Several years ago, a generous church member invited me to go with him to watch a heavyweight fight in Las Vegas. I couldn't help but notice the signs. They're everywhere: big signs, little signs, blinking, flashing, moving signs, even talking signs. It was dazzling.

They don't have a lot to say, but they definitely know how to say it, I thought.

It's just the opposite in the church. We have everything ...

Topics:	Change, Changes in worship, Creativity, Culture, Diversity, Growth, Innovation, Outreach, Relevance, Transitions, Trends, Vision, Worship, Worship style
Filters:	Children's pastor, Drama, Elder, Emergent ministry, Pastor, Preaching, Worship, Worship leader
Purpose:	Worship
References:	Genesis 1:1, Isaiah 45:18, Matthew 13:34
Date Added:	July 11, 2007

When you propose a new program or shut down an outdated ministry, you're asking people to change on four different levels: mind, heart, lifestyle, and culture. Each level of change requires a different kind of response:

1. The key to a change of mind is information. Facts that support the reasons for change need to be gathered and shared. They are more persuasive than opinions. Facts alone, though, don't bring about change. In fact, they can precipitate conflict because everyone will not agree on what needs to be done or be ready to do it.

Topics:	Change, Changes in worship, Creativity, Innovation, New ministries, Planning, Resistance, Transitions, Vision
Filters:	Church board, Church staff, Elder, Emergent ministry, Pastor, Preaching, Worship, Youth ministry
Purpose:	Discipleship
References:	Lamentations 3:22-23
Date Added:	July 11, 2007

How pastor and "lead worshiper" Joseph Garlington helps people recognize holy moments and encounter God.

A Leadership Interview

The sanctuary is packed. Ushers wedge latecomers into the few empty seats scattered across the long, low room. When those seats are full, they open clattering doors to overflow rooms on the sides. There's no holy hush in this place. Even the quiet moments are accompanied by ...

Topics:	Atmosphere, Changes in worship, Experience, Experiencing God, Outreach, Presence of God, Revivals, Worship, Worship planning, Worship style
Filters:	Emergent ministry, Pastor, Preaching, Worship, Worship leader, Youth pastor
Purpose:	Worship
References:	Luke 5:36-39
Date Added:	July 11, 2007

Let me tell you about a person I have not always liked. He is 20 years old, reasonably bright, friendly, and—when he wants—capable of influencing people. His name is Tom.

Until recently his life appeared to be unraveling. His parents, who live 2,000 miles away, are on the verge of divorce, and that's thrown him for a loop. I don't think he has the slightest idea of how much his crumbling ...

Topics:	Congregational care, Counseling, Emergent, Mentoring, Pastoral care, Shepherding, Spiritual care, Spiritual direction, Spiritual formation
Filters:	Church staff, Counseling, Discipleship, Elder, Pastor, Pastoral care, Shepherd, Spiritual director
Purpose:	Discipleship
References:	2 Timothy 2:2
Date Added:	July 12, 2007