ChurchNext » Congregational Development

Russell Clark: Putting the Fun Back into Church

Chris — Wed, 29 May 2013 00:29:13 +0000

After all, Joy is one of the fruits of the Spirit – why not make it a fruit of Sunday morning worship?

So says pastor Russell Clark of First United Methodist Church in Reddick FL. Russell, just a few years out of seminary, has seen Sunday attendance more than triple in his 3 years of ministry there.

Russell says it’s not just because he stresses the joy of knowing Jesus, but because he takes pains to visit and care for the older folks in the congregation. Be inspired by an enthusiastic young voice that’s not afraid to try new things.

Watch the Full Program.

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Synopsis
Russell Clark puts on skits, dresses up as a super hero, and isn’t ashamed of having his formal pastor’s photo hanging on the church wall depicting him as a disco dancer. Here are the notes from my interview:

Show Them You Care
Creative liturgy can come across as gimmicky if it’s all sizzle and no steak. That’s why Russell makes sure pastoral care visits and easy accessibility are hallmarks of his ministry. People are more willing to be patient with change when they trust the change-agent.

Look for Cross-Generational Opportunities
How about having the youth in the church lead a forum to help the older folk learn how to text, get on Facebook, and use technology? It affirms the gifts of the young while lending a hand to those who are older.

Make Them Smile During the Creed
Russell was so determined to have his congregation experience the joy of congregational life that he preached on, then urged the congregation to smile during the Apostles’ Creed. The congregation responded positively – some even purchased smiley face masks to playfully joke with their pastor.

About Russell Clark
Russell Clark received his bachelor’s degree in Christian Education and a minor in Theatre Arts from Texas Wesleyan University in 2005. He graduated with a Masters of Divinity from Brite Divinity School at Texas Christian University in 2009. He has been the Senior Pastor at First United Methodist Church in Reddick, Florida since July 2010. First UMC, Reddick is his 1st pastoral appointment. Before moving to Florida, he served at different churches throughout the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex in Texas as either youth pastor or associate pastor since 2001. He has been the guest preacher and skit talent for a number of youth mission trips, youth revivals, and youth conferences. He is pursuing ordination with the United Methodist Church. Russell and his wife, Shannon, currently reside in Ocala, Florida with their two dogs and are expecting their first child.

Books Russell Recommends
Almost Christian: What the Faith of Our Teenagers is Telling the American Church
The Next Christians: Seven Ways You Can Live the Gospel and Restore the World
Velvet Elvis: Repainting the Christian Faith
Russell also recommends this recent article on church growth.

Claire Woodley: The Church Leaders May Now Leave the Building…

Chris — Mon, 20 May 2013 12:49:28 +0000

It’s time to get out of the (church) box, says the gifted and creative rector at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, Mohegan Lake, NY.

The Rev. Claire Woodley says the Matthew 28 command to ‘Go!’ has sent her to regular visits to local businesses where the offers to pray with employees, open up a coffee shop for local teens, and to approach just about every community leader to ask, ‘How can St. Mary’s help you?’

Rev. Claire says the Gospel compels her outward, and it’s paid off in attendance, health, and vitality at St. Mary’s. Heed the words of this energetic and inspiring leader.

Watch the Full Program.

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Synopsis
Clare Woodley has a contagious love for her church and community that she’s bent on sharing with as many people as possible. Here are my notes from the interview:

The Central Question
‘What Does God Want to Have Happen Here?’ is the oft repeated question for her and her leadership. And it’s the most important question stalled and declining congregations need to be answering as well. How often do your leaders ask it?>

Applaud Rector-Free Activities
These are the terrific events and goings on at congregations that lay people take upon themselves to organize and run. Claire says this is often where the ‘real’ ministry takes place, meaning the clergy’s job is to point out how God is present in it and using it.

Sing Top 40 Hits
Stealing from the Wesley’s playbook Claire likes to take pop songs, re-write the lyrics, and have her congregation sing them on Sunday mornings. She says it’s one reason her congregation has grown threefold in Sunday morning attendance in her 12 years there.

About Claire Woodley
Claire Woodley is an Episcopal Priest in the Diocese of New York and for the past 12 years has been the rector of a small parish in the northern suburb of Mohegan Lake. She was chased mercilessly throughout her teen and young adult years by keen eyed Christians who knew low hanging fruit when they saw it. She resisted with all her might to further a career as a no account partyer, with a side business in becoming a star of stage and screen, and sometime comic. She is an Episcopalian with a date of November 22, 1975 when Jesus Christ started prying her sorry rear end out of the ditch.

Claire has served God primarily in troubled parishes doing interventions and after-pastorates. To keep her happy God has always provided a sideline of out-of-parish ecumenical youth ministry including working with the New York National Guard Challenge Program and the Freezone Middle School Music Club. The primary question that guides her work is, “What does God want to have happen here,” and the dictum, “You have been blessed, go be a blessing.” She believes firmly that evangelism ministry starts wherever you are standing, so go someplace interesting.

Books Claire Recommends
Between Heaven and Mirth: Why Joy, Humor, and Laughter Are at the Heart of the Spiritual Life
The Celtic Way of Evangelism (text only) by G. G. Hunter III
A Failure of Nerve: Leadership in the Age of the Quick Fix

Kermit Moss: Improve Your Ministry by Playing Basketball

Chris — Tue, 07 May 2013 15:13:20 +0000

Kermit Moss, Sr says getting into the neighborhood, with the unchurched as well as the churched, is a key to his ministry at Manhattan Bible Church, in New York City.

The gifted teaching pastor, an African American called to shepherd in a Spanish speaking neighborhood, says it’s even more important for him to work at building these cross cultural relationships, which he does in the church, but also on the basketball court.

In this interview, pastor Moss tells us why he’s spending more time outside the church than in.

Watch the Full Program.

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Synopsis
Kermit Moss, Sr. is a dynamic and gifted teacher, but he realizes that taking the class outside the classroom is very important. Here are my notes from the interview.

Back to the Basics
Kermit says, more and more, he’s realizing the Biblical and theological literacy of his people is wanting- so he’s not afraid to put his resources into basic classes on prayer, Bible study, and discipleship. Are your classes over their heads?

Study All the Time
As tempted as church leaders are to slough off on the study time – Kermit says it’s imperative that leaders do all they can to increase in knowledge and understanding.

Succession Planning is Crucial
Kermit says pastors in their 30′s should be trolling the kindergarten for their replacements – which is another way of saying that raising up leadership is integral to a healthy congregation.

About Kermit Moss, Sr.
Kermit Cornell Moss, Sr. is teaching pastor of Manhattan Bible Church located in the Inwood neighborhood of New York City. Kermit is a graduate of Long Island University-Brooklyn campus, where he graduated Summa Cum Laude with a B.A. in Political Science. In addition, he is a graduate of Princeton Theological Seminary with a Master of Divinity. He has future research interests in the intersection of theology, youth and culture. Kermit is a board member at the Claremont Neighborhood Center located in the South Bronx. He has served in congregations in Virginia, New Jersey and New York and spent six months in the Philippines as a missionary. He is married to Antoinette Gaboton-Moss and has three wonderful children: Kermit Jr., Sebastian, and Chloe.

Books Kermit Recommends
Practicing Passion: Youth and the Quest for a Passionate Church
ChurchNext: Quantum Changes in How We Do Ministry
Growing Up in America: The Power of Race in the Lives of Teens

Byron Wade: Out with Committees, In with Ministry Teams

Chris — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 12:26:19 +0000

Presbyterian pastor Byron Wade says one way he’s energized his mainline congregation is to change the vocabulary that speaks of maintenance to that which speaks of mission.

Byron’s Davie Street Presbyterian (USA) no longer has committees, but Ministry Teams – that take ownership and intentionality toward the work they’ve been called to do.

In this interview Byron explains that he’s not just talking semantics here, but is partnering with a gifted congregation to help set the vision around service and outreach, knowing that by helping others he helps his flock.

Watch the Full Program.

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Synopsis
Byron Wade has found that people are not as willing to work for the furtherance of an institution as they are to help bring real, positive change to people’s lives; hence Committee to Ministry Teams. Here are my notes from the interview:

No Longer Waiting
Byron remembers when churches used to simply wait for people to come to his church. Now he knows better, and has helped shape his flock into a people that goes out and positively affects the community.

Starting a Contemporary Service
Byron listened to his congregation talk about a desire to update its worship. So he introduced a one-off service that may soon become a once-a-month offering, featuring more modern music and a relaxed preaching style. Byron can’t stress enough the importance of listening.

Develop Tough Skin
Noting an axiom he learned years ago, Byron says, ‘Lots of what goes on in church bickering is not about you.’ Byron says it’s important to acknowledge underlying causes when it comes to complaining, and in this way don’t let it bother you.

About Byron Wade
Byron Wade is the pastor of Davie Street Presbyterian Church (PCUSA) in Raleigh, NC. A native of Los Angeles, CA, he has served on all councils of the denomination and has a passion to see the church change and grow in today’s changing society.

Books Byron Recommends
Twelve Dynamic Shifts for Transforming Your Church
The Missional Leader: Equipping Your Church to Reach a Changing World (Jossey-Bass Leadership Network Series)
Developing the Leader Within You

Ed Kruse: Revitalizing Your Congregation by Tending to the “Uns”

Chris — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 11:00:11 +0000

Ed Kruse’s consulting business is all about the Uninvolved, the Underinvolved, and the Unclaimed.

Ed, a former pastor and stewardship executive, founded healthierchurch.org a few years ago to help congregations activate and reactivate their membership (in fact, if you hurry, you can still register for their April 11 gathering in Chicago – click here for more info).

In this interview Ed shares why the ‘uns’ are so important to a congregation’s vitality and what churches can do to reach out to them.

Watch the Full Program.

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Synopsis
Ed Kruse is on a mission to inspire every congregation member to play its role in their congregation. Here are my notes from the interview:

53%-80%
That’s the percentage range of uninvolved, underinvolved, and unclaimed at congregations Ed has polled. When the majority of even the best congregations have this many members who are ‘uns’ Ed says we’ve got work to do.

Listen, Listen, Listen
They’re the three words Ed says we can’t get enough of. Whenever he begins a consultancy he spends the lion’s share of his time doing this. In what ways might our congregations thrive if we could spend this much time listening?

The Three Things Church Leaders Need to Do Today
Team building, reconciliation, and developing a language of faith. When we can do this, Ed says, we’re developing the kinds of habits in demand for today’s Christian leaders.

About Ed Kruse
Dr. Ed Kruse is the Founder of HealthierChurch.org a national church consulting group that facilitates missional growth, provides stewardship education, and teaches transformational leadership development for pastors and lay leaders in congregations and synods. Their special focus is reaching the “Uninvolved, Under-involved, and New Members.” Ed holds degrees from the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago, Concordia Theological Seminary, and Upper Iowa University. He has also studied at Harvard Business School, McCormick Seminary, the Alban Institute, the Lombard Mennonite Peace Center. He has served as the National Director for Stewardship for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

Books Ed Recommends
Holy Currencies: Six Blessings for Sustainable Missional Ministries
The Present Future: Six Tough Questions for the Church (Jossey-Bass Leadership Network Series)
The Fifth Discipline: The Art & Practice of The Learning Organization

Suzanne Stabile: Living Through the Liminality with Spiritual Practices

Chris — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 11:53:13 +0000

Gifted retreat leader and speaker Suzanne Stabile says the Church, living in liminality, is best served by engaging in intentional spiritual practices.

Her expertise in the enneagram and other spiritual disciplines as arranged through the Life in the Trinity Ministry office has her visiting many congregations, which she says, are hungry for intentional spiritual practices.

Hear words of wisdom from this gifted spiritual director.

Watch the Full Program.

Rather Listen? Click here to download the Mp3 to your mobile device.

Synopsis
Suzanne Stabile is encouraged by the growing numer of people who are asking the question: can we go deeper with Jesus? Here are my notes from the interview:

Mainline Rebound?
Suzanne says she’s seeing greater hope in the mainline as younger people are discovering the depth of spirituality older denominations bring to the table.

Living in the Liminality
Sure, it’s a place of transition, but Suzanne sees this age of the church as a great opportunity to learn – this is a teachable space.

We’re Looking for Belonging
Suzanne says this is the biggest yearning for those who are joining churches today: are we attentive enough to that need for connection that is so strong in the world?

About Suzanne Stabile
Suzanne Stabile, an internationally renowned teacher and director of retreats, offers a unique and creative approach to the practice of Spiritual Formation. A master teacher of the Enneagram, Suzanne draws upon her educational background at Southern Methodist University, as well as her life skills learned as a mother of four, a social worker and a minister’s spouse. Her refreshing teaching style is an unforgettable blend of humor, honesty and authenticity. She and her husband, Joseph, are the founders of Life in the Trinity Ministry and the Micah Center in Dallas, Texas.

Books Suzanne Recommends
Emergence Christianity: What It Is, Where It Is Going, and Why It Matters
Why Did Jesus, Moses, the Buddha, and Mohammed Cross the Road?: Christian Identity in a Multi-Faith World
Still: Notes on a Mid-Faith Crisis

Christopher Edmonston: When Pastors Become Administrators

Chris — Mon, 21 Jan 2013 12:33:51 +0000

Moving from a 400 member church to White Memorial Presbyterian Church, which is several times larger, has been an exciting adjustment for Pastor Christopher Edmonston.

He’s found out what many church leaders discover when their ministries grow: the skills needed to run larger churches are markedly different from those of smaller congregations – yet the need to stay rooted in God remains central.

In this interview Christopher, who started just 17 months ago, talks about the joys and challenges around shepherding a larger congregation.

Watch the Full Program.

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Synopsis
What to do when the flock gets too big for one shepherd? Christopher Edmonston has some great advice. Here are my notes from the interview:

‘Hello, Mentor?’
Christopher says he wouldn’t be able to function nearly as effectively if he didn’t have a cadre of mentors to guide him through his move to a larger church. How well are we keeping up with mentors?

Delegate, Delegate, Delegate
Moving up to a larger church means one thing: learning how to hand work off to others, which, is probably not a bad skill to learn in any size church.

New Spiritual Practices
The constellation of responsibilities in his new position has challenged Christopher to find new ways to deepen his spirituality, getting a spiritual director, and spending time in contemplative prayer have proven invigorating.

