Anyone who has ever picked up a guitar has heard of the late, great Chet Atkins. He is a guitar legend. In many ways he helped popularize the guitar like no one else. He played a style that many of us have sought to copy called “finger or thumb style”…
We often quote the stat that 85% of all churches today are in a plateau or decline. That means that only @15% of churches are having any type of measurable growth. This is a disturbing statistic. What about your church? Over the last five years what has happened in the…
As a pastor I studied each church I served to see what we could do to grow and reach more people for Christ. One of the things we attempted to do was to define where the walls were that were stopping growth and then we attempted to move them one…
I grew up with Kodak. They made all the film that we used to take our family pictures. At one time they were one of the leading companies in the world. I was greatly surprised to hear recently of the company’s bankruptcy filing. A Judge in New York is giving…
Easter is coming. Are you ready? Will you make a great first impression? Review these tips and plan to do so: Found People Find People! Invite someone to attend with you on Easter Sunday. People are very receptive to attend church on Easter so think about a neighbor, work associate,…
Most churches have new members join. It is the life and future of a congregation. No new members equals no new growth. Healthy churches not only reach new people but they keep and involve them. Most people that join a church do so with excitement and anticipation. A new member…
Like many of you I get up every morning, make my coffee and pick up the morning paper, usually glancing at the obituaries. Here is the deal… if my name is not listed; I go about my normal duties for the day. If my name is in the paper well…
Most guests entering our churches receive a cordial hand shake and a “glad you are with us today.” While this initial contact with guests is important, Debbie Rendell of St. Petersburg, Fla., says churches must go deeper. The president of Integrating Focus says a congregation that wants to promote fellowship…
Aubrey Malphurs, in his book, Strategy 2000: Churches Making Disciples for the Next Millennium, discusses eight areas of what makes a genuine disciple. This list or any list depicting lifestyle and behaviors is an outward response of an inward commitment to Jesus as Lord. This is not a legalistic exercise…
First time guests won’t become second time guests unless we make a good impression. Consider these suggestions working with your guests: Call them “guests” not “visitors.” The term visitor denotes that they are just passing through and will probably not be back. Do you have a visitor’s bedroom or a…
Two encounters are critical. First, the leader encounters God in His Word and is changed. Second, the leader guides the group to have a life-changing encounter.