There’s a term for people who are looking for a church—they are called “Church Shoppers.” I have never really liked that phrase because usually when someone enters my church and says they are “church shopping” I get the idea that we are being evaluated and judged. It’s not the evaluation that bothers me, it’s the […]
What To Look For In A Church Read More »
I’ve been an ordained minister for about 16 years now. In that time, I’ve had many discussions about spirituality and the Bible. Every now and then, someone will say something to me that sticks out. It might be funny or interesting or even slightly bizarre. It’s part of why I love being a pastor. Earlier
More Bizarre Things That Have Been Said To Me Read More »
Another book about Jesus? Yes! But I think you’ll like it. Here’s why: First, it’s not for theologians or super Christians—it’s for everybody. You won’t need an exegetical dictionary to read it. You’ll only need to be interested in seeing Jesus in a refreshingly new light. Second, it might change your life. Scratch that, Jesus
Kickstarter Project: Flannelgraph Jesus Read More »
This is guest post by fellow Tribe Writer, Kandi Johnson. She is a writer, blogger, published author, and a certified health coach. Her blog celebrates life by offering people hope and inspiration from God’s perspective. Please check it out and sign up for her email list at kandijohnson.com. She also has a 5-star rated book
Does What I Do REALLY Matter? Read More »
[dropcap]For [/dropcap]the whole month of October, I have been on a sabbatical. It’s been a refreshing experience for me. I’ve been able to read some books, spend time in prayer, and rest my spirit. But being on sabbatical has also helped me gain a new insight on what it means to be a visitor to
The New Church Guest Challenge Read More »
[dropcap]Nobody [/dropcap]tries to alienate people that are visiting church. As ministry leaders, we should be as inclusive as possible without sacrificing the message of the gospel. Even so, churches across the country are accidentally excluding potential attendees by simply forgetting what it’s like to be new. We need to be intentional about what we do, what
Six Surefire Ways To Alienate New People Read More »
This is a guest post by fellow Tribe Writer, Rachel Larkin. Rachel lives in New Zealand with her husband and their three young adult sons. She is the author of Simple Prayer: The Guide for Ordinary People Seeking the Extraordinary. She writes about growing in faith and developing your potential on her website rachellarkin.com. She is also a
6 Simple Keys to Presenting Powerful Sermons Read More »
[dropcap]I[/dropcap] have been a pastor for almost 15 years. In that time, some funny and relatively bizarre things have been said to me. Don’t get the idea that anything here makes me mad, or that I’m frustrated with being a pastor. I love my congregation and have a lot of patience. Plus, I’ve said some
10 Bizarre Things That Have Been Said To Me Read More »
[dropcap]When[/dropcap] I first got started in ministry many years ago, I worked with a few people who were perfectionists. I thought I was supposed to be that way too. I wanted everything in the church to be 100% flawless, the music, the video, the sermons, the coffee! I wanted the church to be as good
Perfectionism In The Church Sucks Read More »
[dropcap]If [/dropcap]you’re a pastor, then you should be writing. Ok, wait! Before you start with a list of excuses just hear me out (besides, I know all the excuses because I regularly used them to avoid my responsibility as a writer). Truthfully, I have had an on-again, off-again relationship with writing since 2003. It’s something
Five Reasons Every Pastor Should Be A Writer Read More »