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5 instant cures for a “static cling” church
The number one complaint I hear from churches is, "We seem to have plateaued." Are these churches really standing still or is their perception of where they are a little skewed? It's possible...just …
 | I was a starter on a state champion high school basketball team. That sentence likely prompts one of two reactions. If you don't know me well, you could assume that I was bragging—that my massive ego recalls an accomplishment now nearly four … |
 | What was once a downtown church building is now a unique restaurant. Tables and booths now occupy the space where pews sat. The area that held the choir loft has been refurbished into a bar. The former fellowship hall serves as the kitchen where the … |
 | Sermon Illustration: 20 Symptoms of Financial Bondage By Pastor Brian Kluth, author of www.GodIsYourProvider.com and the www.GenerousLife.org 30 & 40 Day devotionals Over the course of my pastoral and financial ministry, I have taught and … |
| One of the most impressive characteristics of the First Century Church was its courage in the face of intense opposition. The apostles weren't just ridiculed for their faith; opponents threatened them with arrest, imprisonment and even … |
| "Up through the ground came a bubblin' crude..." Baby-boomer church, Seeker-driven church, Seeker-sensitive church, Purpose-driven church, Worship-evangelism church, Church of small groups, Cell church, Gen X church, Postmodern church, Missional … |
| Steve Jobs casts a long shadow. Indeed, it is hard to believe that it has been 18 months have since his death. The passing of the noted Apple co-founder engendered a plethora of articles, presentations and books, most notably the impressive … |
 | The beer companies have it made! In most industries, efficiency is in. Yet for years Anheuser-Busch has proudly proclaimed that they have concocted innovative ways for customers to consume more, yet without sacrificing taste. By the reports of the … |
| Every pastor can recognize the truth of the following anecdote. The story is true; only the names have changed. Yet I wonder: How many of your church members are aware of the pressures the typical pastor faces? Whether you use the elements of this … |
 | Let's face it. This is a busy week. Yet it can be less stressful, if we think about the week and the many services a bit differently. Here are seven ideas: Give thanks for everyone involved in making the services happen. Thank God, and thank them … |
 | On Easter Sunday, I celebrate my two year anniversary as the Campus Pastor at Forest Park Carthage (a multisite church based out of Joplin, MO). For the two years before that, I served as a full-time consultant with churches around the country. I … |
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The Heartbeat of Rising Influence Churches
"Rising influence" churches show significant innovation in ministry, and they positively impact both their local communities and their pastoral peers. Most are looking for new, meaningful, biblically …Type: White PaperSponsored by: Leadership Network -
Living on the Resurrection Side of Life: “Resurrection Power”
For over forty years now, I have been trying to preach that sermon and sing that song. Today I would like to try once more. I take for a text the words of Paul who said, "I want to know Christ, and …Type: White PaperSponsored by: Faith Breaks -
Teacher First: Leadership Network's 2009 Survey of Large-Church Senior Pastors
Megachurch pastors are a rare breed. They represent 0.3% of North America's churches but they draw almost 10% of weekly Protestant worshippers. Most of these churches are growing, many by a …Type: White PaperSponsored by: Leadership Network -
Who--and What--Is Shaping Next Generation Pastors?
Next generation pastors, those under age 40, are leading their churches full-force into multisite ministry, community service, global impact and church planting. Their churches may look different …Type: White PaperSponsored by: Leadership Network -
Fundamentals of Family: “Conflict Resolution”
Wherever two or more people gather in the close quarters of family, church, work, or community, conflict is bound to happen. The Bible affirms that from cover to cover. Jacob did not get along with …Type: White PaperSponsored by: Faith Breaks
| Bob Russell: How the church should respond to gay marriage | |
 | "If you can't speak up boldly for marriage, the first institution that God created, what can you speak up for?" (Bob Russell at NACC 2012) |
| Bob Russell: How the church should respond to gay marriage | |
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| "If you can't speak up boldly for marriage, the first institution that God created, what can you speak up for?" (Bob Russell at NACC 2012) |
| John Piper's unusual OT preaching technique | |
| Mark Scott, pastor of Mountainview Community Christian Church, encourages you to preach the OT in a new way as he explains an experiment gone right by John Piper. |
| How American culture STILL idolizes fair skin | |
| Daryl Reed smashes the gate of racism in the church. "All we are are dirt containers!" (NACC 2011) |
| Max Lucado on his new book "Fearless" | |
| At NACC 2009 in Louisville, Ky., Max Lucado summarizes his new book, "Fearless: Imagine Your Life Without Fear". |
| Paul Borden: What's going on with the North American church? | |
| This video is a useful tool for consultants who want to illustrate the need for pastors to be open to outside coaching. |