Blog
Is a Church Restart Possible?
YES There is no question. And there are some good stories of restart—sometimes by adoption or friendly takeover by a strong and healthy church, often by good changes suggested by a renewal ministry coach with fresh eyes, and always by the prayers and unselfish commitment of people. And active, productive ministry gets to be strong...
When is it Time to Leave the Church?
Maybe we are turning into negative people! We certainly hope not. Not one of the three of us is eating sour grapes or taking grouch pills. But the question and the implied dilemma are real. There are times when a pastor who really uses good common sense and waits on the Lord should leave his assignment at one church and go to another....
Sexual Identity Crisis in the Church
The sexual identity crisis in the church No room for any more jokes! Large and small pulpits have heard their share of jokes about “God did not create Adam and Steve” or something else that gets a giggle out of even the deacons. Never again. This is serious. All of us who know what our people are thinking and grappling with recognize...
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...
