Category: Church Leadership
Vacation Bible School: Do’s and Don’ts
Months of planning precede it. A line item in the church’s budget often funds it. Most churches hosting it see these few days every year as a prime opportunity to evangelize children. For some, it’s the most tiring event of the year. Of course, I’m talking...
Vacation Bible School and the Doctrine of Hell
Vacation Bible School (VBS) was nearly upon us, and the children’s ministry workers had gathered for a final preparatory meeting. Anticipation filled the room as we eagerly awaited the opportunity to minister to the precious little souls that the Lord would send our way. Thankfully, we...
The Pastor Search Process: Do You Know How to Pick a Pastor?
In many churches, the process of finding a pastor first involves securing a large number of resumes and sifting through each man’s credentials. Once a few have been selected, the “search committee” checks references, makes necessary phone calls, conducts interviews, and eventually recommends a candidate to...
Scoffer, Slacker, Seeker, or Saint? – A Spiritual Census for Teens
Every ten years in America a survey called a census is taken to determine the current number of U.S. residents. Other information is also obtained and used to paint an up-to-date economic, political, and religious portrait of our society. What if a census were taken in...
If You Want to be a Leader
It is in the heart of many of us to lead. There is something inside of us that longs to help people move forward. If our motivations are right and this is not just for selfish gain or human recognition, it is usually a desire that...
How to Use Your Pastors for All They’re Worth
Do you take advantage of your pastors? Pastors (also called “elders” in Scripture) are assigned the role of leading the local church, and they are invested by God with the authority commensurate with this responsibility. History has taught us that following a leader can be frighteningly...
How to Become a Christian: A Letter to Teenagers in Good Churches
To teenagers in good churches, I want to tell you how to become a Christian. Like you, I grew up in churches. Not just churches, but good churches. There was real Bible study, real community, real thoughtfulness. I also grew up in a Christian family. Not...
Dull Preaching
“Dull preachers make the best martyrs,” said Spurgeon. “They are so dry they burn well.” Well said. My contention is that dullness in preaching is not so much in the scant ability of the preacher as it is in the dry-as-dust heart of the same. Ross...
Does Your Teaching Make People Sleepy?
Glazed over eyes. Wide, tear-producing yawns. Bobbing heads. If you are a pastor, Sunday school teacher, or Bible study leader, you’ve seen them all while you were speaking, and you may be to blame. Is there anything we can do to help people stay connected while...
Better Teaching By This Sunday
Every Sunday school teacher, Bible study leader, and preacher should aim to teach Scripture with accuracy, clarity, and in a way that helps the listener stay interested. We are always dependent on the Spirit to illuminate, but that’s not an excuse to instruct poorly. Here are...
