We at 21st Century Strategies have been doing church consultations for over twenty-three years and we’ve had the opportunity to study why some churches thrive after a consultant has done their job, and why other churches fail. Conversations with other church consultants reveal a lot of the same data. Here’s the bottom line: for most churches, a consultation may net a little bit of growth, but the long term effects of most church consultations is … nil (for instance, see Kirk Haddaway’s landmark report here). Of course, this post rests on the presumption that the recommendations offer a reasonable expectation that, when implemented, will result in a church’s growth in multiple areas (spiritual practices, numerical growth, participation, community reputation, etc.). If not, all bets are off. Read More!!

One of my most common “ongoing battles” with congregational leaders I work with is the effective use of emails/Facebook messages, etc. The age of less-is-more, microwaves, and140 character communication hasn’t just arrived, it’s made itself at home in the church. And though it might be rather convenient, I’m seeing an alarming rise in misunderstandings and conflict as a result. Read More!!

Take the next couple of minutes and peruse your investment portfolio. How are things going? Is your stock going up, down, or is it stagnant? In your whole portfolio, which is the most important investment you’re making. Read More!!

The number is climbing, but here’s the most commonly reported stat: at least 85 percent of first time church guests visit a congregation’s website before they make their initial visit. For some of you, this should be a terrifying thought. Recently, I’ve visited church websites that are still advertising Easter Sunrise Services, introducing their new pastor (who’s been on site for over two years), and including other unpardonables – at least from a first-time guest’s perspective. Read More!!

Unless you’re a church leader in a very large church, you’re probably aware that your congregation probably has limited resources (and in today’s economy, even large churches are struggling with decreasing resources). During those times when resources are exceptionally limited, it’s more important than ever to be very careful where you invest them. Every investor wants to ensure they get the maximum Return on their investment (ROI), and the church is no exception. If you’re committed to growing your church, then you’ll want to maximize your ROI. The question is … where do you make that investment? Read More!!

For a moment, suspend everything you think you know about doing and being church. Pretend, for argument’s sake, that you’ve been transported back to the first century … even before that birthday of the birthday of the church. As of this moment, there is nothing that “looks like” church. There are no traditions, no creeds, no history, no clergy … nothing. With that in mind, what would you say are the non-negotiables of “church”? Read More!!

(Deu 10:19)  You shall also love the stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt. Read More!!

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For some, the thought of congregational unity may be more like a fantasythan a vision of reality, and yet there are churches dotted across the nation that are not only missionally aligned, they are unified in all they do. That doesn’t mean the members are all automatons or that everyone agrees with everything. In fact, disagreements pop up all the time. The difference is that disagreements are handled agreeably and when a decision is reached then the discussion is over and the team (congregation) moves forward as one. Read More!!

Churches and church leaders committed to becoming missional must build on five principles. The first, modeling the Christian faith was covered in a previous post. The second pillar of the missional church is, probably unsurprisingly, embracing the church’s mission. Read More!!

This post is a continuation of “The Missional Church: The Comet That Kills the Dinosaur or the Knight in Shining Armor” Read More!!