About Christopher Edmonston
Pastor Christopher Edmonston began ministry at White Memorial Presbyterian Church in September of 2011. His primary responsibilities are preaching, teaching, pastoral care, membership development, staff development, and long term planning. Christopher has moderated Presbytery Committees and serves as board president of the Presbyterian Outlook. He is also on the Advisory Team for NextChurch, a renewal conversation and movement within the Presbyterian Church. Chris was recently recognized as a William Friday Fellow (2011-13). Christopher is a graduate of Davidson College, Union Presbyterian Seminary (Master of Divinity), and Columbia Theological Seminary (Doctor of Ministry). He is a contributing writer to the forthcoming Feasting on the Gospels and he is a frequent retreat and conference preacher and speaker.

He is married to Colleen Camaione-Edmonston, a dedicated educator, and they have three children, Patrick, Gabriel, and Amelia, ranging from kindergarten to fifth grade.

Books Christopher Recommends
God Views – Jack Haberer
Inside the Large Congregation – Susan Beaumont
American Grace – Robert Putnam

John Helmiere: Don’t Plant a Church, Plant a Movement

Chris — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 13:03:01 +0000

Valley and Mountain is not your typical church – in fact now, in its infancy, it is best described as a movement – which may be where the next generation of vibrant congregations is going.

John, a gifted United Methodist Church minister, is a few years into this Seattle, WA plant, which meets in different locations and centers around intentional practices, social justice and something kind of cool called deep listening.

Enjoy the wisdom of this young minister who’s navigating uncharted waters to reach a relatively unchurched/dechurched population.

Watch the Full Program.

Rather Listen? Click here to download the Mp3 to your mobile device.

Synopsis
John Helmiere has a dynamic vision for how the Church is supposed to affect society. Here are my notes from the interview:

Three Metaphors
Scuba School, Compost Bucket, and Open Space Software Program is how John describes Valley and Mountain’s vision to help people go deep, fertilize, and be always accepting of the Spirit’s move among all people.

What? You Don’t Have Service Every Sunday?
That’s just not flying (yet?) at Valley and Mountain where people come together around a Sunday liturgy (of sorts), a midweek ‘Theology on Tap’ in a bar, and irregular short course experiments, ie Radical Hospitality and Simple Living.

Deep Listening
John’s title, if he has one, is not ‘pastor’ but Minister of Listening – exemplifying the congregation’s commitment to practice a Quaker-influenced style of being present in all interactions.

About John Helmiere
The Rev. John Helmiere is the founder of Valley & Mountain Fellowship (UMC) in Seattle and currently serves as its Minister of Listening and Convener. A Tampa native, he studied religion and philosophy at Dartmouth College and Yale Divinity School and is a provisional elder in The United Methodist Church. John studied and participated in congregation-based social action at Glide UMC in San Francisco and founded Voice of Hope Ministries, the social action ministry of Community of Faith UMC in Clermont, Florida. Currently, he serves on the executive board of JusticeWorks (a grassroots movement to undo racism in the criminal justice system) and is active in Washington-based campaigns for economic justice.

He is a 2012-2013 Fellow of the Beatitudes Society, the 2010 recipient of the Tweedy Prize (Yale Divinity School’s highest award), the winner of the Saint Francis Creation Care Sermon Contest, and a former Ministry Fellow with the Fund for Theological Education. John is married to Frederica Helmiere, a pioneer in exploring the intersection of spirituality, ecology, and international development. He enjoys hiking, traveling (having visited 36 countries on 6 continents), making puns, and eating any possible combination of cheese and bread.

Books John Recommends
Community and Growth – Jean Vanier
Sadhana – Anthony DeMello
The Emerging Church – Bruce Sanguin

Christopher Martin: Why Your Church Needs The Restoration Project

Chris — Fri, 28 Dec 2012 14:40:55 +0000

You were made in the image of God – is it time for some restoration?

That’s the tag line for Episcopal priest Christopher Martin’s latest project: The Restoration Project – which aims, through sequential classes, small group discipleship, and personal rules of life – to deepen the spirituality of local congregations.

In this interview Christopher talks about the importance of these factors in building robust congregations.

Watch the Full Program.

Rather Listen? Click here to download the Mp3 to your mobile device.

Click here to visit www.livingcompass.org

Synopsis
Christopher Martin is signing up churches from coast to coast to embrace a new (yet very old) way of making disciples. Here are my notes from the interview.

A Hunger for Spiritual Practices
Christopher pegs the success of his project, which has been years in the making, on the hunger many Christians have for going deeper with God.

Slowing It Down
Christopher leads his congregation through a Bible reading journey together – deliberately sticking to what’s happening, week after week, in the same Bible book, instead of skipping around from topic to topic.

Put a Bible in the Pews
It’s one of the best moves Christopher’s made in his congregation: putting Bibles in every pew. And here’s where to get ‘em cheap: www.biblesbythecase.com

About Christopher Martin
Christopher is an Episcopal Priest currently serving St. Paul’s parish in San Rafael, California. This is where he began developing the Basic A, B, C, Ds and the Rhythm of Life. These two structures were based on his experiences and those of his colleagues at the previous churches where he served including All Saints’, Beverly Hills; Christ Church Cathedral, Hartford; and St. Mark’s Cathedral, Seattle.

In 1997 he founded Gathering the NeXt Generation (GTNG), a network of GenX clergy that led the church to end its bias against young clergy. He has led a variety of workshops and gatherings focused on giving the post-Baby Boomer generations a meaningful and transformative voice in the church. He loves to hike, read, feast and sing.Christopher holds degreed from Yale University and Berkeley Divinity School at Yale. Much more importantly, he met Chloe Drake whom he married and with whom he has two boys, Harper and Simon.

Books Christopher Recommends
The Harper-Collins Bible Commentary
Confessions – St. Augustine
A Guide to Living in the Truth – Michael Casey

BONUS
Christopher’s work has been greatly influenced by the work of Gordon Cosby at The Church of Our Savior in Washington, D.C. Click here for an inspirational brochure on that ministry (beware, it takes a bit of time to load).

Sponsors I Mentioned
Living Compass points individuals, families and organizations in a whole new direction for healthy living by providing them with resources, coaching and education. The Living Compass program is based on the belief that each individual knows what she or she needs to do to become more whole. It is also based on the belief that we cannot be whole by ourselves: this journey will require the support and care of others as well.

Jim Hamilton: Mainline Church Plant Pioneers Emergence

Chris — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 13:31:07 +0000

Fr. Jim Hamilton really thought the new Sunday night service he was hired to create would flop – but then God has a sense of humor.

Out of Christ Church, Cranbrook‘s desire for a contemplative service for 20-somethings came Lex Orandi which, two years later, is a vibrant community that has far surpassed expectations.

In this interview Jim, an incredibly gifted liturgist, preacher, and pastor, tells us how established churches might go about launching similar ventures. Learn from the wisdom of this inventive Episcopal priest.

Watch the Full Program.

Rather Listen? Click here to download the Mp3 to your mobile device.

Click here to visit www.livingcompass.org

Synopsis
What started as a youth group for young adults has blossomed into a place where the de-churched and disillusioned come to feel the mystery of faith. Here are my notes from the interview:

Listen, Listen, Listen
It’s the one thing Jim would’ve done differently before starting this venture: listen more completely to everyone involved – musicians, participants, the community. Going slower would’ve made a big difference.

Get Out of the Office
Jim can’t stress enough the importance of today’s clergy to get out of the office on a regular basis and meet the neighbors, church members, colleagues, etc. 1 day a week, minimum.

About Jim Hamilton
My calling, as it continues to coalesce into a more singular focus, is fed by three distinct drives in ministry. First, art delivered me to the church in the forms of theatre, literature and music and art continues to form my pedagogy for spiritual formation, my preaching passion and my joy of liturgical discovery. Second, social service and activism drew me into the Episcopal Church, a denomination not afraid to stand firm against adversity when defending the transformative claims of a gospel of love. Third, reconciliation and renewal was modeled for me in my work inside prisons, both with theatre and later with social services organizations. I believe a patient, loving community to be Christ’s wish for us as one body of faith.

Books Jim Recommends
On Wealth and Poverty – John Chrysostom
Pedagogy of the Oppressed – Paulo Freire
The Postmodern Life Cycle – Friedrich Schweitzer

Dean Snyder: Reaching the De-Churched

Chris — Fri, 07 Dec 2012 12:50:55 +0000

It’s not that they’ve never been churched, it’s that they’ve been de-churched – says Foundry United Methodist pastor Dean Snyder – which calls for ministering in a whole new way.

Pastor Snyder’s helped design a whole new worship service, with different time and liturgy, in hopes of capturing the attentions of Washington, D.C.’s young urbanites.

In this interview Dean talks about what’s bringing renewal to Bill and Hillary Clinton’s former church: reaching the de-churched – and emphasizing help to the homeless.

Watch the Full Program.

Rather Listen? Click here to download the Mp3 to your mobile device.

Click here to visit www.livingcompass.org.

Synopsis
Downtown D.C. is a great place to visit – but fewer people are living there, which presents a challenge Pastor Snyder is addressing. Here are my notes from the interview:

Two Questions
When Dean Snyder took over as pastor of this historic congregation he asked the large membership (650 on a Sunday morning) 1) What do you like about your church, and 2) what would you change? Paying attention to children and letting people know what Foundry does were the answers – and his emphasis on answering these has paid off.

Touch People Where They Are
One thing that’s led to Foundry’s growth has been an emphasis on transformation – altar calls and laying on of hands in the main service are not uncommon occurrences.

Reaching the De-Churched
Founding a worship service for those on the fringes, gays and lesbians and others who are leery about joining a faith community, has paid off – though the challenge of stewardship (getting attendees to pay for it) remains a challenge.

About Dean Snyder
Dean Snyder is the Senior Pastor of Foundry United Methodist Church in Washington, D.C. He is a preacher, writer, and activist who coordinates a talented ministerial and lay staff. Prior to being appointed to Foundry, Snyder served the Baltimore-Washington Annual Conference as a communications director, editor, and specialist in congregational development and new church starts. He also served congregations in Philadelphia, as a campus minister and as a college instructor. A graduate of Boston University School of Theology and Albright College, Snyder’s articles have appeared in dozens of publications.

Books Dean Recommends
When Moses Meets Aaron – Gil Rendel and Susan Beaumont
Inside the Large Congregation – Susan Beaumont
Leadership without Easy Answers – Ron Heifetz
The 5 Dysfunctions of a Team – Patrick Lencioni

Marek Zabriskie: Have Your Church Read the Bible in One Year

Chris — Wed, 05 Dec 2012 16:07:33 +0000

Seems like a no-brainer: have the entire congregation read the Bible in one year.

This was the epiphany Fr. Marek Zabriskie, of St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Whitemarsh, PA had – so he mustered his congregation, had them do it, and now The Bible Challenge is an international movement.

Marek says transformation is at the heart of the exercise – as it unleashes the power of God through the Scriptures to touch lives like nothing else. Hear this entrepreneur talk about the amazing ways God is renewing the church through Bible reading – and find out how your congregation can participate.

Watch the Full Program.

Rather listen? Click here to download the Mp3 to your mobile device.

Click here to visit www.livingcompass.org

Synopsis
Marek Zabriskie has been taken with the vision of spreading Bible reading throughout the 80-million strong Anglican Communion. Here are my notes from the interview:

The Best Way to Make Disciples
Hearing it in church once a week (if that) is simply not helpful. Fr. Marek points to research showing the number one way to grow in faith (and help others do so) is to engage in regular Bible reading.

Help People Get Acquainted with a Difficult Book
Fr. Marek says half the people who go into bookstores to purchase a bible, leave without buying one. Too many people have no idea where to start or how to do it – but their congregation can help.

No Better New Year’s Resolution
Pitch it to your folks as a spiritual resolution – that’s on everyone’s bucket list already. Fr. Marek says the program is an effective way to invite non-church members into the life of the church.

About Marek Zabriskie
The Rev. Marek P. Zabriskie has served as rector of St. Thomas’ Church in Fort Washington, Pennsylvania since 1999. He holds degrees from Emory University, Yale Divinity School, and Institute Catholique in Paris. In 2011 over 150 parishioners and 85 friends of St. Thomas agreed to read the Bible from cover to cover. He is now working with a national advisory board composed of bishops, seminary deans, scholars, authors and lay leaders from across the country to launch the Center for Biblical Studies, which will promote reading the Bible from cover to cover in mainline churches across the country and throughout the Anglican Communion. Marek has written for several Episcopal publications and is working on a book about ethics. He is married and has three daughters Emily, Marguerite and Isabelle.

Books Fr. Marek Recommends
Move – Parkinson and Hawkins
The Art of Reading Scripture – Ellen Davis, ed
Christian Wisdom – David Ford

Bob Whitesel: It’s All About Transformation

Chris — Wed, 28 Nov 2012 13:47:58 +0000

Theologian and author Bob Whitesel says ‘the missing middle’ of healthy congregational growth is transformation – which he sees as key for today’s church to accomplish God’s mission.

Bob, founding professor of Wesley Seminary at Indiana Wesleyan University and the author of several books on congregational growth, anchors his conviction on his idea of ‘missional’ – which he says most churches don’t get right.

In this interview, Bob tells us why recapturing and living into this definition holds the keys to equipping healthy congregations.

Watch the Full Program.

Rather Listen? Click here to download the Mp3 to your mobile device.

Click here to visit www.livingcompass.org

Synopsis
God’s mission is best understood as a loving, heavenly father who wants to reconnect with his wayward people. Here are my notes from the interview:

Getting It Right
Bob says most of today’s churches are Conversionalists, Socially Active, or Body-Life congregations – meaning that their emphasis, which has redeeming aspects, fails to be broad enough to encompass the fullness of God’s mission.

Recapturing Transformation
Bob says congregations need to encourage an atmosphere of transformation if they’re going to move more deeply into God’s mission – ways to do this include encouraging testimonies and including robust prayers for transformation in church services.

What Sin Besetteth Thee?
Bob rightfully points out to both the importance and scarcity of accountability groups among Christians that can deepen faith – these are intentional groups that don’t begin with chit-chat, but with questions like: What sin are you dealing with right now?’

About Bob Whitesel
Bob Whitesel (D.Min., Ph.D.) is Professor of Missional Leadership at Wesley Seminary at Indiana Wesleyan University. He is a sought-after speaker, church growth consultant and award-winning writer on missional leadership, church change and church growth; who has been called by a national magazine: “the key spokesperson on change theory in the church today.” He holds two earned doctorates (D.Min. and Ph.D.) from Fuller Theological Seminary where the faculty awarded him “The Donald McGavran Award for Outstanding Scholarship in Church Growth.” He is the author of eleven books, including an award-winning series on evangelism titled, Spiritual Waypoints: Helping Other Navigate the Journey (2010). His book ORGANIX: Signs of Leadership in a Changing Church (2011) describes emerging leadership changes that churches must embrace to grow in the 21^st Century. And the newly released Cure for the Common Church: God’s Plan to Restore Church Health(2012) has been hailed as “a much needed practical guide for setting a path for renewal and growth” that is “achievable, simple and wise in one stroke.”

