Barna Research provided this statistic in 2017. 51% of Christians don’t know what the Great Commission is. Do you think that statistic has changed in a positive way since then? Here’s some more interesting WELS statistics. As of 2019 (NOTE: this is pre-COVID) the WELS had 1,269 congregations. Less than...
The pandemic has forced pivots that have left heads spinning. Pastors are tired, overwhelmed, confused and depressed. There are less people in the pews and leaders are left wondering what to do! I’ll let you in on our secret. We were right there with you back in August. Our Council...
The idea of a virtual or “not in person” ministry may have seemed foreign to many of our current church leaders just ten months ago and yet, Solomon said there was nothing new under the sun. As I pondered that thought, I realized Paul had a “virtual” ministry of sorts. ...
By now, you’ve probably gotten sick of the word “pivot.” I know I have. 2020 has forced us all to adapt to many changes we may have not chosen ourselves. What have you learned? How did you do? I had to learn how to share my insights and materials in...
“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But...
How long does it take for a culture to be forgotten in today’s age? Let me ask a couple other questions. How long does it take to create a habit? Have you heard of the 21/90 rule? The 21/90 rule states that it takes 21 days to make a habit...
During this season of the pandemic, I’ve been finishing up my certification as a Church Consultant. I’ve found the online courses to be very insightful and affirming regarding many of the challenges our congregations face- especially in relation to engaging volunteers. The top barriers identified as keeping churches from...
Imagine a ship sailing smoothly along and then suddenly running full speed into a treacherous storm. The captain and crew struggle to control the ship, maintain their own footing and then finally regain their balance. Just keeping the ship afloat is the primary purpose. Now, imagine that ship is your...
So what did you learn over the last ninety days? Have you thought about it? “Change in the church” has often been a joke. It takes some churches forever to make a change because we humans resist change. This time change wasn’t optional. It was forced upon us. We had...
In “Canoeing the Mountains- Christian Leadership in Uncharted Territory” Tod Bolsinger writes about how to be an adaptable leader. His message is magnified by the historical tale of Lewis and Clark. These two explorers thought they would find a waterway to the Pacific Ocean. Imagine their surprise when they arrived...