 book "Stripped" that rocked some folks in the church world with its real-life stories of grace for the …- Rebecca Barnes -
Standing on the shoulders of consulting giants
I took a rare opportunity to learn from many of the giants in church growth, health and leadership, by attending the 2008 conference of the American Society for Church Growth (ASCG) this month …1 comment- Tom Harper -
Churches can show the way to giving thanks
In a couple weeks, offices across America will have few people in them as the annual Thanksgiving exodus takes place. Where I live, that coincides with hunting season. Years ago, some area school …- Ken Walker -
Welcome to our re-designed Leadership Community site!
Well, what do you think? We've completely redesigned ChurchCentral.com with you in mind. Take a tour through the site and you'll find the same solid news and information about healthy churches, but …- Rebecca Barnes
| A fired-up new vision for the church | |
 | "It will not be stylish worship services. It will not be innovative programs." Jerry Taylor brings it home in this fiery climax to his message! (courtesy of NACC 2012) |
| The dynamics of church patriarchs and matriarchs | |
| In just about every church, someone other than the pastor holds the keys to change. (From church consultant training taught by Aubrey Malphurs - www.churchconsultation.org) |
| Are you letting fear derail your ministry? | |
| "How do you know when fear is motivating you?" asks Rick Warren. "You have an intense desire to run." (Courtesy of NACC 2012) |
| What is missional discipleship? | |
| We've confused evangelism with discipleship, says Alan Hirsch. "Every disciple is an agent of the king and ought to be released as such." (From NACC 2012) |
| Ignite your church with fresh thinking at Turnaround 20/20 | |
| Last year's inaugural 20/20 conference exceeded all our expectations, both in number of attendees (more than 200) and the quality of the speakers. The format is the same this year - 20 speakers, 20 minutes each, giving their best advice on how … |
| Save your sanity (and your ministry) by saying no | |
| "If you try to care about everything," says Pastor Todd Clark, "you'll soon find out you don't have the bandwidth to care about anything." (Courtesy of NACC) |
| Miles McPherson - How your church can thrive | |
| If you just do normal church, it will die. That's what kills churches every day. (From NACC 2011) |
| How Aubrey Malphurs sets up a church consultation | |
| Before the consulting process begins, a church has some work to do. Use these guidelines to get any church ready for change. (From the Society for Church Consulting's Level 1 training - www.churchconsultation.org) |
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