David Emery: Celebrating Transformation Grows the Church

Chris — Fri, 16 Nov 2012 13:49:45 +0000

David Emery serves the 100+ year old congregation at Middletown Christian Church which, ten years ago, had half the people on Sunday mornings that it has today.

David says the old church ran by more of a ‘membership model’ than a ‘transformation model’ – which emphasizes the changed hearts and lives of its members.

David says that emphasizing God’s transformative work in peoples’ lives has led to a transformed church. Heed the words of this gifted and devoted pastor.

Watch the Full Program.

Rather Listen? Click here to download the Mp3 to your mobile device.

Click here to visit www.livingcompass.org

Synopsis
A decade ago, when the Middletown Christian Church board identified the qualities of ‘spirit-led and passionate’ for its next pastor, it got David Emery – who’s stressed the life-changing power of God, and has seen the congregation flourish. Here are my notes from the interview:

Emphasize Individual Transformation
If Christ’s presence in our lives does not make a notable difference, what’s the point? David regularly lifts this question before his congregation – and is regularly met with tremendously inspiring responses.

Also, an Emphasis on Community Transformation
If the greater community is no better off with Middletown Christian Church in the community, what’s the point? Emphasizing connection and service to the community is the mission that draws people to the congregation.

Change the Leader, Change the Church
This doesn’t simply mean to fire the leader, but to embrace transformation – of an ongoing sort – that Christ’s transformation in others might be known.

About David Emery
David was called to the Senior Minister’s position at Middletown Christian Church in March, 2003. He came to MCC from The Woodlands Christian Church near Houston, Texas. He’s a graduate of Texas Christian University and Vanderbilt Divinity School. Ordained in 1987, David has led three congregations in very different settings through dramatic change. He is best described as spirit-led and passionate leader who is believes the church is at its best when it’s externally focused and empowering disciples to be the Kingdom now. David and his wife, Teresa, have two children: Rebecca and Alex and one grand-daughter. David enjoys running, reading, and coffee at Starbucks.

Books David Recommends
Leadership on the Line – Ron Heifetz
Church Unique – Will Mancini
Falling Upward – Richard Rohr

Amy Butler: Mainline Turnaround Takes Fortitude

Chris — Mon, 05 Nov 2012 12:14:30 +0000

Ten years ago Calvary Baptist Church in Washington, D.C. was near death’s door.

With less than 40 people in the pews, nearly all well-past retirement, many thought the church would close.

But, God had a different plan. Thanks to a new stadium built nearby, neighborhood gentrification, and a renewed sense to do ministry in context, Pastor Amy Butler’s story is one that’s getting a lot of publicity. Learn from this determined shepherd the importance of vision, compassion, and fortitude.

Watch the Full Program.

Rather Listen? Click here to download the Mp3 to your mobile device.

Click here to visit www.livingcompass.org

Synopsis
It’s pastors like Amy Butler who are going to lead the renewal of traditional churches. Here are my notes from the interview:

Grow in Context
Sure, it’s hard when your best days are behind you – but the only way to bring them back is by changing the days in front of you. Pastor Amy’s vision to bloom where she was planted eventually took off.

Get an Intern
There are seminaries, colleges, and grants available – and if you think about it there’s plenty of work to do. Amy’s determination to find people to share the work has paid off big time.

Invest in Your Website!
Pastor Amy said it was pulling teeth to get the $9,000 per year being invested in newspaper ads redirected toward the website, but it’s been crucial. She has her website redone every 2-3 years – an investment that’s responsible for brining in all her young folk.

About Amy Butler
Amy Butler has served as Senior Pastor at Calvary Baptist Church since 2003. Before entering parish ministry Amy directed a shelter for homeless women in downtown New Orleans, Louisiana. Urban engagement is Amy’s passion; she finds life at Calvary to be an adventure of living relationship with God, transforming us individually and our world as a whole. It’s her greatest pleasure to serve with Calvary’s community of Christ-followers who actively live in expectation of God’s transforming work.

Amy grew up in Hawaii, where her parents still live. She has lived all over the world and traveled extensively. Because of the rich cultural background of her family, she loves the opportunity that diversity provides and treasures this unique quality of Calvary’s congregation. Amy went to college in Texas, at Baylor University, where she earned a BA in political science and religion as well as an MA in church history. In Zürich, at the International Baptist Theological Seminary, Amy earned a BDiv (MDiv equivalent) and worked on the seminary staff through its relocation to Prague, Czech Republic. Most recently Amy graduated from Wesley Theological Seminary with a DMin in preaching in 2009. Amy lives with her family in Washington, D.C.

Books Amy Recommends
Switch – Dan and Chip Heath
We Refuse to Lead a Dying Church – Paul Nixon
The Art of Pastoring – William Martin

John Wimberly: The Benefits of the Long Term Pastorate

Chris — Mon, 22 Oct 2012 11:18:02 +0000

Three decades ago John Wimberly came to Western Presbyterian Church and found 70 people near the age of 70.

3o years later that number is around 350 – and growing younger.

No, there’s no silver bullet, just a great combination of preaching, pastoral care, and commitment to study – to name a few. Hear this words of a seasoned professional.

Watch the Full Program.

Rather Listen? Click here to download the Mp3 to your mobile device.

Click here to www.livingcompass.org

Synopsis
John Wimberly’s commitment to stay with the same people in the same place has paid off. Here are my notes from the interview:

Pastoral Care is Key
Ten minutes of pastoral are can make up for ten years of sermons. John has gone out on Christmas Eve (between services) to visit those who lost a loved one in the previous year. People are still talking about it.

Be a Life-Long Student
John earned both and MBA and PhD while at Western – he also recommends reading one book of poetry every year: both poets and preachers wrestle with words.

The Long Pastorate
John was able to change so much at Western because he simply stuck around for a while. He believes in incremental change because it can have a better chance of working.

About John W. Wimberly, Jr.
John Wimberly has been pastor of the Western Presbyterian Church in the Foggy Bottom neighborhood of Washington, D.C. since 1983. John holds degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, McCormick Theological Seminary, The Catholic University in Washington, D.C., and The George Washington University. John helped found the Houston Rape Crisis Coalition, the Network for Abused Women in Montgomery County, Miriam’s Kitchen for the Homeless at Western and Network Ethiopia which currently runs a clinic in Addis Ababa. In 2006, he was recognized for his work in the Washington, D.C. community by being the seventh clergyperson to be inducted into The Washington D.C. Hall of Fame.

John wrote a popular book entitled The Business of the Church: The Uncomfortable Truth that Faithful Ministry Requires Effective Management. He does extensive teaching, speaking, and consulting around the country on the topics of management of people, finances and facilities in the church. He consults with congregations on strategic planning issues.John is married to Phyllis, a retired D.C public school teacher. In the summer, he teaches the pottery wheel in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico where he and his wife have a second home.

Books John Recommends
Generation to Generation - Edwin Friedman
The Five Dysfunctions of a Team – Patrick Lencioni
Drive - Daniel Pink

Martin Copenhaver: Concentrating on Adult Faith Formation Grows the Church

Chris — Wed, 26 Sep 2012 12:57:55 +0000

Ask anyone at Pastor Martin Copenhaver’s Wellesley Congregational Church what their community’s purpose is and you’ll get, ‘Growing in faith.”

That’s behind an increased emphasis on adult faith formation at Wellesley – it’s inspired an increasingly popular program called GIFT (Growing In Faith Together).

In this interview, Martin, a noted author, speaker, and U.C.C. minister shares about adult, and pastoral faith formation programs – as well as his Ten Marks of a Healthy Church. Here are some wise words from a gifted and insightful clergyman.

Watch the Full Program.

Rather Listen? Click here to download the Mp3 to your mobile device.

Click here to visit livingcompass.org

Synopsis
Martin Copenhaver has a passion for helping people grow in their faith – and dedicated his life to helping build healthy congregations. Here are my notes from the interview:

The Two Keys to Successful Adult Formation
It’s a high quality program – and it’s small groups. Martin spends just as long on a 30 minute teaching segment as a Sunday sermon. And small groups are essential for people to process information and build relationships.

The Teaching Congregation
Martin says congregations are wise to take the possibility of teaching and training upcoming clerics very seriously. Like the difference between a teaching hospital and a non-teaching hospital, it breeds an atmosphere of openness, expectation, and humility. How can your congregation engage in this?

The Ten Marks of a Healthy Congregation
It starts with purpose and ends with the conviction that we’ve got to ditch those 7 words: We’ve never done it that way before.

About Martin Copenhaver
Martin Copenhaver has been Senior Pastor of Village Church since 1994. Martin is a magna cum laude graduate of Dickinson College and received his Master of Divinity from Yale Divinity School. Martin is the author of five books: Living Faith While Holding Doubts; To Begin at the Beginning: An Introduction to the Christian Faith; Good News in Exile (co-authored with Anthony B. Robinson and William Willimon); and Words for the Journey: Letters to Our Teenagers About Life and Faith (co-authored with Anthony B. Robinson), and This Odd and Wondrous Calling: The Public and Private Lives of Two Ministers (co-authored with Lillian Daniel). He writes for a number of periodicals, including The Christian Century, where he also serves as an Editor at Large. Martin serves on the Board of Trustees of Andover Newton Theological School, where he also teaches preaching, and on the Board of Advisors of Yale Divinity School. He and his wife, Karen have two children.

Books Martin Recommends
What’s Theology Got to Do with It? – Anthony Robinson
When Moses Meets Aaron – Gil Rendle and Susan Beaumont
The Next Jim Crow - Michelle Alexander and Cornel West

Jeff Stark: Small Town Ministry Takes Big Time Community Involvement

Chris — Wed, 19 Sep 2012 12:31:02 +0000

When Jeff Stark became pastor of Erin Church of the Nazarene, in Erin, TN (pop. 2,000) he knew ministry in this small town would take on a new character.

Jeff, an Army vet, husband, and father, jumped right in, becoming assistant football coach at the high school and making the local diners his local diners.

In this interview, Jeff tells us how his devotion to his new home has helped the church grow by 30% – and more importantly, helped him touch hearts and lives in new ways.

Watch the Full Program.

Rather Listen? Click here to download the Mp3 to your mobile device.

Click here to visit livingcompass.org

Synopsis
Jeff Stark has made a mark on his community because he’s let his community make a mark on him. Here are my notes from the interview:

If You Build It They Won’t Necessarily Come
Jeff learned quickly that small town ministry is all about personal relationships – and that people no longer seek out churches as much as those in the church go about seeking them.

Take the Office to Starbucks
More than simply going out for coffee, Jeff made a 2 year commitment to the local coffee shop, and in that time, became the ‘pastor to the barristas.’ How and where is God calling us to get out of the office?

Family First
Jeff remembers well this advice to pastors: ‘If you’ve made it to the top and your family doesn’t follow you, you’ve lost.’ How important it is to place first those God has put closest to us.

About Jeff Stark
Jeff became a Jesus follower when he was 25 years old in Macedonia. Deployed with the US Army, Jeff was met by God in a powerful way calling him from addictions and destructive life choices. Things haven’t been the same since. His wife Angie was saved 1 month later in Clarksville First Church of the Nazarene, where they began both their journeys with Jesus and their ministries. Jeff served on staff at Clarksville First for about 7 years filling multiple Associate roles. Arriving in Houston County in October of 09, Jeff and Angie have come home. They love pastoring in Houston County and look forward to many years of fruitful ministry. Jeff also serves as an assistant coach on the High School Football Team and Angie is full-time at the High School. They have two boys, Hunter (13) and Chance (11).

Books Jeff Recommends
Pastor – Will Willimon
A Chorus of Witnesses – Tom Long
Journey to the Common Good – Walter Brueggemann

Dave Ferguson: How ‘The Big Idea’ Transforms Churches

Chris — Mon, 17 Sep 2012 11:10:54 +0000

At too many churches, trying to get that one Sunday Morning takeaway is like trying to get a drink from a fire hose. We’re bombarded with so many dissonant messages Dave Ferguson had to develop a way for his flock to focus on one central idea.

Ferguson, pastor and founder of the Community Christian mega church developed The Big Idea. It tailors Sunday mornings to one main idea – and has helped grow his church to 12 sites – with dreams of 200 more.

In this interview Dave unpacks the Big Idea and shares his passion for mentoring that transforms churches.

Watch the Full Program.

Rather Listen? Click here to download the Mp3 to your mobile device.

Click here to visit livingcompass.org

Synopsis
Dozens of small ideas bombard us on Sunday mornings – so how do we make one stick? Here are my notes from the interview.

The Big Idea
Cutting through the stimuli that assaults us is one of Dave’s ministry passions. So every Sunday, his congregants find, obviously and repeatedly, references to The Big Idea: the one ‘take home’ point of a particular Sunday. How well do we focus our Sunday mornings?

Steps to Apprenticeship
Dave stresses a mentorship model (I do it, you watch, we talk. You do it, I watch, we talk…) that intentionally matches energy with ministry. How intentional are we going about passing the work along, and mentoring others?

RPMs
Dave’s personal spiritual life revolves around measuring RPMs – four aspects of life: Relational, Physical, Mental, and Spiritual. He uses this personally, and with those he mentors, to gauge health.

Books Dave Recommends
Made to Stick – Chip and Dan Heath
Communicating for a Change – Andy Stanley
The Big Idea – Dave Ferguson

John Bowen: Evangelism for Normal People

Chris — Wed, 15 Aug 2012 12:08:35 +0000

Sure, it’s a cheeky way of putting it – but Wycliffe College Evangelism Professor John Bowen has some very serious things to say about how Christians witness to their faith.

His helpful definition for evangelism is: ‘Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, helping people take steps toward discipleship.’

In this interview, this seasoned academic unpacks this definition, shares with us the things that are ‘working’ in the Fresh Expressions movement in Canada, and gives us some best practices toward building healthy congregations.

Watch the Full Program.

Rather Listen? Click here to download the Mp3 to your mobile device.

Click here to visit Turnaround 20/20

Synopsis
John Bowen has devoted his life to helping others reach people with the Gospel, and says today’s enterprise begins by asking church leaders to discern; ‘where is God at work in the community around us?’ Here are my notes from the interview.

Slow Down Church! Evangelism is a Process
Dr. Bowen points to research suggesting the average amount of time is 6 months to 5 years for a person to travel between the convictions: ‘I need to figure this faith thing out’ to ‘I want to be baptized.’ Churches hurt these folk (and themselves) by asking people to move any faster.

