Location: Jackson, Tennessee Pastor: Michael D. Stover Worship Times: 11:00 AM (Central Time) Fast Facts: Pray for Ararat Baptist Church as they seek to share the gospel at the Travel America Travel Center at exit 68 off of I-40 in Jackson, Tennessee. They hold a chapel service there each Sunday morning at 9:00 AM. At 9:30 AM each Sunday, the church holds another chapel service in their ministry center in the Whispering Pines Community in West Madison County. The church also provides a homework assistance program for students in this community on Tuesday afternoons and a ladies coffee fellowship on Thursday mornings. Read the full article…
18
May 2013
I did not want to write this post. Indeed I have resisted for several months for fear I would do more harm than good. But the conviction to write it is too great. I pray that God will use it for His glory, and that I will not be an impediment to His work. Here is the simple thesis: There is a growing tension between some pastors and some laity in churches across America. It is not pervasive, but it’s growing. Frankly, I don’t even like the seemingly opposing labels of pastors and laity. I just don’t know how to Read the full article…
17
May 2013
When I first wrote An Autopsy of a Deceased Church, I thought it would possibly strike a chord with readers. I had no idea the response would be as overwhelming as it has been. This week’s podcast episode deals with the three major themes that led to the death of a church I had consulted a decade ago.
17
May 2013
This week’s giveaway includes something for practically everyone. First is a signed copy of my new book I Am a Church Member. Based on an idea originally taken from this blog, I Am a Church Member discusses the attitudes and responsibilities of church members. I address in detail what congregations should really be focusing on—praying for church leaders, being a functioning member, treasuring church membership, and more. Also included this week is a Bible Study Insider package. Bible Study Insider is a new way to preview the latest and best Bible studies from LifeWay. Members receive a Bible Study Insider box twice a year Read the full article…
16
May 2013
Notable Voices – May 16, 2013
May 16, 2013 3 Comments
I Am a Church Member App Now Available — B&H Publishing Group B&H Publishing Group has developed an iPhone & iPad companion app for my new book, I Am a Church Member. As it is with the book, the heart of this app is to take a stance that you are a committed church member. The app offers an opportunity for you to sign the pledge and send your pastor a word of encouragement. When your pastor receives 10 messages sent from this app they will receive a free, complete digital copy of I Am a Church Member. The app Read the full article…
15
May 2013
The Importance of Launching New Groups
May 15, 2013 17 Comments
Most church leaders want their churches to grow, and for the right reasons. They want new people to encounter God, grow in their faith, and join God on His mission of serving others. But there is often a wide gap between a church leader desiring to grow and the church possessing a mentality of multiplication. During my church consulting days, I could quickly assess a church’s multiplication mentality by asking just one question: How often do you start new groups (or classes)? I would ask the question because I’d seen over and over again a close relationship between the churches that were growing Read the full article…
14
May 2013
Expectant vs. Reactionary Churches
May 14, 2013 6 Comments
By Chuck Lawless Most churches that contact my church consulting firm do so after they’ve recognized a problem; that is, they are reacting by asking for outside help. I’m grateful to assist them, but their process itself often reveals a problem that inflicts most churches: they are reactionary rather than expectant congregations. Is your church more expectant or reactionary? Review these characteristics to see where your church is. Vision Expectant churches have a clear Great Commission vision. They know that God is drawing to Himself a people from every tribe, tongue, and nation (Rev. 5:9-10), and they are humbled to Read the full article…
13
May 2013
Eight Signs of Fearful Leadership
May 13, 2013 14 Comments
Over the past few years, I’ve heard the phrase “courageous leadership” used to describe the trait of those leaders who are making a difference today. Unfortunately, we also know many who are in leadership positions where that courage is not apparent. Indeed, they demonstrate leadership that is fearful. These leaders are harmful to organizations because they have unique ways to hinder others from making vital contributions. They can appear busy, but most often their work is busyness. All of us are subject to moments of fear in our various leadership roles. Can we overcome those moments? Better yet, are there Read the full article…
12
May 2013
Pray for Life Community Church
May 12, 2013 2 Comments
Location: Owensboro, Kentucky Pastor: Rev. Kenny Rager Worship Time: 11:00 AM (Central Time) Fast Facts: Life Community Church is a high-impact church, a church that seeks to combine numerical and spiritual growth for impacting lives and communities. LCC is trying to reach families with the gospel in a growing section of Owensboro, Kentucky. It launched on October 28, 2012 and since that date has baptized 14 people and is averaging 70-80 in primary worship attendance. The church is preparing to relocate to a new facility because they have outgrown the present one. Pray that God will continue to grow this Read the full article…
11
May 2013
I have used these lines many times in speaking venues. I ask the audience if they know how Baptists count weekly worship attendance. The knowing smiles break forth on most faces. I then began counting each person in the conference by saying 2, 4, 6, 8 . . . As the audience waits for the punch line, I say that every believer is indwelled by the Holy Spirit, so each person counts as two. Laughter. But it’s laughter because there is some parcel of truth behind my attempt at humor. Let’s say it clearly without equivocation: Sometimes church leaders lie Read the full article…
