Slip-ups haunt every pastor. Some are minor; others trigger long-term problems. But not all mistakes have to be fatal. Here are some ways to prevent them from becoming terminal.
Mistake Reflexes
Mistakes can cause our hearts to churn with painful emotions and impulses. Identifying our emotions is important in not further compounding our problems and to put us on the track of recovery. Here are several ...
How God Evaluates Worship Putting good theology into congregational practice involves more than just the mind. Jack Hayford
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In my experience, theological discussions about worship tend to focus on the cerebral, not the visceral—on the mind, not the heart. True worship, we are often taught, is more about the mind thinking right about God (using theologically correct language and liturgy), rather than the heart's hunger for him.
But the words of our Savior resound the undeniable call to worship that transcends the intellect: ...
Bring Down That Wall How can we lower the barrier between pastors and musicians? Nancy Beach
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In too many of our churches, there is a wall, not made of brick and mortar, or even drywall, but just as real. Although rarely acknowledged, this wall effectively divides musicians and other artists from pastors and teachers.
In most cases, the wall is not erected intentionally or maliciously, yet it blocks vital communication and damages Sunday services more than we know. Even if they can't identify ...
Sparring Over Worship 5 points to make when your congregation dukes it out over musical styles. Steve Bierly
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I wrestled with whether to let Kevin sing during the morning worship service. I felt uncomfortable with one of his selections, a soft rock song done in a falsetto. But I overrode my reservations; the song was theologically correct and had a clear message.
Afterward, one church leader told Kevin his song was "an abomination that totally ruined the worship service" and that "this sort of thing has no ...
In most churches 30 years old or older, the original worship service looks much like the one last Sunday. The songs, message, schedule, and style are predictable and comfortable. These services provide genuine spiritual nourishment for regular attenders. If they were dissatisfied, they wouldn't keep coming back.
At the same time, many churches older than 30 years are struggling to reach unchurched ...
Traditional vs. Contemporary The presenting issues are not always the real ones. A LEADERSHIP case study about conflicting worship styles. Wayne Brouwer with commentary Speed Leas and David C. Fisher
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This case study raises a critical question: How does a pastor help his or her congregation through an identity crisis without blowing apart the church?
Harderwyk Church in Holland, Michigan, had to rediscover its identity when two styles of worship began to compete. This case explains why the crisis came to the fore and how Harderwyk and its council and pastor, Wayne Brouwer, tried to resolve it.
“We Just Don't Like It” When good and reasonable changes don’t feel right to people, what’s a leader to do? Kevin Ruffcorn
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Books for implementing change in a congregation often read like technical manuals. "Seek congregational input, get leaders on board, draft vision statement, alter course, start new ministry." They're all about techniques.
But successful change is as equally dependent on feelings as facts. How do the church members feel about the new direction?
The key to thriving in change is not found in casting a ...
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