Jim Tomberlin is an expert on what multisite churches are talking about these days. Recently he noted 10 trends in multi-site in the USA. The multisite model continues to grow in its acceptance as a legitimate and effective vehicle for outreach, volunteer mobilization, leadership development and regional impact with more than 3,000 expressions of multisite … Continue reading 10 Trends in Multi-Site Church Ministry
Mega-Church Downsizes – Cuts Non-Essential Members
[Below is a news release from Lark News. It's exactly that, a lark - "to engage in spirited fun or merry pranks." Enjoy it. It may also be thought-provoking] WINSTON-SALEM — Julie and Bob Clark were stunned to receive a letter from their church in July asking them to “participate in the life of the … Continue reading Mega-Church Downsizes – Cuts Non-Essential Members
Australian Communities Report
Olive Tree Media recently launched the results from their Australian Communities Report conducted by McCrindle Research to discover what Australians really think of Christian faith, Christians and the Church. Held in Sydney on 4th November, the research was launched by Archbishop Peter Jensen. Mark McCrindle, Principal of McCrindle Research presented the findings to 50 church leaders and business people. … Continue reading Australian Communities Report
You Lost Me – Latest Church Research from Barna Group
People are calling it "The Great Departure" - Christian young people leaving the church. Close to 60 percent of young people who went to church as teens drop out after high school. Now the bestselling author of unChristian trains his researcher's eye on these young believers. Where David Kinnaman's first book unChristian showed the world what outsiders aged 16-29 … Continue reading You Lost Me – Latest Church Research from Barna Group
A New Kind of Pentecostal
The word 'Pentecostal' creates a variety of images and impressions as soon as it is mentioned, depending on an individual's background and personal experience. Pentecost was a feast that the nation of Israel began celebrating at the time of Moses. This day also marked the birth of the church as the Holy Spirit was poured … Continue reading A New Kind of Pentecostal
7 Practices of Effective Ministry: Conclusion
These practices can be seen as a single operating system for your church. Avoid competing operating systems and conflicting information that can cause a breakdown or paralyse ministry. Get an upgrade. Reformat your hard drive and install a clean system. Rewrite your internal code so that everyone is clear about what is important and how … Continue reading 7 Practices of Effective Ministry: Conclusion
7 Practices of Effective Ministry: #7 Work on it
Practice #7 – Work on it Set aside some quality time to step back evaluate what you are doing and how effective you are being. ALL of us work IN our ministry. That’s what we do. But are we consistently carving out time to work ON our ministries? It is essential to work ON your … Continue reading 7 Practices of Effective Ministry: #7 Work on it
7 Practices of Effective Ministry: #6 Replace Yourself
Practice #6 – Replace Yourself You can stop at practice number five and your organisation will last a good, long time. However, if you want your church and/or ministry to stand the test of time, then you have to be replaced. Just talking about this creates a lot of emotion for people. However, if you … Continue reading 7 Practices of Effective Ministry: #6 Replace Yourself
7 Practices of Effective Ministry: #5 Listen to Outsiders
Practice #5 - Listen to Outsiders Focus your efforts on those you are trying to reach, rather than just on those you are trying to keep. Listen to outsiders for answers, not questions. Listen to outsiders and make adjustments. Churches are full of ’insiders’ even though most of them start out as ‘outsiders’. If you … Continue reading 7 Practices of Effective Ministry: #5 Listen to Outsiders
7 Practices of Effective Ministry: #4 Teach Less for More
Practice #4 - Teach less for More The less you say the more you will communicate. You will be more effective if you only say what you need to say to the people who need to hear it. Most people confuse quantity of information communicated with the quality of implementation. We think that the more … Continue reading 7 Practices of Effective Ministry: #4 Teach Less for More
7 Practices of Effective Ministry: #3 Narrow the Focus
Practice #3 - Narrow the Focus Focus is the key to achieving excellence and making an impact. Each ministry should be designed to do one or two things well. Don’t try to do everything; do a few things well. This applies to the number of things you do and also the way you do the things … Continue reading 7 Practices of Effective Ministry: #3 Narrow the Focus
7 Practices of Effective Ministry: #2 Think Steps Not Programs
Practice #2 - Think Steps not Programs All church ministries and/or programs should take people somewhere not just fill their time. Ask yourself, "Where do you want your people to be?" "What do you want them to become?" "Is your ministry or program designed to take them there?" Figure out how to change lives then … Continue reading 7 Practices of Effective Ministry: #2 Think Steps Not Programs
7 Practices of Effective Ministry: #1 Clarify the Win
Andy Stanley is the Senior Pastor of North Point Community Church, a thriving multi-site church in Atlanta, Georgia. He has written a number of very helpful resources for churches and church leaders. One example is the book Seven Practices of Effective Ministry. In this book, the authors, propose that clearly articulated and established principles enable you to … Continue reading 7 Practices of Effective Ministry: #1 Clarify the Win
Exponential Conference: Multi-Site Church Insights
The Exponential Conference is an annual conference in the USA focused on motivating and equipping church leaders and especially church planters. This year's theme was On the Verge, which is the title of a new book by Alan Hirsch and Dave Ferguson. Podcasts of previous year conferences are available now, with this year's sessions coming … Continue reading Exponential Conference: Multi-Site Church Insights
Don’t forget the Elderly!
People frequently say, "Its a young person's world" and it many ways it is. Youth culture dominates our world and especially the entertainment industry. Yet, the largest and fastest growing demographic in many parts of our world is the elderly. With life expectancy continuing to grow, we will continue to see more and more seniors … Continue reading Don’t forget the Elderly!