Blog
Culture Shock in the Church
“It’s in the grocery store also!” So much has changed, and so quickly. Most of us are startled often about how values have shifted, and what bothers people these days. And The Shift attends church. Pretty regularly. Many do not pray like they used to, or don’t worry when we think they should, and don’t wince enough at the...
Cultural tensions within the church
Describe your church! “It’s a beautiful red brick building that is at the corner of…” “Our church is pretty much very conservative Republicans with red hats and …” “We like to argue about whether to wear masks to worship services or whether our governor can make us get vaccinated…” “We understand love, and everyone knows that. We have...
Is going to church and being the church the same?
Let’s get them inside the church! We all want to build the church, of course. Else we would change work assignments immediately! But we all also know that our job is not to try to get them inside the church building, but rather inside or a part of the body of Jesus Christ – a spiritual issue! And that is a matter...
What should we never….?
Chance of a lifetime! Well, it could be! Most of our states and governors are saying the “reopen” word, so it’s a good time to evaluate if anything should not be reopened! Not to be sneaky but to be wise! There might have been a few events that were just to fill the calendar or keep people busy or because “that’s what we...
Where Else?
Where do the next full-time workers come from? Let’s talk future, as uncertain as we are about when the total New Creation of everything by our Lord begins. Who will succeed us with the shepherding care of the church? Sobering stats: 85% of senior pastors are currently 40 years old or older. And 50% of senior pastors are currently 55...
Leading People Post COVID
“The quarterback has a voice and wristband!” And sometimes he pushes his helmet tighter so we can hear the instructions from the coaches. Then he checks his wrist notes and calls the play. But they don’t make any of these for pastors. So how do we know what plays to call? What church strategy should change now that we have had a...
Values and Goals? Do We Need Them?
“We just do what the Lord tells us!” So said one pastor as he trashed the idea of setting numerical or principled goals. Okay. But if you do not know how much you weigh, how do you know if you are eating the right things? If you do not know where you’re driving to, how do you know when you get there? Our...
Easy Weaknesses to Slide Into In Leadership
“And now, that great servant of God…” Drum roll. Then, from the announcer for the television show, the phrase above. Loud and clear. The preacher probably wrote it himself. Or maybe, when his publicity person proposed it, he did an, “Aw shucks, we maybe should not say that…but then I do….” Somehow he missed...
Seniors and Church Veterans: How do we honor them?
“Who are these people anyway?” Some of them are the pioneers of their church, and many did more than we can know unless we hear their story sometimes, and some give more of their income than many young adults even think about today.Some of them pray all the time for you the pastor and the church, even though they complain about the...
Meet Women of Grace
Along with Momentum Ministry Partners, Women of Grace USA is a ministry affiliated with the Charis Fellowship of Churches. In this Digital Lab, Bethany Miller talks with Women of Grace's executive director, Viki Rife, and director of girls ministry, Nicole Miller, and director of leadership development, Jennifer Avey about the resources...
