If it's not about the money, how do we faithfully motivate laity and clergy for faithful ministry?
Even in free church traditions that value the autonomy of the local congregation, conventions matter.
The black church arose as an affirmation of a people’s dignity over and against the institution of slavery. Eddie Long abandoned that history when he declared himself a king.
Why history matters for the future.
Changing an institution calls for changing approaches to leadership roles. That’s the difficult part.
Self-understanding is difficult to come by. But excellent leadership demands serious inner work.
Biblical literacy is on the decline, but people's spiritual hunger continues. Twenty to thirty minutes isn't enough time to engage a congregation in Scripture.
It’s tempting to scale back and do less in mission and ministry during a struggling economy like ours. But that would be a mistake.
There is always room to improve the way churches operate, but why do we botch the New Testament's rich descriptions of the church with business metaphors?
Many congregations have less money coming in now than five years ago. But in the wake of a double-dip recession, can churches still create new ways to give the money they do have?
Jesus was right. We do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.
Be enthusiastic. Improvise. Be generous. And others will sing.
‘Empty desk, empty mind?’ Or does clutter keep us from innovation?
