Idea Starter: Draw Dog Lovers With an Animal-Friendly Service

Give dog owners a unique motive to come to church by inviting them to bring their pets with them. Check with your insurance carrier first regarding limitations on specific breeds, and require that all dogs be leashed. Provide a short service that includes a blessing of the pets. Underwood Hills Presbyterian Church in Omaha, Neb., attracted dozens of new people with a “Paws and Prayers” service, and other churches have experienced similar results.

Quay Church: Sled Dogs Over Show Dogs

The area’s unique demographics—theme park employees, young professionals, retirees and tourism workers—have led to a congregation with an eclectic mix of people.

Souls Settled, Hands Moving: Joy and Urgency in Following Jesus

Don’t just find joy in what God does through you. Find joy in what He’s done for you. Results may rise and fall. Attendance fluctuates. Seasons change.

Fight the Good Fight

Some things that happen in ministry are so absurd that if we can’t laugh, the weight will crush our soul.