"God Told Me" How to respond when someone claims divine guidance. Steve Bierly
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The Case
The woman began her address to the board, assuring us that she had studied the Bible and prayed. She said the Lord had spoken to her many times. She then tearfully told us that aspects of our denomination's polity and theology were wrong and that if we continued to follow them, Satan would destroy our church.
A long-time, respected member of the congregation with many friends, this woman had ...
Dangerous Mix Keeping newcomers from disgruntled members. Rich Doebler
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The Case
Shortly into his new pastorate, Pastor Andy Meier initiated "Recent Attender Receptions." Invitations to the pastor's home helped lower the threshold for people entering the church. Here was an opportunity for newcomers to mingle with one another, become acquainted with the church staff, and ask questions about the church.
But Andy wasn't satisfied to connect only with newcomers. He also wanted ...
It was a year of losing members—an energetic young couple because of a job transfer, several families because of theological disputes, and another family because, frankly, they didn't get their way about several issues. Trying to answer the congregation's endless questions of "Why don't we see So-and-so here anymore," the church board was feeling weary, put-upon, and defeated.
A spirit of distrust of boards has pervaded Parkway Church. The church had to call business meetings on three consecutive Sundays in an attempt to pass a budget. People believed the board was "up to something" or "trying to pull a fast one."
Several people in the congregation have said, "Our church doesn't know what it wants to be when it grows up. Who are we? Where are we going?"
Restoring Confidence How can you renew trust and joy after a painful transition? Douglas Klein
Rating:Not yet rated $2.99
The Case
When a pastor leaves due to moral collapse, it takes a heavy toll on a church. In 1993, I accepted the pastorate at Faith Presbyterian Church, after three consecutive senior pastors left over issues of moral failure.
Our first worship service at Faith was flat and lifeless, further evidence that things were not right. In a healthy congregation, members are motivated and engaged, lives are clearly ...
Tension over Revival? The supernatural may attract; not planning the natural may distract. Richard Doebler
Rating:Not yet rated $2.99
The Case
For several weeks people had responded to Pastor Ken McGregor's invitation to come for prayer prior to the services. Anticipation lingered in the air at Mount Park Assembly as people expected to meet with God in tangible, yet supernatural ways.
At their monthly meeting, the worship team seemed eager to fan the flames of revival. They discussed how to allow the Holy Spirit to help them lead ...
The Case
Sunday school had grown stale and less than effective. Sunday mornings with multiple services in a crammed building did not lend themselves to quality time for children. Teachers finished the Sunday school year with a groan not a shout. The recruiting team for the fall's teachers entered the summer discouraged: "We'll never recruit the teachers we need."
The Case
With a growth pattern stretching over two decades, we had grown from one Sunday morning service to two, then to three. Three services allowed us to serve more people, but that came at a price: There was an implicit message (at times explicit!) to get in and get out. Our coffee hour and greeting time were lost, and the services felt too clock-driven. After the first and second services, we ...
The Case
"Pastor, we know you've been here only a few weeks, but we would like to work with you in starting a contemporary service. We tried to begin something a few years ago, but the previous pastor and the elders said it was wrong not to use the traditional hymns and liturgy. Since that time a couple of families have lost hope and gone elsewhere. We don't find the present service worshipful and ...
The Case
Several who recently joined the church brought with them their guitars and love of contemporary Christian music and praise choruses. Even though the congregation was a traditional, hymn-singing group, the newer members wanted to use their gifts for the Lord during the Sunday morning service.
When the idea was brought up to the board, opinions were divided.
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