Organizational and Cultural Trends
5 Quirky Things That Are Way Too True About Church Life
Did you know you’re twice as likely to be killed by a vending machine than you are by a shark? Apparently, that’s true. I’m guessing you’ve never thought about being killed by a vending machine, even though you see them…
5 Disruptive Church Trends That Will Rule 2016
There’s little doubt culture is changing rapidly. The question is, are you ready as a church leader? As I shared in my book, Lasting Impact (you can download the first chapter for free here), and in my Church Growth Masterclass, if…
7 Signs Your Church Will Never Change
There’s a very good chance you’re trying to change something in your church or organization. There’s even a decent chance some of you are trying to change everything. I’ve been there. Just because God never changes doesn’t mean your church shouldn’t. In…
Some Advice on Same-Sex Marriage for US Church Leaders From a Canadian
In June 2015, the US Supreme Court ruled that same-sex couples can marry in all 50 states, setting off a flurry of reaction by Christians and virtually everyone else on social media and beyond. Ed Stetzer wrote a helpful background post to the…
A Response To Christians Who Are Done With Church
You hear it all the time. I completely understand why a growing number of people are bailing on church. Even people who used to lead in the church often stop attending (here are 9 reasons why church leaders do that).…
7 Kinds of People You Can’t Afford to Keep
In leadership, you always face your share of critics. Everyone has an opinion, and if you’re like me, you can get focused on keeping people happy, which is always a critical leadership mistake. Your church or your organization isn’t for everyone…
5 Things People Blame The Church For…But Shouldn’t
There’s a lot of church bashing that happens these days. I get that. Some of it is deserved. Like me, maybe you’ve noticed that a lot of people feel justified in dismissing the church as anything between a complete disappointment…
7 Key Leadership Conversations Every Church Team Should Have in 2015
Happy January! So…what conversations are you planning on having with your team this year? One of the things I love about a new year is the Top 10 lists that help us look reflect back and plan ahead. They can…
The Single Best Way to Lead Change in a Very Traditional, Old or Resistant Setting
I speak about change regularly. And you deal with change almost every week, if not every day. The #1 question/conversation that comes up after one of my talks goes something like this: Well, that’s great that you could lead change…
7 Questions Every Volunteer Asks But Never Says Out Loud
So you’d love to see more volunteers serve in your church or organization. Who wouldn’t? And yet when it come to volunteers, a surprising number of leaders struggle. Many leaders suffer from: A chronic shortage High turnover Mediocre or poor…
5 Early Leadership Lessons from the Dissolution of Mars Hill Church
The events that have transpired at Mars Hill Church over the last few months have been dramatic and to some extent, unprecedented. For me personally, they’re still heartbreaking as I’m a huge believer in the mission and potential of the…
Why The Way The Church Talks About Sex Does More Harm Than Good
How are you talking about sex at your church (or with your kids…or with your friends) these days? Or are you talking about it? Sometimes when we don’t know what to say, we say nothing. Or we say the wrong…