One Day a Week…
Dr. Bowen suggests clergy and church leaders need to spend one day a week in the community. Period. Not visiting parishioners or tending to church-related errands, but making friends with our neighbors.

Ministry in the Skyscraper
Pointing to some research, Dr. Bowen says people who live in high rise buildings are 7 times more likely NOT to go to church. Finding a way to bring community, then, to these places is fertile ground for evangelism.

About Dr. John Bowen
John P. Bowen is Professor of Evangelism and Director of the Institute of Evangelism at Wycliffe College in Toronto. He is the author of Evangelism for ‘Normal’ People (2002), The Spirituality of Narnia (2007), and Growing Up Christian (2010); he is also the editor of The Missionary Letters of Vincent Donovan (2011). He has a Doctor of Ministry degree from McMaster University, and is an Anglican layperson living in Hamilton. His wife Deborah is an English Professor at Redeemer University College in Ancaster. They have two married children and three grandchildren.

Books John Recommends
Christianity Rediscovered – Vincent Donovan
Church for Every Context - Mike Moynagh
Church Planting – Stuart Murray

Sponsors I Mentioned
Turnaround 20/20 – Learn from experts who have conquered obstacles to growth and watched God turn things around. Turnaround 20/20 is a unique congregational development conference that brings together 20 experts who speak for 20 minutes each. People like Nelson Searcy, Charles Arn, George Hunter, and Elmer Towns will focus on a specific area of congregational development and are out to spark new ideas and innovations for you and your church. Turnaround 20./20 is Tuesday, October 23 in Nashville, TN.

Jose Morales: How to Welcome the Immigrant

Chris — Fri, 03 Aug 2012 12:25:25 +0000

Very soon the demographics of America will see a major change: the European-American majority will become the new minority.

Welcoming America’s new faces is an opportunity and challenge for U.S. churches, and one Jose Morales takes seriously. He’s an executive with the Disciples of Christ, which is committed to planting and transforming 2, 000 congregations by 2020.

In this interview Jose gives a wake-up call to established churches to be more welcoming to immigrants – and tells us how to do it.

Watch the Full Program.

Rather Listen? Click here to download the Mp3 to your mobile device.

Click here to visit Turnaround 20/20

Synopsis
Jose Morales has a passion for helping older congregations welcome new people – especially immigrants. Here are my notes from the interview:

New Life from New People
One of the biggest gifts the influx of immigrants into the U-S Church has given is to to energize it! Jose points to the sparks of life, that we always see with you people, that are writ large with the presence of today’s immigrants.

Partners Not Landlords
It’s common for immigrant congregations to rent space from established churches – but the landlord-tenant dynamics often leave immigrants feeling like second class citizens – or worse. Jose says true partners are needed.

Structure Is for Mission Not Structure
It’s a common scenario: the new mission invests in a structure, then nurtures that structure, when the real reason for a structure is to nurture mission. In what ways does your place do that?

About Jose Morales
Born to missionary parents, José F. Morales Jr. currently resides in Denver, CO, where he serves as the Executive Regional Minister of the Central Rocky Mountain Region of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). José is a frequent keynote speaker/preacher and a freelance writer, and plays in mean game of ping-pong. He’s also a house music DJ.

Books Jose Recommends:
Many Colors – Soong-Chan Rah
The Next Evangelicalism – Soong-Chan Rah
What’s Theology Got to Do with It?- Anthony Robinson

Christine Pohl: Loving the Stranger Grows the Church

Chris — Mon, 30 Jul 2012 11:51:44 +0000

It’s the literal meaning of the Greek New Testament word for hospitality: loving the stranger – and its implications for building healthy congregations are huge.

Dr. Christine Pohl, an Asbury Theological Seminary professor, author, and student of hospitality says most congregations aren’t persuaded about the importance of this ancient practice.

In this interview, Dr. Pohl shares her insights into the practices needed to become more hospitable and to build healthier congregations.

Watch the Full Program.

Rather Listen? Click here to download the Mp3 to your mobile device.

Click here to visit Turnaround 20/20

Synopsis
‘If there’s room in the heart, there’s room in the house’ – yep, hospitality is rarely only an issue of practicality and is much more a matter of the mind and will. Here are my notes from the interview:

Responding to the Welcoming of God
What’s our motive for hospitality? Gain members? Increase donations? Dr. Pohl says paying it forward, giving back what God gave to us, is a sound theological foundation upon which we build our hospitality.

Really Share Eucharist
For some churches the Communion meal can become rote and void of meaning. How about mixing it up one Sunday, and having folk give bread and wine to one another as a way to emphasize that communion is community?

Real Community = The Ultimate Attractional Model
While some congregations emphasize celebrity speakers and rock star musicians, Dr. Pohl says what really attracts people for the long run is authentic hospitality and deep community.

About Christine Pohl
Christine Pohl is the Associate Provost and Professor of Social Ethics, Asbury Theological Seminary, in Wilmore, KY where she has taught for twenty-three years. She holds degrees from Emory University, Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary and Syracuse University. Her books include: Making Room: Recovering Hospitality as a Christian Tradition, Friendship at the Margins: Discovering Mutuality in Service and Mission (with Chris Heuertz), and Living into Community: Cultivating Practices that Sustain Us. She has led a four-year grant with the Lilly Endowment on Sustaining Pastoral Excellence in Community and is a sought-after speaker in the area of hospitality.

Books Dr. Pohl Recommends
Exclusion and Embrace - Miroslav Volf
Community and Growth - Jean Vanier

Stan Ott: Beating the “Pressure of the Present Demands”

Chris — Fri, 13 Jul 2012 12:58:07 +0000

Stan Ott, seasoned consultant with the Vital Practices Institute, says helping leaders get past the tyranny of the immediate is the most common challenge he sees in today’s churches.

Ott and his team pull together groups of churches and walk with their leaders for three year stretches. During that time he says most leaders can do better managing time and giving work away.

In this interview, Stan shares more of what he’s learned -and tells us why he’s optimistic about the Church. Enjoy the inspiration from this seasoned professional.

Watch the Full Program.

Rather Listen? Click here to download the Mp3 to your mobile device.

Click here to visit Turnaround 20/20

Synopsis
Stan Ott’s ‘equipping ministry’ is all about helping establish congregations ‘bless (the people there) and add (others).’ Here are my notes from the interview:

The Real Vision of the Church
Stan’s observation is that ‘the real vision of the church’ is rarely the mission statement, but is usually, ‘repeating last years programs all over again this year.’ How true to your church’s vision is your congregation?

Give Ministry Away
Stan says it may be the biggest challenge for today’s church leaders: to effectively delegate to others. How effective are you?

There’s a Difference Between Friendliness and Hospitality
Stan says, sure, all churches are friendly – but aren’t most people? What’s supposed to set us apart, is our ability to put our own needs aside for those of others and show hospitality. How well does your church do this?

About Stan Ott
The Rev. Dr. E. Stanley Ott holds degrees from Georgia Tech, Purdue University, and McCormick Theological Seminary. Along with running Vital Practices Institute, he is a part-time teaching pastor at Vienna Presbyterian Church in Virginia. Stan has written numerous books including; Twelve Dynamic Shifts for Transforming Your Church (Eerdmans), Transform Your Church with Ministry Teams (Eerdmans), Vision for a Vital Church (Vital Faith Resources), and The Joy of Discipling: Friend with Friend and Heart with Heart (Zondervan). Vital Practices Institute trains pastors and church leaders all over the country, if you would like to contact Stan you can email him at: stan@vitalchurches.com

Books Stan Recommends
Deep Change – Robert Quinn
The Fine Art of Small Talk – Deborah Quinn
The Practice of Adaptive Leadership – Ron Heifetz
Article: Harvard Business Review – Who’s Got the Monkey?

Sponsors I Mentioned
Turnaround 20/20
Learn from experts who have conquered obstacles to growth and watched God turn things around. Turnaround 20/20 is a unique congregational development conference that brings together 20 experts who speak for 20 minutes each. People like Nelson Searcy, Charles Arn, George Hunter, and Elmer Towns will focus on a specific area of congregational development and are out to spark new ideas and innovations for you and your church. Turnaround 20./20 is Tuesday, October 23 in Nashville, TN.

Garabed Kochakian: Suffering as a Key to Evangelism

Chris — Fri, 22 Jun 2012 12:03:40 +0000

The Armenian Orthodox Church is one of the oldest in Christendom (est. 301), and Fr. Garabed Kochakian says a key to its health is its close acquaintance with suffering.

Garabed, pastor of the 3,000 member St. John Armenian Orthodox Church near Detroit, says his tradition bespeaks God’s faithfulness and gift of strength through adversity that has kept the church alive, even today, to a new generation.

In this interview Fr. Garabed talks about the relevance of Orthodox themes of mystery, imagination, and spirituality for today’s Christians. Be fed by the wisdom of this wonderful saint.

Watch the Full Program.

Rather Listen? Click here to download the Mp3 to your mobile device.

Synopsis
Beneath the centuries of tradition and ritual that can complicate Orthodox worship lies a simple yearning for God that remains unchanged. Here are my notes from the interview:

Finding God in Suffering
Through serious trials, most recently the Armenian genocide, many Armenian Orthodox have found their faith. Garabed says keeping faith through suffering is Christianity’s most enduring, if not most effective, form of evangelism. In a world that shuns suffering, Christians stand out.

Don’t Be Afraid to Repeatedly Explain
There are few Christian traditions as complicated (and beautiful) as the Armenian Orthodox, that’s why Garabed says it’s so important to keep explaining (and re-explaining) how the tradition meets us in everyday life. What rituals in your church need continued explanation?

Seeing God in Art and Architecture
Embracing the mystery of God defies words, but invites the arts. Garabed says the rich investment in aesthetics is about Sacrament – and helping people commune with God in edifying ways.

About Garabed Kochikian
Reverend Father Garabed Kochakian holds the rank of archpriest in the Armenian Orthodox Church and is Pastor of St. John Armenian Church of Greater Detroit. He has served as Diocesan Chancellor and Ecumenical Officer of the Diocese of the Armenian Church in America. He has also served as the Pastor of Saint Mesrob Armenian Church in Racine, Wisconsin, and the Armenian Church of Our Saviour in Worcester, Massachusetts first as Deacon-in-Charge, then as Assistant Pastor and Pastor.

Father Garabed was born in Salem, Massachusetts. He has studied at the Vesper George School of Art, the Boston Museum School of Fine Arts, Iona College, St. Nersess Armenian Seminary, and St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary. He holds a Master’s Degree in Art History from the University of Wisconsin with a specialization in Armenian Art and Architecture.

He has served as an Ecumenical Officer representing the Armenian Church on the National Council of Churches General Board. He currently serves on the National Bilaterial Consultation of the Oriental Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches, and is a member of the Standing Council of Oriental Orthodox Churches in the U.S.A. Fr. Kochakian has authored many publications including church school manuals, a series of tracts on the hymns of the Divine Liturgy, and other publications, including The Four Minor Orders, The Sacraments published by Vartan Press. Rev. Kochakian enjoys painting Armenian Illuminations and Icons for churches, and also lectures on Armenian Art and Illuminated Manuscripts. Father Garabed is married to Roberta Carman Kochakian.

Books Garabed Recommends
Rumors of Another World – Philip Yancy
Managing Church Conflict - Hugh Halverstadt
Preaching – Fred Craddock

Christian Piatt: Cultivating a Love That’s Greater Than Our Differences

Chris — Wed, 20 Jun 2012 12:07:50 +0000

For Christian Piatt and his Milagro Church bridging polarizing differences, which seem intractable in today’s contemporary society, is a job more churches should be putting on the front burner.

Christian, an author blogger and pastor, co-founded the congregation with his wife (before recently moving), and thinks that the witness of just getting along with one another can be the best way the Church evangelizes the world today.

In this interview Christian also talks about what younger people look for in churches, and why slowing things down is so important.

Watch the Full Program.

Rather Listen? Click here to download the Mp3 to your mobile device.

Click here to visit chalicepress.com

Synopsis
Few people are as impatient as Christian when it comes to sparking the Church to do better. Here are my notes from the interview.

Who’s Driving the Bus?
Is it Mission or Preservation? Christian says the proclivity of too many established congregations to just take care of themselves is the elephant in the room that needs to be called out. Has it been called out in your church?

Slow Church
With the average American now spending 9 hours a day in front of a screen, Christian says it’s high time we highlight our difference from the world by the way we gather. Slowing down, being mindful and present, especially as it helps us see the mind/body/spirit connection in each one of us, is a good way to start.

Cultivating a Gigantic Love
Christian made that statement, cultivating a love that’s greater than our differences, the main goal at his church – in what ways might that work in your church?

About Christian Piatt
Christian Piatt is an author, editor, speaker, musician and spoken word artist. He co-founded Milagro Christian Church in Pueblo, Colorado with his wife, Rev. Amy Piatt, in 2004. Christian is the creator and editor of the Banned Questions book series, which include Banned Questions About the Bible and Banned Questions About Jesus. He co-created and co-edits the “WTF: Where’s the Faith?” young adult series with Chalice Press, and he has a memoir on faith, family and parenting published in early 2012 called Pregmancy: A Dad, a Little Dude and a Due Date.

Books Christian Recommends
Jesus and Nonviolence – Walter Wink
Evolving in Monkeytown – Rachel Held Evans
The Year of Living Biblically – A.J. Jacobs

Sponsors I Mentioned
Hear stories and unscripted quotes from his young son as they await the birth of his baby sister, PregMANcy will take you on the wild ride of parenthood and show that it is not always easier the second time around. It’s available in print and ebook editions. Find PreMANcy at ChalicePress.com and anywhere books are sold.

George Mason: How to Get Members to Church More than Once a Month

Chris — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 12:02:46 +0000

It’s a problem nearly every church faces: how to motivate the beloved to making their faith community a higher priority.

Longtime pastor of Wilshire Baptist Church in Texas George Mason wrestles with it like everyone else. While he admittedly has not solved the conundrum, he has found some things that work, including small groups and gifts assessment tools to better link peoples’ spiritual gifts to their work.

In this interview George also talks about the considerable work he’s done (along with the Lilly Foundation), to train young ministers for his church and denomination.

Watch the Full Program.

Rather Listen? Click here to download the Mp3 to your mobile device.

Synopsis
The competition for “churchtime” has never been hotter – sports, studying, and volunteering keep kids, and their minders, very busy. Besides guilt and circuses, what’s the church got to offer? How about a deeper connection to mission – here are my notes from the interview.

Our Mission is Training Pastors
George says ‘mission’ is in his congregation’s DNA, so when he and his predecessor saw that training healthy clergy for a wider charge might be one of the congregation’s charisms, the task unfolded – and has born much fruit.

