For a long time I’ve wondered if there is a relationship between the number of salvations a church experiences and the number of times it offers salvation invitations. We’ll never know for sure, but I’m conducting an experiment this year. My friend Ron Forseth, the long-time force behind SermonCentral.com, recently challenged me to offer an invitation […]
Recent Articles
How to Lead Change in your Church When it Hurts
We changed our service times last weekend. We had bounce houses in the parking lot. And a continental breakfast. And attendance nicely spread across all three services. No fuss. No one left the church over it. I wish it were always that easy. Why We Hate Change We may say we like change, but what we […]
How to Lead People-Friendly Change in Your Church
We changed our service times awhile back. And so far the only bombs going off are over in the impact area at Camp Pendleton. We’re shifting from a Sunday morning service line up of 8:00, 9:30, and 11:15 to 8:30, 10:00, and 11:30. I’m sure you’re faced with making changes. Some go smoothly, while others blow up […]
The Best Way to Reach your Community with their God Questions
How are you feeling about the growth and evangelism in your church? Me, too. It’s always a battle. At New Song we will do anything short of sin to lead people to Jesus. As a result, we’ve tried a lot of things to reach our community for Christ. Some strategies have worked better than others. Here’s an idea that […]
The Best 21 Truths I Learned from Rick Warren
I went to Rick Warren’s “New Hope for Your Church” Conference in Orange County awhile back. It’s the Purpose Driven Conference version 2.0 and Rick taught his heart for the local church. Here are 21 truths, lessons, insights and ideas from Rick that will help you as you lead your church. 1. A big church is not […]
How to Win People to Jesus by Answering their Questions
Years ago, a lady who didn’t attend church made an appointment to see me. She had questions and thought a pastor could answer them. Her biggest question was, “If there is a God, why is there so much suffering in this world?” It’s everybody’s biggest question. We talked awhile. I gave her an answer, but […]
13 Things to Do Now to Attract Newcomers in the Fall
Wise farmers know that to reap a harvest in the fall requires hard work in the summer. The months of September, October and November have historically been the best months to attract newcomers to church and enfold them into the Kingdom. Kids returning to school and fewer vacations make this an ideal season for people […]
How to Do Easy, Effective Leadership Development in your Church
Ever felt the weight of your ministry responsibilities was a little more than you expected? Have you wished for more leaders around you to share the responsibilities? I have. I memorized Galatians 6:9 to encourage myself not to become weary in doing good. I prayed Matthew 9:38 asking Him to send more workers in the harvest field. […]