Money can be an awkward issue for churches and guest speakers. It’s the issue both parties consider; but it’s often the issue around which both parties tiptoe. It should not be that way. It’s really a matter of biblical stewardship and hospitality. Over the years, I have worked with many churches and speakers (and a
A few years ago, the gym that I go to was undergoing new ownership. Without any prompting, I began thinking about possibly going to a new gym down the street. That week in the locker room another gym member entered and was upset because his credit card had been hacked. Coincidentally, he had also used
Taking too long Playing candidates off one another Not doing background checks: legal, social media, credit; They are not asking “#MeToo” questions Not providing clarity to internal candidates They are not communicating sufficiently to the congregation Some highlights from today’s Rainer Report: There is no reason why it should take as long as it normally
No man or woman is ever fully acquitted of all responsibility. Just as there are inalienable rights, there is such a thing as inalienable responsibility. What this means is that everyone leads something. Everyone is in charge of something—even if it’s just you. Each one of us is responsible for the choices and decisions we
More than 70 percent of pastors say they work between 55 to 75 hours every single week. Those numbers may not surprise you. But they should. Just like all the people you serve in ministry every week, you were created for a specific purpose—and that purpose isn’t fulfilled simply through activity and busyness. You might think
Feeling too busy already? Over-programming is one of the most common indicators a church has slipped into Maintenance Phase. We recently released our Q3 2018 edition of The Unstuck Church Report. Based on about 1,200 churches that have recently taken the team version of the Unstuck Church Assessment, 80% found themselves on the right side of the church life
Before you can lead others, you must first be able to lead yourself. I’m going to share one of my favorite lead yourself first hacks. I won’t touch on the what of leading yourself, simply the how. There are plenty of people out there telling you to add this practice to your morning, or to
A couple of years ago on our honeymoon in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, my wife and I got to do a couple of five-mile hikes in the Smoky Mountains. To save money and time, we decided to fill our backpacks with a picnic-style lunch and some snacks (mostly candy). It was so much fun eating sandwiches and
I have always been weird. While most of my childhood peers lamented the beginning of a new school year, I looked forward to it with enthusiasm. I loved the opportunity to learn and discover new vistas. As a pastor, I saw the beginning of a school year as an opportunity to try new approaches and
As a generation known for lack of long-term commitments, Millennials are poor poster children for proven work and leadership. However, the tide is turning in churches and culture, with more young adults stepping into the forefront of businesses, arts, ministries, and more. Those of us identified as Millennials, between the ages of 20 and 35,