Missions Pastor
Sure it’s not uncommon in bigger churches – but George talks about the huge sway this staffer has in his congregation – as a reminder of how important mission is – which can alleviate a lot of the stress that comes around ‘change.’

Handling Sparse Attendance
For the younger set, George sets rules like earning attendance points to qualify to go on trips. For older folk he uses the Strengths Finder strategy that invited people to take an online gifts inventory in order to match them with tasks that are fulfilling and needful.

About George Mason
The Rev. Dr. George Mason has been Senior Pastor at Wilshire Baptist Church since 1989. He holds degrees from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and the University of Miami where he played quarterback. George is a nationally recognized leader in his denomination, the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship. He founded a Lilly Endowment funded program for vocational residency. He and his wife Kim have three children and two grandhildren.

Books George Recommends
The Great Emergence – Phyllis Tickle
Christianity After Religion – Diana Butler Bass
The Gospel in a Pluralist Society - Lesslie Newbigin

Tim Hawks: Giving Power to the People Grows the Church

Chris — Fri, 08 Jun 2012 14:25:15 +0000

When a pastor’s devastating moral lapse nearly closed Hill Country Bible Church, the congregation’s elders kept the church afloat – and now, nearly 30 years later, thousands of people are glad they did.

Rebuilding trust was the first job the 20-something year old pastor Tim Hawks did – and the congregation responded, growing from 180 to 5,000 on a Sunday morning.

Since then, Tim has seen a hunger for the intersection of the Bible and real life, which is what has fueled their growth ever since. Hear the words of this faithful pastor.

Watch the Full Program.

Rather Listen? Click here to download the Mp3 to your mobile device.

Click here to visit wildgoosefestival.org

Synopsis
The amazing growth Tim Hawks and Hill Country Bible Church have seen has educated Tim in leadership, hiring, spirituality, and church planting. Here are my notes from the interview:

Intentional Accountability
Tim has a couple of regular meetings with elders and mentors with whom he bounces off sermons and plans. He says it’s integral to staying healthy and grounded as his church has taken off.

Get Out of the Office
Preaching and teaching to ‘regular people’ means being in touch with them. Tim is adamant about the importance of forming relationships with those outside the congregation, not so much to convert them as to be converted by them.

Regular Prayer and Planning
Once a month Tim takes a day off to do just that. With his Bible and day planner, he makes intentional time for prayer and connection – and when he misses this crucial time of foundation-stone laying, he says his whole month can get off track.

About Tim Hawks
Tim Hawks is Sr. Pastor at Hill Country Bible Church Northwest in Austin, TX. Tim planted and pastored a church in Ruston, LA, before coming to Hill Country in 1989. Tim’s passion for church planting grew as he saw the need for more spiritually vibrant, missionally-minded churches in the Austin area. Tim leads a thriving church community of over 5,200 with the vision of reaching every man, woman, and child in Greater Austin with the life-changing reality of Jesus Christ. Tim is dedicated to partnering with like-minded churches to saturate the city with the gospel of Jesus Christ. By meeting monthly with area pastors and building relationships with other organizations that have a heart for the people of Austin, Tim has been instrumental in shaping a unified strategy for reaching the city. Hill Country Bible Church NW is also committed to the spread of the gospel throughout the world, and has supported church planting movements in East Asia, Central Asia and Mexico.

Books Tim Recommends
Why Leaders Can’t Lead - Warren Bennis
Integrity - Henry Cloud
Not the Way It’s Supposed to Be – Cornelius Plantinga

Sponsors I Mentioned
Are you headed to the Wild Goose festival? Thousands of campers are headed to the beautiful hills of North Carolina June 21-24. Wild Goose is a festival at the intersection of justice, spirituality, and art. Some of this year’s guests are Jim Wallis, Brian McLaren, and Shane Claiborne. ChurchNext is a proud sponsor – find out more at wildgoosefestival.org

Peter Marty: Morale and Trust Are Keys to Healthy Congregations

Chris — Wed, 06 Jun 2012 12:28:33 +0000

The pastor of the fastest growing urban congregation in the Lutheran Church (ELCA) says what draws people to join St. Paul’s is the energy and vibrancy that hits them the first minute they come through the door.

Peter Marty says things were not that way 16 years ago when he arrived to pastor a church that was deeply divided and faced a mountain of debt.

In this interview, hear how things have turned around (1,400 people have joined over the last 5 years) and how the Spirit went about changing things for the better through this wise and humble leader.

Watch the Full Program.

Rather Listen? Click here to download the Mp3 to your mobile device.

Click here to visit wildgoosefestival.org

Synopsis
Morale and trust are huge issues in the Church. And setting a tone of hospitality begins by building (or re-building) trust in leadership. Here are my notes from the interview:

Allow the Newness to Blossom
This church is run by a 9-member board (just lowered from 15) of mostly newcomers. And during group introductions Peter does not allow people to say how long they’ve been members of the church, lest deference be given that drains self-confidence and energy. To what degree do we quench the Spirit by always catering to, “But that’s the way we’ve always done it?”

We Are a Brand New Congregation Today
It is literally true, some have died, some have joined, and so Peter regularly reminds the congregation that we are all guests in the house of the Lord, there are no veterans or newcomers.

Hospitality Not Friendliness
For Peter, Friendliness connotes a kindness when people come to you, versus Hospitality – our biblical calling – which actively seeks new relationships and always puts the other person first.

Bolster Your Personnel Committee
Peter says it’s one of the most important, yet routinely neglected parts of effective church ministry: establish a personnel committee and have them regularly evaluate every employee (even the pastor) according to well-defined guidelines.

About Peter Marty
Peter W. Marty serves as senior pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church, a 3,400-member congregatiom in Davenport, Iowa. He is a frequent preacher and speaker at colleges, churches, and conferences across the country. Author of more than 70 articles on leadership, preaching, and parish renewal in America, Marty is also the author of The Anatomy of Grace (2008) as well as the lead columnist for The Lutheran magazine. Peter is the former host of the national radio broadcast, Grace Matters. In 2010, the Academy of Parish Clergy named him “Parish Pastor of the Year,” an award recognizing leadership excellence and faithfulness in congregational development. Pastor Marty has served on a number of hospital, college, foundation, and community boards. Presently he chairs the board of The Christian Century magazine and serves on the board of trustees for Augustana College, Rock Island, IL.

Books Peter Recommends
The Unpredictable Plant - Eugene Peterson
The Pastor as Minor Poet – Craig Barnes
Open Secrets - Richard Lischer

Mark Wilson: Measuring Success by Community Involvement

Chris — Fri, 01 Jun 2012 12:21:50 +0000

Butts and Bucks are no longer the metrics many growing congregations are using.

In fact, for Mark O. Wilson, pastor of Hayward Wesleyan Church in northern Wisconsin, his measure of success is how well his community serves the greater community. Mark, a pastor, author, and blogger, began ministry with 60 people in the church. 21 years later, in this town of 2,000, more than half go to his church.

Hear how God’s gift of self sacrifice has helped this congregation reach out and change their town.

Watch the Full Program.

Rather Listen? Click here to download the Mp3 to your mobile device.

Click here to visit wildgoosefestival.org

Synopsis
Mark O. Wilson is not only concerned with his faith community, but with the greater community. This is where he gives credit for the amazing growth his congregation has seen. Here are my notes from the interview:

It Starts with Prayer
Mark is not shy about crediting his congregation’s growth with an emphasis on personal and communal prayer. ‘Less email, more knee-mail’ – ‘Less Facebook, more Face-in-the-Book’ – are his quips that serve to remind church leaders of the importance of constant connection with God.

Growth = Sacrifice
The greatest growth Mark’s congregation has seen is in its multiplication – starting/reinvigorating 4 other congregations. He says it happens when the people make the sacrifice to leave the comfort of the big church for the unsteadiness of a smaller one.

Preach From Your Quiet Time
Preparing for Sunday means an entire week immersed in the upcoming text. Mark says you can’t preach what’s not in you, in what ways do you allow the text you’re to preach on to change your life?

About Mark O. Wilson
Mark O. Wilson has served as senior pastor of Hayward Wesleyan Church, a thriving, missional congregation in Wisconsin’s northwoods, for 21 years. He is the author of Filled Up, Poured Out: How God’s Spirit Can Revive Your Passion and Purpose, and his writings have appeared in many publications including Rev! and Leadership Journal. Mark’s passion is encouraging pastors – especially those who serve in rural settings, and he blogs at www.revitalizeyourchurch.blogspot.com. He and his wife, Cathy, have five children.

Books Mark Recommends
Replenish – Lance Witt
Ablaze for God – Wesley Duewel
Preacher and Prayer - E.M. Bounds

Nancy Davidge: Learning and Sharing Vital Practices

Chris — Wed, 30 May 2012 12:34:32 +0000

Why reinvent the wheel?

With so many churches doing exciting and inspiring work, Nancy Davidge’s role with the Episcopal Church Foundation’s Vital Practices initiative, has her on the prowl for new and innovative success stories in local congregations.

Nancy says the big theme is reaching out – and in this interview tells us about how some congregations are finding new life by reaching right outside their doors.

Watch the Full Program.

Rather Listen? Click here to download the Mp3 to your mobile device.

Click here to visit wildgoosefestival.org

Synopsis
Nancy Davidge says she’s got the best church job going: to chronicle the best practices of growing congregations. Her Vital Practices initiative shares those stories in a myriad of different ways. Here are my notes from the interview:

Vestry Papers Takes to the Web
It’s been a staple of Episcopal congregations for years – and today The Vestry Papers are not only new and dynamic – but expansive. On their new website there are more resources than one could read in a year.

It’s All About Reaching Out
Nancy says one common denominator in the congregations she profiles is sincere and creative outreach. Whether planting a community garden with prison inmates or developing a liquid candle wax business, vital congregations reach outside themselves.

Looking for Ways to Connect
The next iteration of Vital Practices may be using Foursquare, Google+ or other online applications to help people connect and share the stories and the resources that are building healthy congregations.

About Nancy Davidge
Nancy Davidge is the editor of ECF Vital Practices (www.ecfvp.org), a ministry of the Episcopal Church Foundation; president of Episcopal Communicators (www.episcopalcommunicators.org); and principal of The Davidge Group, a strategic marketing and communications firm focusing on both audience development and messaging and media. Davidge has received over 30 Polly Bond Awards, most recently Award of Excellence for Website and Award of Excellence for her Blog. Davidge worked marketing and communications positions for the Girl Scouts regional and national health care companies before making a career shift to educational institutions including Episcopal Divinity School where she served as director of marketing and communications for eight years before joining the Episcopal Church Foundation in 2010.

Books Nancy Recommends
The Vestry Resource Guide
Coaching Yourself to Leadership – Ginny O’Brien
Speaking Forth – Religion Communicator’s Council

Bill Bohline: Connecting with God’s Plan Grows the Church

Chris — Fri, 25 May 2012 12:15:29 +0000

More than once, when pastor Bill Bohline has told the congregation at Hosanna Lutheran Church, ‘We believe the Lord has led you here,’ someone has cried.

It’s the general feeling of God’s presence that Pastor Bohline believes brings people to his congregation, and keeps them there. Bill started this church 30 years ago, which now counts 7,000 members and growing.

He says there are no magic tricks, just open Bibles and lots of prayer.

Watch the Full Program.

Rather Listen? Click here to download the Mp3 to your mobile device.

Click here to visit wildgoosefestival.org

Synopsis
Bill Bohline started this Lutheran Church in a Willow Creek-style in a then-faraway suburb of Minneapolis, MN. Over time the area, and the church have grown. And Bill’s learned plenty along the way. Here are my notes from the interview:

Lifelong Learning
Bill says that’s at the heart of the his development from a founding pastor to the overseer of a large enterprise. Reading, visiting, and exposing his mind to an array of knowledge is what, he says, has kept him in the game.

The Bigger the Church the Smaller the Governing Board
That means the latest iteration – to oversee the biggest church ever – is now a 7-member board. Bill says they’re elected by the church from a slate of very committed members, which, he says, is not uncommon.

Get Into Spiritual Direction
Or some other form of one-on-one mentoring/counseling. While Bill was not as intentional as he is today about seeking out these voices, he recommends it highly now.

About Bill Bohline
Pastor Bill Bohline started Hosanna! Lutheran Church by knocking on doors in January of 1980. The congregation was officially organized with 180 members. Today the average worship attendance during three services is over 4,500. As Lead Pastor, Bill has been instrumental in helping implement God’s vision for Hosanna! Bill holds degrees from the University of Minnesota and Northwestern Lutheran Theological Seminary. He has served on the Board of Directors for Lutheran Social Services, the Council for the Saint Paul Area Synod, and the Board of Directors for Fairview Ridges Hospital. Bill has been married to his wife Nancy, a cardiology nurse, for 40 years. They have two children. Bill enjoys reading, snorkeling, traveling, and spending time with friends at their lake home.

Books Bill Recommends
Simple Church – Sam Rainer
The Quest for the Radical Middle - Bill Jackson
The Unshakable Kingdom and the Unchanging Person - E. Stanley Jones

Scott Gunn: Forward Movement Moves the Church Forward

Chris — Wed, 16 May 2012 12:29:27 +0000

Building healthy churches begins with building healthy church members.

That’s the thinking behind Forward Movement, a 1930′s initiative of The Episcopal Church, which is best known for its ‘Day by Day’ daily devotional pamphlet, but also includes tract, and book publishing.

Scott Gunn is the gifted, energetic, and new face behind Forward. He’s a popular blogger and innovator who aims to take Forward Movement, well, forward. Be inspired by the wisdom from this bright, young leader.

Watch the Full Program.

Rather Listen? Click here to download the Mp3 to your digital device.

Click here to visit wildgoosefestival.org

Synopsis
More than 300,000 people subscribe to Forward Movement’s ‘Day by Day,’ their most popular publication. It’s part of FM’s mission to improve the spiritual lives of Christians. Here are my notes from the interview:

Headed Online
Day by Day is headed to Kindle and Nook – and is actively engaging other platforms – to help Christians connect with God whenever and wherever. Daily meditations are free online, and you can now have them emailed for a small fee.

Lent Madness
If you missed this innovative way to bring the lives of the saints into daily discourse, click here. Scott says this Forward-sponsored endeavor is one example of the innovation the Church needs to embrace to spread the Gospel.

Day by Day Wants You!
Not just Day by Day, whose authors include clergy, lay people, and even prison inmates, but any talented spiritual writer who has something to say – Forward is listening.

