On Finishing Well (part 2)

by Grady King   This is a continuation of our discussion On Finishing Well with additional characteristics of the Barnabas Life.  Click here to read part 1. The Barnabas Life Rooted in the Word of the Lord. People wanted to hear what Barnabas had to say about the Word of the Lord on numerous occasions, and […]

On Finishing Well

by Grady King What kind of men ought we to be? I think a lot about what it means to finish well in life. So many men become disengaged and cynical and relegate spiritual growth to simply being a good person and attending church occasionally.  But this posture will not help us finish well. Finishing […]

Is Your Church a Refuge of Hospitality?

by Grady King I have seldom met a church that did not say, “We’re a friendly church!” or “We welcome all people.”  Here’s the truth. Most churches consider themselves more friendly than they really are, and every church has a sophisticated screening system of who is welcome and who is not. I am fortunate to […]

An Attractive Church- Part 1

by Mark Frost Woodcrest Church started twelve years ago in a store front. Now, some 3,000 people flock each weekend to its sparkling and spacious new suburban campus. Meanwhile, the Walnut Street Church a few miles away has been in a slow, steady, decade-long decline. Its leaders are discouraged. Almost every week they are greeted […]

When a Minister Leaves: Actions & Reactions

by Grady King In HOPE Network, it is a privilege to come alongside ministers, elders and churches.  I am grateful people are seeking help and resources.  One of the traits of a healthy marriage or family is asking for help.  I receive weekly calls from a member of  a preacher search team. I do not […]

The Plateaued Church

by Tim Woodroof The conversion of Saul drained much of the energy from the persecution that had scattered the Jerusalem church. The arrests and seizures dwindled. So long as Christians kept their heads down, the Jerusalem authorities decided to leave them more-or-less alone. When word of that spread, believers began to drift back to the […]

How To Treat a Minister

by Grady King Some people think they can just say anything to a minister–respectful or not and it’s okay. It’s not.  When  it comes to how to treat a minister, the Golden Rule still applies–“do to others as you would have them do to you” (Mt 7.12). Or, does it? Four decades of ministry.     […]

When the Minister Leaves the Sacred Place

by Grady King It’s over. The long awaited day when the minister would say his last parting words to a church has come and gone. Whether choosing to leave on good terms, follow a new call, or being terminated, there is grief. The emotions run the gamut from deep sadness and grief to relief. Some church […]

How Do You Stay Sane When There Is So Much Craziness that Surrounds Ministry?

by Jim Martin How do you stay sane when there is so much craziness that surrounds ministry? Good question. Craziness is everywhere!  It seems to be a constant in this broken, unredeemed world. Everyone has to deal with the brokenness of the world.  Sometimes others’ brokenness can be sharp and jagged, cutting bystanders like broken […]

Do you listen well?

By Jim Martin Do you listen well? One of the most important tasks for any church leader is listening.  Listening can be incredibly difficult.  In fact, most of us have had far more training in speaking than in listening. A few suggestions: Listen intently. This means eye contact.  This means paying attention to body language. […]

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