The Church Renewal forum provides fresh conversations and new ideas to help churches renew their atmosphere and journey towards mission in a post-Christian culture.
Vibrant
Pete
Nate
Bonnie
Dan
When worship leaders gather to discuss renewal in worship, conversation easily turns to music. Who should lead? What instruments should be used? Perhaps we can learn a few things from the Reformation.
The best preparation for preaching to the unconvinced is to build relationships with the unconvinced. If you don’t know any unchurched people, you won’t preach well to them.
Increasingly Christianity is portrayed as nonsensical. However, in the last decade there has been a surge of apologetic resources (particularly on video) and here are ones I have used.
Oftentimes what we are passionate about spills over in our conversations. Are we so passionate about our faith that we simply can’t help but share it?
How can we change patterns of inactive faith sharing in local congregations? One solution is to begin with baby steps.
What characteristics should new team members possess? As churches start new programs, hire new staff, or elect persons to leadership positions this question is important to ask.
If leadership takes trust, then the important question is, "How is trust developed?" Lt. General George Flynn mentions five characteristics required of leaders looking to build trusting relationships.
Lasting personal relationships always require intentional persistent strategies that are planned, encouraged, and modeled by the leadership in the church. Check out these ideas for establishing lasting relationships.
Pastors are focused on meeting expectations (i.e., they want to keep their leaders and congregants happy and stay employed); and few churches expect their pastors to spend time in prayer.
I once met a salesman who changed the way I view things. Jerry, the salesman, said, “Good Christian practices makes good business practices.”
We have been active in a worshipping community for most of our lives. We know how to do “church.” But there is something remarkable about trying to find a new one.
There are doubtless many “secrets” and tips for building a successful ministry team. But many of the things that build a team are among the simplest, everyday things. Like praying for each other. By name.
It's sometimes difficult for me to write about hospitality. In as much as it's something most churches speak about regularly, I feel as if it has become the latest buzz word, but without a depth of understanding and practice.
Is leadership an innate ability bequeathed to a chosen few? Or, is the art of leadership something that a person can grow into and hone over time?
Perhaps the most common concern expressed by congregants regarding church leadership is the lack of communication. Hosting a monthly "Q&A" is something I initiate to help improve communication.