About Scott Gunn
The Rev’d Scott Gunn is executive director of Forward Movement, a churchwide ministry of The Episcopal Church, known widely for its flagship publication Forward Day by Day. Fr. Gunn works “to reinvigorate the life of the church,” which is the historic charter of Forward Movement dating from 1934. A self-confessed church geek, Scott has served in a wide range of ministries, and he is currently a Deputy to General Convention. Before his call to Forward Movement, Fr. Gunn was a parish priest in the Diocese of Rhode Island. Prior to that, he worked in information technology at a range of places including the MIT Media Lab, The Atlantic Monthly, and Education Development Center. He was educated at Yale Divinity School, Brown University, and Luther College. Fr. Gunn is married to Sherilyn Pearce and lives in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Books Scott Recommends
The Hunger Games and the Gospel – Julia Clawson
The Innovator’s Dilemna – Clayton Christensen
Axiom - Bill Hybels

Doug Schmidt: Merging with Struggling Congregations Grows the Church

Chris — Fri, 11 May 2012 12:40:34 +0000

Megachurch pastor Doug Schmidt of Woodside Bible Church in Metro Detroit pioneered a novel way to advance the Gospel: by merging with struggling congregations and investing in them with the intention of turning them loose.

It’s not a takeover plan aimed at building a new denomination, rather a way to help declining congregations re-tool and re-energize. Doug, who started 21 years ago at Woodside, has seen it grow from 675 people to 7,000.

Hear how from a Godly man whose heart for the Gospel is contagious.

Watch the Full Program.

Rather Listen? Click here to download the Mp3 to your mobile device.

Click here to visit wildgoosefestival.org

Synopsis
Doug Schmidt’s passion for the gospel led him to pioneer a unique way of church planting – by merging with struggling congregations and breathing new life into some pretty old bones. Here are my notes from the interview:

Who Owns the Church?
Doug says this is the biggest problem many churches face – having a deep conviction that the church is not owned by people or by traditions, but by God. In what ways is your church convinced of this?

Going Missional Woodside has had small groups meet in homes during the week for years – usually their purpose was fellowship spiritual growth – but now it’s being missional: members ask how they can serve the world around them.

Rekindle the Passion Doug cites polls showing 80% of America’s pastors would leave if they could find another job. Where has the passion gone and how can church leaders continually rekindle it in them for the sake of the world?

About Doug Schmidt After years of ministry in college & seminary administration and education, Pastor Doug entered pastoral ministry and after serving at Ross Bible Church in Port Huron and came to Woodside Bible Church in Troy, MI as Senior Pastor in 1991. Woodside Bible Church is a multi campus church of 7,000 in the northern suburbs of Detroit whose goal it is “to help people BELONG to Christ, GROW in Christ and REACH the world for Christ.” Pastor Doug holds 2 graduate degrees, he and his wife, Carolyn have been married since 1974 and have 3 children.

Books Doug Recommends
And – Hugh Halter
Tactics – Greg Koukl
Bonhoeffer – Eric Metaxas

James Wind: The Alban Institute Can Help Build Your Congregation

Chris — Wed, 09 May 2012 13:53:57 +0000

Nearly 40 years ago founders of The Alban Institute set out to resource local congregations – and it’s current president, The Rev. Dr. James Wind is continuing the task.

Since its humble beginnings Alban has branched out into publishing, conferences, and newsletters (both print and email) that share valuable resources with congregations.

In this interview Dr. Wind shares his optimism about the North American church, his insights into its challenges, and his sage advice for today’s congregational leaders.

Watch the Full Program.

Rather Listen? Click here to download the Mp3 to your mobile device.

Click here to visit wildgoosefestival.org

Synopsis
There are some 325,000 churches in North America – that alone is a stunning indication about congregational vitality, says Dr. Wind. His optimism for the Church and where it’s headed punctuated our conversation. Here are my notes from the interview:

We’re Still Winning, Despite the Competition
Just think about the myriad of options the average Sunday morning churchgoer passes up to attend your worship services. While it’s something to revel in, it’s also a challenge to address: with an increasing array of options, how are we competing?

What’s Going On Here?
It’s the main question of the pastor, says Dr. Wind, to figure out what’s really going on. Holding up a mirror to your congregation may, or may not, be roundly welcomed, but it’s our job. How are you doing at it?

Leadership Comes in Partial Packages
No one has the complete package, says Dr. Wind, which is why collaboration is so important today – between clergy and congregation – to share everyone’s gifts for the benefit of all.

About Dr. Wind
The Reverend Dr. James P. Wind is president of the Alban Institute, an independent center of learning and leadership development with a focus on congregations, in Herndon, Virginia. He is a prominent voice in the wider conversation about the role of religion in America and the value of congregations. Wind is the author of several books including The Bible and the University, 1987; Places of Worship: Exploring Their History, 1990; and Constructing Your Congregation’s Story, 1993. Wind has served as president of the Alban Institute since 1995. He also serves on the boards of The Washington National Cathedral, Odyssey Networks, and the Indianapolis Center for Congregations. An ordained minister of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (1978), Wind served at Grace Lutheran Church, River Forest, Illinois, from 1978-1990. He received his Ph.D from The Divinity School of the University of Chicago in 1983. Previously Wind has served at the Lilly Endowment, Inc., the Park Ridge Center for the Study of Health, Faith and Ethics, in Chicago, Illinois, and at The Divinity School of the University of Chicago. Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Wind lives in Reston, Virginia, with his wife, Kathleen. They are the parents of two grown children, Joshua and Rachel.

Books Dr. Wind Recommends
Journey to the Common Good – Walter Bruegemann
Amazing Gifts – Mark Pinzky
Coming Apart – Charles Murray

Sponsors I Mentioned
Are you headed to the Wild Goose Festival? Thousands of campers are headed to the beautiful hills of North Carolina June 21-24. Wild Goose is a festival at the intersection of justice, spirituality, and art. Some of this year’s guests are Jim Wallis, Brian McLaren, and Shane Claiborne. ChurchNext is a proud sponsor – find out more at wildgoosefestival.org

Graham Standish: Wanna Grow? Help People Discern

Chris — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 12:34:29 +0000

What are we called to do?

It’s a pervasive question that author, blogger, counselor, and pastor of Calvin Presbyterian in Pennsylvania, Graham Standish just keeps asking. He credits an emphasis on discernment, in various levels, with the substantial growth his congregation has seen.

In this interview Graham tells us how he created a culture of discernment at his church, and how it has led to health and growth. You’ll want to listen to this one more than once.

Watch the Full Program.

Rather Listen? Click here to download the Mp3 to your mobile device.

Click here to visit wildgoosefestival.org and here to visit vts.edu

Synopsis
Calvin Presbyterian has grown from around 200 members to 500 in the dozen or so years Graham Standish has been serving. Continually asking the questions like, ‘Is this our calling?’ and ‘Is this what God wants us to do?’ is one reason things stay fresh there. Here are my notes from the interview:

Be Permission Giving
Graham says a default setting of, ‘yes, let me help you,’ is what today’s church leaders need to adopt. He says our job is equipping and inspiring, so how can we bless the ideas God is raising up in our congregations?

Help People Ask Discerning Questions
By assisting people in the great questions of purpose: why are we here? and what are we supposed to be doing?, Graham says gifts make themselves known organically and make it easier to plug people in.

Preacher From the Pews
Graham identified 6 people who, during Lent, delivered the sermon. At first they said no, but later agreed, and through the exercise learned much about their own journeys and how to relate their lives to God. Would this work in your congregation?

About Graham Standish
Graham has been pastor of Calvin Presbyterian Church in Zelienople, Pennsylvania since January of 1996, which has more than doubled in size, and garnered national attention in several studies, including one by Diana Butler-Bass, who included Calvin Church in her groundbreaking book, Christianity for the Rest of Us. He is the author of six books including : In God’s Presence: Encountering, Experiencing, and Embracing the Holy in Worship (2010), and Humble Leadership (2007). He is an adjunct professor at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. He is a teacher, retreat leader, spiritual director, and has a background in individual, marital, and family therapy. Graham holds degrees from Duquesne University, the University of Pittsburgh, and Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. He is also husband to Diane and the father of twin girls.

Books Graham Recommends
Made to Stick – Chip and Dan Heath
Switch – Chip and Dan Heath
Drive – Daniel Pink

Sponsors I Mentioned
Are you headed to the Wild Goose festival? Thousands of campers are headed to the beautiful hills of North Carolina June 21-24. Wild Goose is a festival at the intersection of justice, spirituality, and art. Some of this year’s guests are Jim Wallis, Brian McLaren, and Shane Claiborne. ChurchNext is a proud sponsor – find out more at wildgoosefestival.org

Virginia Theological Seminary is the largest Episcopal Seminary in the U.S., forming men and women for leadership in the church. In addition to the MDiv, Anglican Studies and DMin degrees are their Masters of Arts degrees with a fous on Theological Studies, Christian Formation, Religion & Culture, and Biblical Interpretation. Check them out at vts.edu.

Bill Easum: Tolerating Bullies (and Other Things that Keep Churches from Growing)

Chris — Sat, 31 Mar 2012 00:45:16 +0000

21st Century Strategies church consultant Bill Easum says it’s the most common challenge he runs into when consulting stalled churches: 2-3 entrenched bullies are at work, who shoot down new ideas and impede growth.

Bill, a legendary mentor who has consulted for more than 700 congregations, says leaders need to remember that the message is more important than any one person – and by letting bullies win, the church’s, and Christ’s mission, are compromised.

Hear the wisdom of a United Methodist pastor who spent 24 years serving a congregation that grew from 39 people into the thousands – and whose heart for Our Lord’s mission is infectious.

Watch the Full Program.

Rather Listen? Click here to download the Mp3 to your mobile device.

Click here to visit vts.edu.

Synopsis
Church leaders who are unwilling to confront ill health – it’s one of the biggest impediments to a more robust church in North America. In this interview, Bill Easum tells us how these situations might be handled – and imparts other valuable, practical advice. Here are my notes:

Harsh Words for Small Churches
While they make up the vast majority of congregations in North America – that most people attend – Bill believes churches were created to grow, and need to seriously contemplate their mission, get out of their comfort zones, and be challenged by the Great Commission.

Hand Off Ministry
The percentage of pastors who are able to effectively hand off ministry is way too low, according to Easum, and developing the skill to raise up qualified leaders and give work to them, is something most churches need to take seriously.

Pastors as Scouts
Since hiring great staff is so important Bill says church leaders must constantly be on the lookout for great talent – not hiring to fill a need, but hiring when one comes across great people.

About Bill Easum
Bill Easum has a thirty-year track record of growing churches and has worked in over 700 congregations, some of which are the largest in the nation. He served, for 24 years as a pastor of, what grew to be, the largest United Methodist Church in South Texas. He has been honored by the Industrial Areas Foundation in New York and has won the prestigious Donald McGavran award for outstanding church leadership. In 1986 he founded 21st Century Strategies, which in 2000 became Easum, Bandy & Associates (EBA) when he merged with Tom Bandy. Then, in 2008, Bill Easum and Bill Tenny-Brittian reformed 21st Century Strategies Inc. which serves the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ghana, and South Africa. Bill is the author of numerous best-selling books such as Church Growth Handbook, How to Reach Baby Boomers, and Sacred Cows Make Gourmet Burgers. He holds degrees from Baylor University, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and Southern Methodist University.

Books Bill Recommends
Missional Renaissance – Reggie McNeal
The Permanent Revolution – Alan Hirsch
Missional Communities – Reggie McNeal

Sponsors I Mentioned
Virginia Theological Seminary is the largest Episcopal Seminary in the U.S., forming men and women for leadership in the church. In addition to the MDiv, Anglican Studies and DMin degrees are their Masters of Arts degrees with a fous on Theological Studies, Christian Formation, Religion & Culture, and Biblical Interpretation. Check them out at vts.edu.

Gary Rohrmayer: Passion and Conviction Are Keys to Church Health

Chris — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 12:13:19 +0000

While many denominations are busy closing churches, Gary Rohrmayer’s Converge Midamerica is working hard to plant them. Sure, cultural apathy, the advent of secularism, and the Great Recession have slowed things down – but the passion is still there – and is essential as ever to building strong congregations.

Rooted in the pietistic heritage of Swedish Baptists, Gary’s tradition brings to the body an emphasis on prayer and conviction to the calling and vision Jesus gives those who seek to serve in His name.

In this interview, Gary talks about this missional network of Gospel-centered churches that continues to expand amidst a wave of challenges.

Watch the Full Program.

Rather Listen? Click here to download the Mp3 to your mobile device.

Click here to visit vts.edu

Synopsis
Converge America has planted 500 churches in the last 20 years – not megachurhes – but congregations that average around 140 people on a Sunday. It’s a quiet, but steady movement aimed at building the body of Christ by bringing people into Christian community. Here are my notes from the interview.

New Churches are Vibrant Churches
If a church has been around for 10 years or more, Gary says it takes 89 people to reach one new person for Christ. However, if the church is 3 years old or younger, it takes just 3 people to reach one person for Christ.

Have a Burden
Gary says that’s the most important criteria for a church planter: to possess a sense of love and brokeness for the community one is endeavoring to serve.

Look Where God is Moving
Gary’s church planting criteria is to use demographics and prayer to become aware of where the Spirit seems to be leading – then to look for the leaders being raised up to do the work.

About Gary Rohrmayer
Gary Rohrmayer is President and District Executive Minister of Converge Church MidAmerica. When he was 27 years old he graduated from bible college armed with nothing but a passion for evangelism and loads of inexperienced. He searched for a church planting network that I could connect with both relationally and theologically. This search led me to a group of leaders that today is know as Converge Worldwide. Converge offered a perfect balance of resourcing, encouragement and opportunity. That was twenty years ago and over 80 churches later that he helped start at some level. I would never be where I am today if it wasn’t for Converge.

Books Gary Recommends
The ABC’s of Natural Church Development – Christian Schwarz
They Smell Like Sheep – Lynn Anderson
Spiritual Leadership – Henry and Richard Blackaby

Mark Lau Branson: How Do We Participate in God’s Initiatives?

Chris — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 12:17:10 +0000

It’s our age’s big missional question – and one Mark Lau Branson of Fuller Seminary says is at the heart of preparing Christian leaders to effectively shape faith communities.

Mark’s work, in the field of practical theology, helps ready Christians for the work on the ground that the Spirit is cultivating.

In this interview, Mark shares insights into how the Church can attend to what God is calling us to do. Enjoy these words from a dedicated scholar with a deep passion for Christ.

Watch the Full Program

Rather Listen? Click here to download the Mp3 to your mobile device.

