by Greg Anderson Stubborn: “Having or showing dogged determination not to change one’s attitude or position on something, especially in spite of good arguments or reasons to do so.” I typically consider “stubborn” as a negative attribute, but when it comes to a church’s mission I think a little stubbornness might be a key ingredient […]
by Grady King Essential Conversations for Church Leaders (What Won’t We Talk About?) “Most churches are held together by what we won’t talk about.” For to talk about certain subjects is risky—so we simply avoid them choosing the rhetoric of unity and peace, with shallow roots that wither in the heat of conflict. My friend […]
Authors : Grady King
Tags : Church Assessment, Conflict
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 he was a […]
Authors : Grady King
Tags : Leadership Encouragement
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 well means […]
Authors : Grady King
Tags : Leadership Encouragement
by 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 visit many […]
Authors : Grady King
Tags : Church Assessment, Healthy Church
by 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 by the […]
Authors : Mark Frost
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 […]
Authors : Grady King
Tags : Transitions
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 […]
Authors : Tim Woodroof
Tags : Church Assessment, Church Renewal
by 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. […]
Authors : Grady King
Tags : Healthy Church
by 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 members who […]
Authors : Grady King
Tags : Transitions
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