What Churches Are Learning as They Begin to Regather
Reopening church in light of COVID-19 has brought 9 things into sharper focus.
Leadership
How 5 Types of Church Leaders Will Fare in the Future
The future belongs to the innovators, and understanding church leadership future prospects is key.
Bonhoeffers Black Jesus
RACE & THE GOSPEL When you think of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, what immediately comes to mind? Perhaps costly discipleship, German prophet or Confessing Church. Only rarely would someone think of Dietrich Bonhoeffer's Black Jesus, Black theology, Harlem or of him being antiracist. Bonhoeffer became the hero, prophet and discipleship leader that we know today precisely […]
Why ‘Church Adoption’ and ‘Church Fostering’ Are Essential
When Sam Rainer coined the word “adoption” two years ago as a descriptor of one church acquiring another, I knew he was on to something. Instead of using corporate words like “acquisition” or unclear words like “replanting,” he used a powerful familial word. Adoption is one family bringing another family member into the household of … Continued
How One Church and Its City Are Partnering to Provide Church and City Housing for the Homeless
Grove Community Church and the local government of Riverside, California, team up for change with church and city housing.
4 Crucial Lessons for the Post-COVID Church
This article originally appeared on MissioAlliance.org and is reposted here by permission. In 2004, Patricia O’Connell Killen and Mark Silk edited and contributed to the book Religion and Public Life in the Pacific Northwest: The None Zone. Since its publication, people in Pacific Northwest (PNW) religious circles have discussed and strategized ways to do ministry in the … Continued
Finding Momentum When Everything Is Working Against It
So you’re leading in a tougher environment than you’ve ever led through in your life. How do you find momentum and growth in a season when everything you spend your life working toward changed overnight? A lot of churches and organizations are struggling deeply with momentum right now, and in many cases it feels like … Continued
Self-Care for Leaders During a Crisis
Navigating and leading through a crisis or crises is draining on a leader. For instance, when you take into account the current pandemic (a health crisis) and all the other crises that the pandemic has causedlike economic, resource and organizational crisesits no wonder that many pastors and church leaders are leading on fumes. Implementing leader self-care crisis strategies is vital. In addition […]
The Other Pandemic
RACE & THE GOSPEL Before the coronavirus entered the world and changed our lives, there was the pandemic of white supremacy. That is the idol, the principality and power, that fuels racism. In America, that pandemic has supported genocide, the separation of families and the stealing of property from indigenous people. It resulted in the … Continued
Pastoral Care During the Pandemic
Even in the midst of pandemic, we church leaders have to continue providing pastoral care for our sheep. Here are some reflections on this task in these unusual days: 1. The telephone has become a greater tool of ministry. Actually calling someone and talking to someone has become a much more significant approach to ministering … Continued