Click here to visit vts.edu

Synopsis
Mark Lau Branson notes that fear creates a profound desire to manage. Getting beyond the apprehension and getting on with the work we’re called to do is the challenge he takes up in our interview. Here are my notes:

Major in Lectio
It’s one of the ancient practices of listening that students of Christ need to take more seriously. Mark knows that we get our marching orders from the Divine – in what ways do we take time to really listen?

Moving Beyond Predict, Manage and Control
These are the competencies of a management style that has gone out of style. Scientific rationalism no longer (if it ever) has much to say to congregational leaders whose questions are ongoing and open-ended.

Get Invited to Dinner
Part of Mark’s advice to get out of the pew and into the neighborhood – that means doing like the 70 Jesus sent in the Gospels – is having good enough street cred, and an important enough message, to be invited to elaborate.

About Mark Lau Branson
Mark Lau Branson is the Homer L. Goddard Associate Professor of the Ministry of the Laity at Fuller Seminary. Mark teaches courses in congregational leadership and community engagement.   Branson was ordained at San Francisco Christian Center, an African-American Pentecostal church, and has served on the pastoral teams in United Methodist and Presbyterian churches. He has worked with several agencies active in education, community development, and community organizing, and continues to serve as a consultant and speaker. His most recent books are Churches, Cultures and Leadership: A Practical Theology of Congregations and Ethnicities and Memories, Hopes, and Conversations: Appreciative Inquiry and Congregational Change.   Branson is president of the Institute for Urban Initiatives and vice-chair of One Community, a Pasadena, CA-based grassroots think tank. He is on the board of the Ekklesia Project and a consultant with The Missional Network. Branson and his family are active at First Presbyterian Church in Altadena, California.

Books Mark Recommends
Joining God in the Neighborhood – Alan Roxburgh
Misional Map-Making - Alan Roxburgh
Migrations of the Holy – William Cavanaugh

Melissa DeRosia: Encouraging Women in Ministry

Chris — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 13:07:43 +0000

The Stained Glass Ceiling is being raised… And that’s thanks, in part, to the work of gifted female clergy who are finding support and encouragement in the Body of Christ.

The Rev. Melissa DeRosia is a dynamic young clergy woman who’s written a book on the subject – to help female clergy survive and thrive in a male-dominated field.

In this interview Rev. Melissa offers helpful advice to women and men about avoiding stereotypes, forming helpful support systems, and taking time for God. Be encouraged by Melissa’s passion and energy.

Watch the Full Program

Rather Listen? Click here to download the Mp3 to your mobile device.

Click here to go to vts.edu

Synopsis
Welcoming women in ministry is one of the most liberating, hopeful, and invigorating developments in the modern church. But getting along in a male-dominated field has its challenges. In this interview, Rev. DeRosia tells us how she has found strength in supportive colleagues and how churches can better affirm women – and all people – in leadership. Here are my notes from the interview.

Find Mentors
Ministry for all leaders can be isolating and lonely. Rev. Melissa chides us to get serious about finding companions along the journey. In what ways are you a Lone Ranger?

Avoid Stereotypes
Getting to know a female cleric for who they are – not for who you think they are – is one of the biggest challenges Melissa has observed. Drop the assumptions at the door, recognize each person for their own unique gifts and skills – which may not be what you thought!

Don’t Discount the Calling
Melissa says female clergy are often denigrated for their positions in the workplace – “You’d so busy because you’re a clergy person, mom, wife, etc….” – But no clergy person would be in their position if they had not accepted their call – and its responsibilities.

About Melissa DeRosia
The Rev. Melissa DeRosia graduated from Alma College and Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary with awards in the interpretation of scripture and Christian life. Following the completion of a chaplain residency program at Norton Healthcare working with the spiritual needs of child and adolescent psychiatric patients, she received a call to serve as a pastor in Michigan. Currently, Melissa is the pastor and head of staff at Gates Presbyterian Church in Rochester, New York where she lives with her husband Matt and two young daughters, Lillian and Norah. Passionate and dedicated to follow God’s call in the changing landscape of the church, she has served as Moderator of the Presbytery of Lake Huron and is an elected member of the Presbyterian Church (USA) General Assembly Mission Council. Melissa is co-author of the book “The Girlfriends’ Clergy Companion: Surviving and Thriving in Ministry” published by the Alban Institute in 2011.

Books Rev. DeRosia Recommends
When Moses Meets Aaron – Gil Rendle and Susan Beaumont
Radical Welcome – Stephanie Spellers
Reframing Hope – Carol Howard Merritt

Ian Markham: Try A Completely Different Worship Service

Chris — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 12:58:53 +0000

A younger student body, expanding lay-educational opportunities, a new chapel in the works – yes, there’s freshness and newness at Virginia Theological Seminary – which is what Dean Ian S. Markham suggests traditional churches consider.

Dean Markham says much of the energy he’s seeing in the Church is coming from traditional congregations that are investing in non-traditional venues: Theology on Tap, coffee house ministries, and forays into cyber-space. In this interview Dean Markham shares his enthusiasm for church of the future – and how VTS is preparing its leaders.

Watch the Full Program

Rather Listen? Click here to download the Mp3 to your mobile device.

Click here to visit vts.edu

Synopsis
Meeting people where they are – whether it be a Saturday night service or Taize – is what building the Church in this new millennium is all about, says Dean Markham, that includes supporting chaplaincies as well as new, entrepreneurial ways to fashion the ancient message for a contemporary context. Here are my notes from the interview:

How to Start: Two Readings
Today’s leaders need to 1) read and understand where the congregation is and, 2) read and understand the culture in which we live. It’s the melding of identity to context/purpose that serves as the bedrock to congregational growth and vitality.

Europe the Exception?
While popular pundits predict the demise of Christianity in Europe will soon send the U.S. Church packing, Dean Markham makes the case for the exceptionalism of the European church – noting that in many, many other places Christianity, and religion, are simply thriving.

Don’t Stop Learning
I guess we’d expect this from a seminary dean – but Markham shares good advice on how to keep sharp through the years – it’s by refusing to consider learning as work, but as an aspect of one’s hobby – that can be enjoyed.

About Dean Markham
Ian S. Markham was appointed as Dean and President of Virginia Theological Seminary in August 2007. He holds a Ph.D. at University of Exeter in the United Kingdom, an M.Litt. in Philosophy and Ethics from the University of Cambridge and a B.D. in Theology from the University of London. Dean Markham has served as Dean and Professor of Theology and Ethics at Hartford Seminary in Connecticut, as Visiting Professor of Globalization, Ethics, and Islam at Leeds Metropolitan University in the United Kingdom. He also served on the faculty of Liverpool Hope University and University of Exeter.

Dean Markham is the author and editor of numerous books including: Against Atheism: Why Dawkins, Hitchens, and Harris Are Fundamentally Wrong, Liturgical Life Principles: How Episcopal Worship Can Lead to Healthy and Authentic Living, and Christ and Culture: Communion After Lambeth. His awards include the Robertson Fellow 2006; Teape Lecturer in India 2004; Claggett Fellow attached to Washington National Cathedral in 2000; and Frank Woods Fellow at Trinity College, Melbourne in 1997. Dean Markham serves as Priest Associate at St. Paul’s Church in Alexandria. He is married to Lesley Markham and they have one son, Luke.

Books Dean Markham Recommends
Imitating Jesus - Richard Burridge
The Triumph of Christianity – Rodney Stark
Systematic Theology – Robert Jenson

Martin Davis: The CRG Is a Free Gift for Your Church

Chris — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:16:11 +0000

It may be the best kept secret in North American Christendom… The Congregational Resource Guide. It’s a 10-year-old publication packed with thousands of useful articles – a free gift, says director Martin Davis, for your church.

The CRG is a Lilly Endowment sponsored venture that amalgamates every useful church article, program curriculum, worship guide – you name it – into one place. And every day Martin and his staff scour the landscape looking for more. Be blessed by this introduction to a truly useful resource compiled by a man who’s passionate about helping congregations like yours.

Watch the Full Program

Rather Listen? Click here to download the Mp3 to your mobile device.

Click here to visit vts.edu

Synopsis
The CRG is a 2,300 piece (and growing) collection of helpful resources for congregations. It’s split into 6 categories and is highly searchable – so chances are you can find what you’re looking for. In this interview Marty takes us for a tour and tell us how we can use, and contribute to, this one-of-a-kind resource that’s bound to have something for you.

The Six Categories
Martin teases out the CRG’s 6 categories, (Care, Discover, Engage, Lead, Manage, and Worship) and describes what kinds of information the guide offers.

Keeping it Current
Every day Martin keeps track of 450-500 blog posts – pulling down only those most relevant and current to his users. Also, one of his staff puts together a free weekly email, a weekly blog called Soul Food for Thought, that offers reflections on current events based as they relate to faith.

Not a Substitute for Your Own Creativity
Martin is a strong believer in entrepreneurship – and believes the CRG is best used to inspire your imagination to dream up an adaptation, or a brand new idea based on his resources.

About Martin Davis
Martin Davis is director of the Congregational Resource Guide and a graduate of the University of Chicago Divinity School. He spent many years as a reporter. At National Journal magazine, he covered the faith-based initiative in the early days of the Bush Administration, as an editor for Philanthropy magazine, he interviewed some of America’s leading donors and told the stories of their greatest successes. Before coming to CRG in 2009, he wrote for an education reform group in Washington, D.C. His works have been widely published in outlets like the Washington Post, New York Daily News, and National Journal. He has brought to the CRG his passion for passing along vital information. Following the model of “resource consulting” developed by the Indianapolis Center for Congregations, the CRG marries context and content so that visitors not only find the resource materials they need to further their work, but also discover the richer conversations around those materials and how others have put them to use, successfully.

Resources Martin Recommends
Fumbling – Kerry Egan
getreligion.org
stateofformation.org

Graham Cray: Learn from the UK’s Fresh Expressions

Chris — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 12:56:43 +0000

Reports on the death of the Church of England are greatly exaggerated, says the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Missioner, Bishop Graham Cray.

The bishop is the C of E’s head church planter – and leads a movement called Fresh Expressions, which consolidates the evangelism efforts of several UK denominations into a united front that majors on mission. Sure, the challenges are formidable and the reality, sobering - but Bishop Cray sees signs of vibrancy and new life in several places. Be inspired by the bishop’s zeal and deep commitment to engage in Christ’s mission for the world.

Watch the Full Program

Rather Listen? Click here to download the Mp3 to listen on your mobile device.

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Synopsis
The decline in the Church of England has “significantly halted,” according to Bishop Cray – as fireweeds begin to bloom in the form of Christian festivals like Soul Survivor, emerging Fresh Expressions congregations, and the appearance of ‘Street Pastors,’ who go to where the need is. What do Christian leaders need to do to catch this wave of the Spirit? Here Bp. Cray explains the C of E’s emphasis on church planting – and the importance of discernment. Here are my notes:

Street Pastors?
They’re clergy who fan out on Friday and Saturday nights working with authorities while their supporters stay in church to pray (9p to 4a?!?) as they help everyone from binge drinkers to robbery victims. And they’re having a real impact – how is your church meeting the community’s dire needs?

The Attractional Model is Dead
We can no longer expect people to show up at our place, so we’ve got to go to them. The core of the Fresh Expressions model is tending to this mission – which begins with listening, service, and paying close attention to context.

Ordained Pioneer Ministers
They’re not full-fledged ordained clergy – but the C of E’s entrepreneurs – who pay attention to where the Spirit is moving, then get on board with it. It’s bringing younger ministers into the fold.

About Bishop Graham Cray
Graham Cray is the Archbishops’ Missioner and Leader of the Fresh Expressions Team. He is married to Jackie and they have two daughters, Catherine and Sarah. He was consecrated in March 2001 when he became the Bishop of Maidstone and the Bishop for Mission in the Diocese of Canterbury. Before this, he was Principal of Ridley Hall, Cambridge, a Church of England theological college, after fourteen years as vicar of St Michael-le-Belfrey, York, where he worked with and then succeeded the late Canon David Watson. His special concerns are the engagement of the Gospel with contemporary culture, youth ministry and the theology of renewal. He has been chairman of the Greenbelt Festival and is currently chairman of the Soul Survivor Trust. He chaired the working party which wrote the Mission Shaped Church report on church planting and fresh expressions of church – you can see it here.

Books Bishop Cray Recommends
The Forgotten Ways – Alan Hirsch
Missional – Alan Roxburgh
Mision, Action, Planning – Mike Chew and Mark Ireland

Judy Paulsen: Making an Established Church More Missional

Chris — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 13:01:51 +0000

It’s the classic missional question: if your church closed would anyone in the neighborhood notice?

Years ago Judy Paulsen posed it to the good folk at Christ Memorial Church in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada and when too many people hesitated, the congregation took on a challenge that has reinvigorated the church.

Judy Paulsen is an incredibly gifted pastor whose natural ability to listen and lead is a model to us all. Her commitment and wisdom will inspire you.

Watch the Full Program

Rather Listen? Click here to download the Mp3 to your mobile device.

Click here to visit vts.edu

Synopsis
Reading Rick Rusaw’s book, The Externally Focused Church, had quite an affect on Judy Paulsen. She says it helped motivate her to help her congregation reach out like never before. Now, with 3 Sunday services, and an intriguing Saturday morning outreach, her church has seen dramatic change over the last 9 years. Here are my notes from the interview:

Looking For Partnerships
Judy helped her church draw a 2km line around the church and begin to make contact with her neighbors. The congregation found 2 schools and a hospital, which are now in fruitful partnerships with the church.

Messy Church
If you’ve not heard of this British adaptation to community outreach to young families, you need to look into it. Messy Church is a Christian Gymboree (if that helps) that combines crafts, song, play, and a meal in a totally intergenerational environment. Check it out here.

Keep, Adapt, Scrap
These are the three categories established churches must use to sift through their inheritance – and what Judy did to decide what was essential, worthy of changing, and tossing out.

About Judy Paulsen
Judy has served as pastor of Christ Memorial Church in Oshawa, on the outskirts of Toronto, Canada since 2003. She grew up in a large family and spent her early childhood in northwest India, where her parents were Anglican missionaries. She holds degrees from the University of Western Ontario, McGill University, Wycliffe College, and is presently completing a Doctor of Ministry at Fuller Theological Seminary. Judy worked as a speech and language pathologist before seeking ordained ministry in the Anglican Church of Canada. She has since served three parishes in the Diocese of Toronto. Judy is married to Pat, and they have three children. She enjoys traveling, cooking, reading, and playing the fiddle.

Books Judy Recommends
Mission Shaped Questions – Steven Croft
The Gospel in a Pluralistic Society – Lesslie Newbigin
Missional Church – Darrell Guder

Mark Fowler: Holy Imaginations Energize the Church

Chris — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 13:23:29 +0000

Quit the copying and start dreaming!

