How a 200-Year-Old, Declining, County Seat Church Got Its Groove Back
In 2001 that trajectory changed. Over the past nine years our median age has decreased, membership has increased, worship attendance has doubled, and the congregation no longer focuses on our facilities but on our mission. So how did a two hundred year old, declining, county seat, mainline church get its groove back? We got it back by boldly embracing our United Methodist identity while intentionally implementing the following seven strategies.
Are You Building Healthy Systems?
Yet, now it seems that most planters know the importance of creating healthy systems, processes, and cultures. In most cases, their focus is to reach lost and other unchurched people and see the church grow numerically and in spiritual maturity. Nowadays, most planters link a growing church with healthy systems, processes, and cultures.
Why You Need to Get Real About Your Weaknesses
I believe that there are two great pillars of ministry. Paul’s confession and Peter’s confession. These are the two great pillars of ministry. Peter’s confession was, “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.” Obviously, ministry is built on that one, which is found in Mark chapter 8. But Acts 14:15 is just as important, which is Paul’s confession at Iconium where he says, “We are but men.”
5 Things Mistaken For Evangelism
In the matter of evangelism, I’m concerned about a number of things that people take to be evangelism that aren’t. And this case of mistaken identity can have consequences more serious than mere embarrassment.
In the last three years I have come to realize that no single person can satisfy one’s craving—a God-given need—for community. My good, healthy marriage cannot appease every longing of my soul, no more than any individual relationship can. That is why God didn’t stop with the institution of marriage. Marriage wasn’t sufficient for reflecting the community of the Trinity, the diversity of his being, or the incarnation of his Son. Instead, God created the church, the fundamental community to which all Christians belong.
5 Keys to Making Great Decisions
- Faith – Am I ready to accept and obey God’s direction on the decision?
- Bible – Does this decision line up with clear principles and guidance revealed in Scripture?
- Character – Would I be comfortable if everyone knew about the decision I’ve made?
- Advice – What do my Christian mentors/friends say about this decision?
- Blessing – Is this decision going to harm others?
The three toxic stooges of the project apocalypse
The internet has made it possible to launch sloppy and polish in public. This is a form of oversharing, right? With thousands of people seeing each iteration, you can’t hide what it looks like and you can’t hide from the feedback. Here’s what you need to understand about this: the launch isn’t the end, it’s the beginning. Back when I made books and software on floppies, you could say, “it’s done.” If you polish in public, that’s never your option. It’s not done. Have you planned for that?
3 Questions to Ask Before You Quit Your Job
In spite of all of this, I get pretty nervous about the way many conversations about quitting go. Sometimes it seems like we get more excited about the job we’re quitting than we are about the work we’re pursuing.
I want to offer some guidance in helping you know when to quit and when to stay in order to help you do the work you’re called to when the time is right.
Game of Thrones: America’s best restroom is named
Turns out that very restroom made this year’s list of finalists for America’s Best Restroom. The annual contest is put on by Cintas, a company that sells restroom supplies, among other products. Besides the men’s room at the Madonna Inn, nominees included restrooms at the Tampa Airport (an airport!), the Waldorf Astoria in Manhattan and the Ground Kontrol Classic Arcade in Portland, Ore.