Have I become a legalistic and grumpy old man? Maybe. But hear me out.
I spent many years in a church tradition that viewed Sunday school as the only legitimate group model.
I pray, though, that I will avoid the temptation to see the various aspects of my church as a place where I can determine whether it meets my needs and gets my “like” affirmation.
I remember my surprise at the response to a book I wrote in 2001, Surprising Insights from the Unchurched. The fact that I remember something that took place almost a quarter of a century ago is a testament to its indelible mark on my memory.
Transfer growth is elusive these days. If churches are not growing by conversion or evangelistic growth, they probably are not growing at all.
In the midst of all the gloom and doom about the state of churches, I remain an obnoxious optimist.
"We can't find a pastor." It is a challenge to find a pastor, but it's also a new opportunity to look at how we "do church."
“Retirement” has different meanings for Baby Boomers. But, for most of us, retirement will not be of the rocking chair variety, at least not initially.
A 30-day turnaround for a church, or a quick fix does not exist. But, Thom Rainer shares why there's reason to offer hope to the church.
It is time to stop celebrating church transfer growth: a church answers research article shares what we should celebrate instead.
If you are a senior adult and find yourself disturbed by this conversation, please know that I am one of you.
While no numerical formula is perfect, I suggest church leaders look at this simple way of evaluating their churches’ growth or lack thereof.
Here are seven things that will take place in your church as the Baby Boom Generation dies.
I am attempting to quantify how many of those who claim the label of Christians are not really Christians. How many of them are CHRINOs, Christian in name only?
There is a rightful concern in many churches today about the relative age composition of active church members. In fact, one of the most frequent consultation requests we receive is “help my church get younger.”
Let’s look at that one key factor that most often determines success in church consultations. You might be surprised.
On the one hand, I am hopeful for local congregations. I continue to see God working in countless churches. On the other hand, I see numerous warnings, more than I can remember in my lifetime. I call those warnings “fault lines.”
Aging pastors are just a symptom of the changing times. The fact that enrollments of seminaries are down is but another sign that God is changing the landscape of the local church yet again.
As I work with these pastors, I hear similar themes. What is taking place? Why are doubts creeping into their minds and hearts? Though I am certainly not all-knowing, I do see five key reasons for the doubts. Let’s look at each of them.
The questions pastors have typically revolve around three issues: How do I prepare my church for my retirement? What are some major financial issues regarding retirement? And, What do I do after I retire? Here are 10 tips that touch on those questions.
