How is this Christmas shaping up for you? Perhaps it’s close to your pre-pandemic normal. And is that the good news or the bad news? You might have not minded the shut-down quiet last Christmas. You may wonder if any good comes of the Christmas busyness. Will your church be any different, any better, come […]
9 Most Important Personal Practices for Pastors
Pastor, how do you stay strong for the long haul? These personal practices for pastors will help you thrive for a lifetime of ministry. Of all the factors that go into the making of a healthy church, the pastor’s personal health, growth and well-being are at the top. Healthy churches have healthy pastors and growing […]
Why it’s Important that your Church Engages the World Right Now
For the past several months I’ve been uneasy about the approach the church is taking to the COVID pandemic. Maybe you are, too. Here’s what’s bothering me. Matthew 8:2-3 tells us about Jesus’ response to illness one day: A man with leprosy came and knelt before him and said, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make […]
How to Celebrate Christmas in your Church During the Pandemic
October 2020 You can lead your church through the holidays this year in a way that brings connection and growth. Are you wondering how your church should navigate the Christmas season during the pandemic? In a year where everything is different, how should we handle our church’s holiday events? We love the traditions that come with […]
How to Strengthen your Church Finances in the Pandemic
How is your church doing financially these days? If the pandemic has hit your church, it’s likely that your offerings are down, people are out of work, your budget is out of whack, and the future looks uncertain. Tight church budgets and downward-trending giving are worrisome, but you can lead your church through the financial […]
5 Easy Ways to Improve your Preaching in a Pandemic [Free Sermon]
Make these easy shifts as you prepare your sermons and you will improve your preaching in a pandemic. Have you felt it? The stakes of our preaching are higher than normal. So much hinges on our sermons these days because, for many, the weekend service is the only equipping and connection action they’re experiencing right […]
13 Specifics that will Grow your Outdoor Church Service
Grow your Outdoor Church Service by working on the logistics. We didn’t imagine being in this position. Our building is off limits for church, and the parking lot is the center of ministry. Here’s something else we never imagined: we like outdoor church better than church indoors! Maybe it’s that we’re all desperate for the […]
How to Hold an Outdoor Church Service that People Love
Here’s why we’re loving our outdoor church service and what we’re doing to make it work. We held our first coronavirus-inspired parking lot church service on May 31st, just as California was emerging from our stay-at-home lockdown. Now, two months later, we’re loving it and seeing it grow. Here are 13 benefits, principles and perspectives […]
How to Maintain your Health and Joy through the Pandemic [Free Download]
One simple practice will help you maintain your mental health and joy during the COVID-19 days. Yesterday, I read a Gallup survey that said 14% say they are “happy” right now. Another 11% rate themselves as “somewhat happy.” This is the lowest level of happiness ever recorded by the folks at Gallup. As a church […]
5 Realities to Accept When you Re-Open your Church
Outdoor Service at New Song Church on May 31, 2020 The church I pastor, New Song Church in Oceanside, CA is re-opening with outdoor services this summer. This video clip is from our first outdoor service on May 31st. Some people brought their lawn chairs; others stayed in their cars; two families brought their dogs! […]