United Methodist minister, seminary professor, and leadership honcho Dr. Mark Fowler says the Church is past the days of program plug-ins and into uncharted waters where not only we can experiment, but thankfully, we can pray.

Mark heads up the Institute for Transformative Leaders and Communities at Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston, Illinois where he trains mainline pastors-to-be by taking chances and treating his students like teachers. You’ll be energized by Mark’s optimism and passion.

Watch the Full Program
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Synopsis
Yep, over the last generation the ground has dramatically shifted under the Church’s feet and our wobbly recovery is being helped by new ideas and fresh endeavors. In this wide-ranging interview, Mark Fowler tells us about the bright spots he’s seeing as he helps train a new generation of church leaders. Here are my notes:

Seminarians Are Younger: Listen to Them!
20 years ago the average age of a GETS student was in the mid 40′s, today it’s around 27. The Lord is raising up a passionate, energetic new generation to carry on the work and Mark cultivates a ‘mutuality of learning’ that has him listening in the classroom almost as much as he’s speaking.

The Coffee Lab
The locals call it the Sneaky Jesus Coffee Shop – and this creative attempt at serving up coffee and taking the conversation to ‘higher grounds’ (sorry) serves as an important learning ground for div students to sort out their theology in the real world. What new ideas is your church investing in?

Take a Sabbath
Mark is adamant about the importance christians need to place on taking one day out of seven to “waste time with God.” Your members want you refreshed and plugged in to God – what’s keeping you?

About Mark Fowler
Mark A. Fowler is the Executive Director of the Institute for Transformative Leaders and Communities at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary. He also holds the Murray H. Leiffer Associate Professorship in Congregational Leadership. The focus of Dr. Fowler’s work is to bring together the resources of a formative seminary with living communities of faith to develop and empower visionary, vibrant and missional leaders for the church’s future. An active parish pastor for over twenty years and a dozen years of teaching and leading at Garrett-Evangelical have informed the teaching and learning partnerships he has helped forge with congregations, Annual Conferences and church institutions world- wide.

Fowler has led workshops and lectured in South Africa, South Korea, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and the United Kingdom. He has been part of the original development team for the Plus program in partnership with the Kellogg School of Management as well as the foundational Vocational Formation and Church Leadership program for Master’s students at G-ETS. Dr. Fowler serves as a resource to the church, a widely travelled preacher and speaker and the author of the newly revised Mentoring Into Vocation.

Books Mark Recommends
The Missional Leader - Alan Roxburgh
Foundations of Church Administration – Bruce Petersen
Change the World – Mike Slaughter

David McNitzky: Forget the Demographics – Pray!

Chris — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 13:05:32 +0000

It wasn’t strategic planning or suburban demographics that led Pastor David McNitzky’s Alamo Heights United Methodist Church to open a satellite campus – it was the prayer team.

David’s large congregation had hit a plateau and expansion north of town was where the Spirit seemed to be leading. In this interview, David explains how his congregation’s willingness to listen to the Spirit and take chances with new ministry expressions keeps the church energized.

Watch the Full Interview
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Synopsis
Alamo Heights has ‘change’ in its DNA – not simply because it’s changed in the past, but because the attitude is continually nurtured by a veteran pastor who prays hard to keep things fresh. Learn how David is channeling that energy to open new venues for ministry and train up leaders to make it happen. Here are my notes:

Listening to the Spirit
Alamo Heights founded a campus 20 miles north based on a strong leading from the Lord. David cultivates a leadership style that is intent on listening to the Spirit – and tries to model that to other leaders.

House Churches
Instead of sending every one of his bright leaders off to seminary, David has started a regular leadership training for the ‘chosen’ that equips them to lead ‘house churches.’ So far they’ve spun off 3 and with 40 people in the class, more growth in this kind of small group worship experience may be down the pike.

Study!
David spends nearly 1 whole day per week in the local library. Leadership is dependent upon learning, he says, and keeping the mind stimulated breeds fresh ideas. How much time are you spending in the study?

About David McNitzky
David has been the senior pastor at Alamo Heights United Methodist Church in San Antonio for the past 16 years. Previously he was senior pastor at First United Methodist Church in Boerne (1988-1995), pastor, Helotes Hills United Methodist Church (1983-1988), and pastor, Los Fresnos United Methodist Church (1980-1983). Reverend McNitzky and his spouse Pamela, have three sons, Mark, Ryan, and Reed.

Books David Recommends
The Tangible Kingdom – Hugh Halter
To Change the World – James Hunter
The Jesus Way – Eugene Peterson

George Barclay: How to Be More Neighborly

Chris — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 13:03:31 +0000

If your church is in a neighborhood, reach out to the neighbors!

That’s what energizes Norwood Baptist Church in Warwick, Rhode Island, which lacks a highly visible location.

Neighborliness has paid off says pastor George Barclay, whose multi-generational congregation mirrors its context and is enjoying solid growth in discipleship, spirituality, and fellowship. In this interview see how the church does it.

Watch the Full Program
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Synopsis
George Barclay says ‘just showing up’ and the neighborhood property owner’s association is crucial to the growth his congregation has seen. Church members are very active in their community, helping and sharing. In this interview George tells how his congregation has been able to look outside of itself in invigorating ways. Here are my notes from the interview:

Invite the Neighbors to Dinner
George says a milestone in his congregation’s life was the decision to make dinner for the neighbors. Opening the doors to those who live nearby was an inoffensive way to show Christ’s love and build relationships that have brought huge dividends.

Change Your Governance Structure
Fed up with a cumbersome committee structure that hindered more than helped, George helped the congregation streamline its energy, which has helped people do more of what they love to do: ministry!

Join Others in the Work
‘Love Rhode Island’ is a multi-church endeavor that links churches around a simple credo: Prayer, Care, and Share. Working side-by-side with two dozen other outwardly-focussed churches has energized Norwood Baptist.

About George Barclay
George has 28 years of pastoral experience in American Baptist Churches. He’s been a pastor of two ‘yoked’ churches for ten years in upstate New York and has been the pastor at Norwood Baptist for 18 years. He has served on leadership boards for the ABC churches in RI as well as served local congregations with evangelism training. Currently, George is on the leadership team of Love Rhode Island, a cross denominational movement of God to pray for, serve and share the Gospel state wide. His focus in ministry has particularly been about developing members to reach out and grow God’s kingdom. George graduated from Barrington College and Bethel Seminary. He and his wife Kathleen have been married for over 30 years and have two teenage sons.

Books George Recommends
The Church of Irresistible Influence – Robert Lewis
The Present Future – Reggie McNeal
Simple Church – Thom Rainer

Master Class 005: How to Attract Younger People to Older Churches with Steve Youd

Chris — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 08:31:50 +0000

It’s one of the most common problems churches face: how to interest, welcome, and incorporate younger people into their fellowship.

Yet there are a lot of older congregations who’ve been able to ‘grow younger.’ American Baptist Pastor Steve Youd’s First Baptist Church of Hansen, MA is one of them. During his 13 year tenure he’s seen his congregation’s average age drop considerably. You can learn more about Steve in this interview.

In this Master Class, Steve takes us on that journey – and offers us principles, guidance, and inspiration that can help your congregation become more attractive and welcoming to younger people.

No, this is not a ’10 Easy Steps to Congregational Prosperity’ course – we all know how difficult this work is – but it is a story of inspiration and transferable principles that is aimed at energizing you and/or your leadership team with an example of a congregation that is not only growing, but growing younger.

This course may be helpful to your leadership team, for a staff retreat, or for personal viewing. $25 buys this class for you AND your congregation, and, as always, if you’re not completely satisfied, I’ll give you your money back.

Fr. James Mallon: Changing the Catholic Culture

Chris — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 13:09:35 +0000

Bringing a deeper sense of community to the thousands who come to church isn’t just a mega-church lament.

Fr. James Mallon, pastor of Saint Benedict’s in Halifax, Nova Scotia, yearns for a parish full of deeper connection, heightened spirituality, and more infectious outreach – and he’s getting there!

Fr. James is a pioneer in the ‘new evangelization’ movement that is energizing the Roman Catholic church and in this interview tells us how he’s working to create a culture of deep community in his parish.

Watch the Full Program
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Synopsis
Saint Benedict is a new parish, made of 3 older ones, and Fr. James Mallon is working to inspire all sorts of newness there. An Alpha Course advocate, Fr. James is launching some innovative and inspiring new programs birthed from his work and interest in the New Evangelization movement sweeping the Roman Catholic church. Here are my notes from the interview:

Pastorates NOT Small Groups
Instilling a sense of intimate community into a structure that is simply not used to this is certainly difficult work. One strategy is ‘pastorates,’ which are 25-35 person groups that meet twice a month. Different than ‘small groups’ but perhaps more realistic.

Time, Talent, and Treasure on Steroids
Instead of simply preaching about it once a year, Fr. James is implementing 3 separate drives during the year – one for each of the “T”‘s. He’s also redefined ‘Time’ to mean the amount of time one devotes to intentional spiritual development.

Parish Ministry Counselor
That’s the title of a staff person whose main job is to help people identify their individual gifts, then to match that with a ministry either inside the church or outside the church. Does your church need a person like this?

About Fr. James
Fr. James Mallon is a Roman Catholic priest serving the parish of St. Benedict Catholic Church in Halifax, Nova Scotia. After graduating from seminary in Toronto, he worked as a vocations director, then at two other parishes. He is also the host of a video series called Dogmatic Theology, as well as a popular conference speaker on The New Evangelization. He also founded the Pope John Paul II media center.

Books Fr. James Recommends
Growing an Engaged Church – Al Winesman
Courageous Leadership - Bill Hybels
The New Evangelization – Steve Boguslawski and Ralph Martin
Stewardship of Time – pdf Download as mentioned in the interview

Gil Rendle: Identity and Purpose are THE Challenges

Chris — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 12:48:23 +0000

It all boils down to who we are and what we’re doing here.

So says well-known consultant and author Gil Rendle who sees many congregations suffer because they put relationships over purpose.

As we all know, the main reason for the church’s existence is God’s mission – a conviction many congregations need to recover. In this interview Gil says the work is hard, but there’s hope.

Watch the Full Program
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Synopsis
State churches never have to worry about identity and purpose. And while the U.S. has never had a formal established church, Mainline Protestantism was the de facto. So what happens when the established church is no longer the established church? A lot of catch up, and a lot of inovation. In fact, Gil Rendle says he’s never seen more energy in the Church than he does today. Here are my notes:

Talk About Purpose
We’re much more apt to talk about our resources – mowing the lawn, caring for the stained glass – than we are about our purpose: what are we doing here? Maybe we assume everyone knows, but they don’t.

Courage Needed
Gil says leaders today need to take the brave steps of asking and sitting with the hard questions. Admitting that there are no easy answers, and perhaps no answers at all, is truly difficult. We will make mistakes, but even when we’re stumbling we’re still moving forward.

Appropriate and Collaborative
These are the two general themes of leadership today – figuring out what is appropriate in one’s context and how the work is shared. Study your context and share the load.

About Gil Rendle
Gil Rendle serves as Senior Consultant with The Institute for Clergy and Congregational Excellence of The Texas Methodist Foundation in Austin, Texas and as an independent consultant working with issues of change and leadership in denominations and large churches. Prior to this position he served the Alban Institute as an author, seminar leader and senior consultant for twelve years. An ordained United Methodist minister, Gil served as senior pastor of two urban congregations in Pennsylvania for sixteen years and as a denominational consultant for The United Methodist Church for nine years. Gil graduated from Franklin and Marshall College in Pennsylvania, did his seminary training at Boston University School of Theology and earned a Ph.D. in Psychoeducational Processes from Temple University in Philadelphia. Gil has led numerous large and small groups in practical learning that directly impact participants’ decisions and practice in their leadership roles. He is the author of five books, a contributor to four books, and the author of numerous articles and monographs. He is a resident of Pennsylvania where he lives with his wife, Lynne.

Books Gil Recommends
Leadership Without Easy Answers – Ron Heifetz
Failure of Nerve – Edwin Friedman
That Used to Be Us - Thomas Friedman

Steve Youd: Intentional Celebration Grows Churches

Chris — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 13:19:13 +0000

‘Where Faith Meets Fun,’ is the tagline used at First Baptist Church in Hanson, Massachusetts.

It’s what pastor Steve Youd calls ‘side door evangelism,’ and the cruises, trips, and vacations this congregation enjoys has paid off in forming a faithful, close knit congregation.

In Steve’s 14 years as pastor he’s seen the Lord turn a handful of traditional New Englanders outward, to shine their light brighter than ever. In this interview, learn how Steve helped unleash a congregation’s love of travel, hospitality, and friendship into a vibrant witness for Christ.

Watch the Full Program
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Synopsis
From the start, pastor Steve Youd began asking questions of identity and purpose to his aging New England congregation. And when he found the Spirit’s energy in the answers, he went with it, slowly building up what has turned into a much younger, outwardly focused congregation. Here are my notes:

Bring in Other Pastors
Steve routinely brings in local pastors to speak with his congregation and leaders about best practices. He shies away from anyone too distant from his context, building trust and good will.

Give Visitors a Questionnaire
Along with the standard welcome letter he sends to all first-time visitors, Steve also includes a questionnaire (and has a 90% return rate) because he wants to know how welcome people are feeling.

Small Groups that Work
Eight healthy small groups have formed, that routinely meet for adult formation. He works hard with leaders on curriculum and presentation. They are intentionally scheduled to meet frequently and infrequently to avoid burnout and keep things fresh.

About Steve Youd
The Rev. Steve Youd has been Sr. Pastor of the First Baptist Church of Hanson, MA since 1997. He holds degrees from both Gordon College and Yale University, where he was presented the Mersick Award for effective public address. Under Steve’s leadership First Baptist has added services and grown in spiritual depth, attendance, mission giving, and age diversity. In January, 2012, Steve assumed a position on the state denominational staff as Director of Mission and Stewardship for the 274 American Baptist Churches of Massachusetts.

Steve is married to the former Deborah Bradford (a direct descendent of the Governor), who is a practicing physical therapist. They have 3 grown daughters, 3 grandchildren, and live in Bourne, MA on the Cape Cod Canal in a place they call “Youd’s Cozy Cottage By The Sea.” Steve is a boatsman, a die-hard Red Sox fan, a lover of classic cars, and is a passionate admirer of the 3 Stooges (his second favorite trinity).

Books Steve Recommends
Who Stole My Church? – Gordon MacDonald
Christianity for the Rest of Us – Diana Butler Bass
Mountains Beyond Mountains – Tracey Kidder