Notable Voices and the Week in Review: June 9, 2018
One Thing Two-Thirds of Parents Will Bring Their Kids to Church For — Eric Geiger
What church activity or program or event grabs the attention of parents who go to church and those who don’t? If you had to make a list of what a kids ministry and church could offer the community that resonates with parents from all types of backgrounds, what would make the top of the list? There are not many activities hosted by a church that parents of all backgrounds share a mutual respect and trust for, but VBS is one of them. LifeWay Research recently released their findings of an extensive study done on Vacation Bible School. And there are some fascinating data points:
4 Sacred Cows Haunting Churches—And How to Corral Them — Facts & Trends
Now in my 40s, I realize I have (Lord willing) many years of ministry ahead. But that also means I’ve become acquainted with commonplace “sacred cows”—idols that have become so ingrained in the culture of a congregation, many can’t remember why they exist or make the case to continue them. I can identify and describe a few of these sacred cows. But I can also offer some ways to wisely relocate these “cows”— by either moving them to their proper place or moving them out altogether.
5 Essentials for Effective Ministry in Any (Especially Difficult) Locations — Chris Hefner
Paul’s ministry at Corinth, highlighted in Acts 18 and further described in his letters to the church relate a church full of theological tension and moral quandary. It is likely that we have not served in a city as vile or even a church as morally and theologically contentious as Corinth. Nevertheless if we are to be effective in serving where God has placed us, we need the same essentials Paul experienced during his ministry in Corinth. Dr. Luke’s account of Paul’s Corinthian ministry is found in Acts 18.
Is “Ministry Calling” a Legitimate Concept? — Chuck Lawless
I’ve written previously about why my sense of calling matters. In that post, I described what I believe was God’s somehow capturing my attention and re-directing my life in some supernatural way. I’ve also written about how I understand the breadth of that calling today. I’m also aware, though, that some folks are wrestling with/questioning the concept of “ministry calling” today, and I want to be fair to them. Here, at least from my studies, are some of their questions and concerns:
This Week at ThomRainer.com:
What I Must Change
Let me be clearer and more biblical: I must ask God to change me. It is not by my strength nor by my might, but by the Spirit of the Lord that I can change…READ MORE
Why Conflict Leads to Complacency in Many Churches
The members are tired.
The church extends the period of recovery too long.
They members don’t want to rock the boat with new initiatives.
They church members forget their purpose of the church.
How to Do Staff Reviews
by Thom Rainer and Jonathan Howe | Rainer on Leadership
http://media.blubrry.com/thomrainer/s3.amazonaws.com/TheExchange/Episode438.mp3
Seven Tips for Pastors on Facebook
by Thom Rainer and Jonathan Howe | Rainer on Leadership
http://media.blubrry.com/thomrainer/s3.amazonaws.com/TheExchange/Episode439.mp3
How to Deal with an Aging Facility in a Revitalization or Replant
by Thom Rainer and Jonathan Howe | Revitalize & Replant
http://media.blubrry.com/revitalizereplant/s3.amazonaws.com/TheExchange/RevitalizeReplant/RR-Episode044.mp3
