With the celebration of Thanksgiving we officially enter the holiday season. I know among churchpeople it’s a liturgical outrage to breathe a word of Christmas until Advent has been given its due. In fact, I know parishes where they won’t even start decorating for Christmas until the afternoon of December 24th. They’re purist and we […]
Immediately the one who received five talents went and traded with them, and made another five. Likewise, the one who received two made another two. Matthew 25:16-17 Look at that first word. “Immediately.” The first two servants immediately do something with the master’s money that benefits the master. They invest the money, doubling it. Knowing that […]
Studies suggest that a first time guest in your church often makes up their mind if they’re ever coming back again in the first ten minutes. So, that means before they’ve heard your music, listened to your message, or met your ministry team they might very well have given you a failing grade. Here are […]
All you have to do is drive around the community and take a look at what many churches are advertising on their front lawns. Even easier, check out their web sites. This time of year you’ll find pumpkin patches, crop mazes, haunted houses, “trunk or treat” events, and hay rides. And soon we’ll be treated […]
Great leaders, and those of us aspiring to be, all do certain things that are worth reflecting on when it comes to leading a parish. Here are 5, in no particular order. They Simplify the Complex Great leaders stick with a problem or idea long enough, and engage it deeply enough, to clear away the […]
This time every year is always the same. Fall is a sprint from Labor Day to Christmas. And Christmas starts in earnest the day after Halloween. Here are some of the things we’re working on currently and the goals we have for this busy season. Fill the Church Perhaps you’ve noticed, we have a new […]
A healthy work environment should be a high priority for parish pastors and leaders. As a leader, you want to ensure you’re creating the best possible space for your team to work well and effectively, and sometimes it’s hard to know why that isn’t happening. Here are 5 things you can do to help ensure […]
This week, registration opened on our brand new website for our brand new conference, Rebuilt | 2018, check it out at rebuiltconference.com. For a number of years a few of years ago, we hosted an annual gathering each fall for our staff and lay leaders, including the Parish Council. The purpose of this mini retreat […]
This weekend is our annual Fall Small Group Launch, an opportunity for parishioners who don’t have a group to give it a try. Our Small Group Team will be hosting sign-ups all weekend long, just off the Concourse, offering opportunities for all kinds of groups (men’s, women’s, mixed, affinity) at nearly any time or day […]
Worship in Our New Church These days we are settling into our new church building. It is a thrilling period in the life of our parish and certainly a lot of fun. But it also raises questions and brings challenges, as do any changes or transitions in life. Here are five that have stimulated some […]
