Leadership

There is indeed hope. Churches that practice these five principles are much more likely to see growth rather than decline.

It’s this idea we must hold dear: Rather than seeing what is on the outside, we are to, like God, look at the heart—what’s inside.

6 elements for sermon preparation

First impressions do matter. It’s not “unspiritual” to make sure your church property looks good, and your greeters are genuinely attentive and caring, any more than it is unspiritual to make sure your home looks great for guests. It’s common sense hospitality to communicate that you care.

The things that may be stymieing your leadership

What if we quit bragging on ourselves and hanging our fragile egos on the line for all the world to see? What if we did our job and said to ourselves, “I am only an unworthy servant; I’m just doing my job,” and left it at that (Luke 17:7-10).

If we never stop and evaluate how we are leading ourselves, and where we are spiritually, emotionally, and mentally, we will find ourselves burned out, self-absorbed, or even apathetic to the call God has entrusted us with.

Zach Harrod isn’t in Europe just for football. In addition to coaching football, he’s a church planter. He describes himself as “just a guy who loves Jesus. A guy that God's called to Central Europe to do ordinary things, and let God do extraordinary things through it.” We caught up with Harrod while he was in the U.S.—both recruiting players and gathering support for his ministry—to learn how he balances football and overseas ministry.