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New “Continuing Education” eBook examines seminary training, Bibles/Bible software, online education, the M.Div. and more

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church education, Church leadership, M.Div. degrees, online education, pastor continuing education, Pastor education, pastor studies

February 12, 2015 at 1:03 pm.

In this insightful new eBook, various academic authors examine the continuing education landscape available to church executives, including: seminary training — more important than ever; the best Bibles and Bible software programs; the prevalence of online education for pastors; do you really need an M.Div. to pastor?; and the case for formal continuing education.

Consistent is better than extraordinary

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Church Growth, Church leadership, church management, Leadership lessons, pastor leadership

February 10, 2015 at 1:20 pm.

If I asked you to tell me about your 2014, you’d likely tell me about the highlights — vacations you took, job changes, big things in the lives of your kids, and other things that stand out in your mind. But, that’s not what made the biggest difference in your life in 2014. Here’s what actually made the biggest difference: You ate. You slept. You drank water. That’s why you’re alive. That’s what sustained you and allowed all of the other things to happen. When any of those slipped, so did the rest of life. Try to enjoy your vacation without food, drink or sleep. Try to have breakthroughs at work or be a sunshiny presence at home. Eat, drink, sleep. Do those three things well and the rest of life happens. Fail to do them and life is worse — or life ends.

Beware the software “safety zone”: 4 ways most churches select ChMS — for better or for worse

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February 6, 2015 at 6:00 pm.

If you’re involved with the administration, IT or some aspect of the support / business side of a church, you most likely have had some experience with what’s affectionately called “ChMS,” or church management software. How do you choose? How do you make the right choice? Is it too confusing? Do you throw your arms in the air or throw a dart at a list on your wall?
As I’ve interviewed many administrators, IT directors, event coordinators and the like, it’s clear that most church leaders make their decisions in one of four ways.

Fundraising Excellence: Powhatan Community Church — Powhattan, VA

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church capital campaign, Church fundraising, church generosity, church giving, Church leadership, good steward award

February 6, 2015 at 5:42 pm.

On May 18, 2014, Powhatan Community Church (Powhattan, VA) enjoyed its largest single giving day in the church’s 13-year history. And, founder and Senior Pastor Brian C. Hughes reported that the church was on budget to make the most aggressive budget increase in 10 years. All this exceeded the giving increase for which Hughes and his staff’s planned and prayed.

4 kinds of conflict-resolving people

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Church HR, Conflict resolution, Leadership lessons, pastor conflict resolution, pastor leadership, Staff management

February 6, 2015 at 5:07 pm.

Whether toddlers or 20-year employees, the reality is that conflict is inevitable. It’s not if, but how, you deal with it that defines you. There are four kinds of conflict-resolving people: The Wimp, The Driver, The Accommodator and The Winner.

Hurry not

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Church leadership, Leadership lessons, pastor leadership, Time management, work life balance

February 6, 2015 at 4:59 pm.

Being hurried through the day is in deep contrast to the example of Jesus, who never seemed to be in a hurry. Jesus not only refused to be hurried, but prayer and solitude was a regular part of his daily routine. Jesus told his disciples, ‘Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.’ So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place” (Mark 6:31-32). This practice of solitude was a practice of many in the early church. Not only did monks and hermits practice solitude, but the Rules of St. Benedict of prayer, work, study, hospitality and renewal were embraced by both clergy and the common people.

Pastor, you’re a statesman, too

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Church leadership, church pastor, Leadership lessons, pastor leadership, pastor perception

February 6, 2015 at 4:35 pm.

I use the term “statesman” not in a truly political sense, though I do believe pastors should be the most active “ambassadors” for Christ in their churches. Pastors are statesmen in that they must realize they always represent their churches. That hat never comes off.

The value of a pastoral relations committee

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church administration, church board governance, church finances, Church leadership, pastor liaison, pastoral relations committee

January 28, 2015 at 5:20 am.

For many of us, the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays are a time when we give ourselves permission to overindulge in rich dishes and irresistible desserts. January brings the time to take stock of all that feasting and make a resolution to lose weight and get in shape.
Churches can also benefit from the opportunity that the New Year provides to re-think priorities. One issue to consider is how to improve communication between the pastor and the congregation. Among the most effective methods for strengthening the lines of communication is the formation of a Pastoral Relations Committee.

The CE Interview: MARI BETH POOR — finding solutions by serving

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Church leadership, Leadership lessons, pastor leadership, pastor time management

January 28, 2015 at 3:15 am.

As iServe pastor, Mari Beth Poor oversees the “on the mountain” ministries that enhance the overall experience of people attending Sunday worship services at Mountaintop Community Church. These include guest services, student ministries, children’s ministry, and worship and media. She also leads the church’s “off the mountain” community efforts and global outreach.

Engaging sanctuaries: 3 design “musts”

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church sanctuary design, church worship space design, engaging church design, engaging worship spaces, sanctuary architecture, sanctuary design, worship space architecture

January 28, 2015 at 3:00 am.

Depending on the culture and style of your congregation, your sanctuary might look more traditional or more modern — there are many ways to express the beauty of Christian worship. Despite these differences, however, there are some common design elements that are useful in creating an engaging sanctuary, no matter what your worship style might be.