G.K. Chesterton said, “The Bible tells us to love our neighbors and to love our enemies probably because they are the same people.” In Nehemiah, the neighbors from on all four sides became opposition to progress. Nehemiah 4:1-23, details the situation and the adjustments Nehemiah had to finish the building project. For Nehemiah and us,Continue reading “Holding on for Change”
Category Archives: Church
Strategy for Change
Strategic planning is a place some will not venture. In the Church, it is the pseudo-spiritual that see no basis for the practice of the organization. Addressing the Church’s unique ministry context is required for Church leaders. Proverbs 19:21 states, “There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the Lord, thatContinue reading “Strategy for Change”
Faith for Change
In the Gospel according to Mark, Jesus utters four words that are incredibly powerful. He says, “Have faith in God” (11:22). He proceeds to talk to them about having faith to move mountains and about the disciple’s prayer life. In the previous blog post, we ended with a prayer to receive a burden and inContinue reading “Faith for Change”
Three Church Government Structures
We just went through our annual business meeting last week. Many people cannot stand meetings. I do not hate meetings. In fact, I enjoy meetings (when they are productive and result in action). If the church you attend provides a way to be involved in these meetings, it is a splendid idea to do so.Continue reading “Three Church Government Structures”
SOM: Blessed are they which are persecuted
“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophetsContinue reading “SOM: Blessed are they which are persecuted”
SOM: Blessed are the Peacemakers
“Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.” – Matthew 5:9 It is estimated that there has been a little over 260 years of peace in all of recorded history. While there are many causes for conflict, we still desire to have peaceful resolutions. Now, we find Jesus referring toContinue reading “SOM: Blessed are the Peacemakers”
SOM: The Blessed Attitudes
Our attitude towards things has a direct affect on what we go through. It is because of our attitude that our reaction toward different situations, people, and thoughts will determine how we react and how we react will in turn cause different outcomes. Making our attitude toward things the root cause of many things thatContinue reading “SOM: The Blessed Attitudes”
Church Health: Functional Health
Measuring a Church’s Functional Health Chances are great that your church is suffering from what is called Pareto principle. This principle is a “commonly noted observation that 20 percent of the people in a church do 80 percent of the work” (Thumma, 2011, p. xxi). This principle is so prevalent in cultures globally almost regardlessContinue reading “Church Health: Functional Health”
Church Health: Spiritual Health
Measuring a Church’s Spiritual Health One the hardest things for a church to acknowledge is that they may not be spiritual healthy. It may be even harder to identify what truly makes a church spiritual healthy or unhealthy. This is due to the fact that many traditions have emphasized different aspects and expressions of spiritualContinue reading “Church Health: Spiritual Health”
Church Health: Relational Health
Measuring a Church’s Relational Health “We are a friendly church.” This is a statement that has been used by most churches. The reality is that while some churches have appeared friendly during “meet and greet” times, they have no effort made towards integration and fellowship. A church with a warm greeting may still have a coldContinue reading “Church Health: Relational Health”
