Category / Church

All churches become chronologically older every year, but why do some remain young, vital, and more spiritually fruitful than others?

There is a lifecycle to all churches, but intentional leadership can make a huge difference.

The point here is not to select and preserve modern-day cathedrals, but we do have a responsibility to lead churches that are vibrant, flourishing, and bring life change through the person and power of Jesus for as long as we can.

The year 2020 is just around the corner and change is non-negotiable.

That’s not a prophetic statement. The need for change in the local church is always in play. The issue is whether you are out in front, just keeping up, or playing catch-up.

• When you are in front of the change curve, you gain the privilege of margin for innovation. You have the opportunity to design what is next and new for you.
• Keeping up with change affords you the ability to remain relevant, though perhaps not cutting edge. You can borrow great ideas from others.
• Trying to catch-up with change is something no leader wants. When you are behind the change curve it requires far more effort, resources and emotional energy than would otherwise be needed. This is true because you spend much more time convincing people of the need to change.

If you and I sat down over a cup of coffee and I asked you what needs to change in your church next year, would you have an immediate answer? I hope you would. All churches need change of some kind.

A fast pace with high pressure can cause us to believe functional leadership lies even if we’ve been taught they’re not true.

I call them functional lies because they are not moral or sinful, but they can still be harmful.

“Leadership lies” may be too strong a phrase, but “misconceptions” is too weak.

I’ve met too many great people that lead as if these statements are true. So, allow some grace for perhaps an overly strong word, and let’s get practical.

It’s nearly impossible to overestimate the value of children’s ministry in your church.

• Parents love their kids.
• God loves their kids.
• I’m confident you do too.

But the fact that you care about the kids that attend your church may not show in your children’s ministry.

Your church may have an inspiring vision, outstanding worship services, and strong outreach ministries, etc., but if your children’s ministry isn’t vibrant, families may stop coming.